# Question about charging an iPod (yes, I have one!)

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-charging-an-ipod-yes-i-have-one/801789>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [November 16, 2017, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-charging-an-ipod-yes-i-have-one/801789 "2017-11-16T17:52:45Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\
**Post date:** [November 16, 2017, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-charging-an-ipod-yes-i-have-one/801789/1 "2017-11-16T17:52:45Z")

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I have a 10-year old iPod that _still_ works like a champ! I use it on flights and drives to catch up on podcasts, and maybe play a little solitaire. I have other electronics, but music/camera/games have all been software disabled (work’s security restrictions).

I noticed this week, that when I plug my iPod into the computer, it charges fine. When I plug it into the USB port in my new truck, it charges fine. However, when I plug it into a multi-port USB charger or a spare charging battery, it _won’t_ charge.

Has anyone discovered why an iPod will charge in some ports, and not others?

Tripler  
This means no more Led Zeppelin on Flight 5782: **[-\_\_\_]+** ☹

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**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\
**Post date:** [November 16, 2017, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-charging-an-ipod-yes-i-have-one/801789/2 "2017-11-16T19:39:48Z")

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The iPod needs the data ± pins biased in a specific way for it to charge. Most modern USB chargers are correctly biased, but maybe not the ones that are giving you trouble.

Previous thread: [iPod Classic charging question - Factual Questions - Straight Dope Message Board](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=632233)

Some more information: [Apple and other USB charger secrets |](http://www.epanorama.net/newepa/2010/08/18/apple-charger-secrets/)

Note that there is a lot of “VooDoo” about iPod and iPhone charging - especially with the newer “Lighting” cables.

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**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\
**Post date:** [November 19, 2017, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-charging-an-ipod-yes-i-have-one/801789/3 "2017-11-19T07:10:23Z")

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Interesting. . . I have to do some research and lab work.

Thank you for this!

Tripler  
I didn’t realize there was an earlier problem.

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**Author:** ![Doug\_K](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5ac83/32.png) [@Doug\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_K)\
**Post date:** [November 19, 2017, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-charging-an-ipod-yes-i-have-one/801789/4 "2017-11-19T16:30:09Z")

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Your multiport usb charger and backup battery may not provide enough current to charge the iPod.