Troubleshooting iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch accessories

The first step in troubleshooting any accessory is to determine whether the accessory is compatible with the device. If the accessory is available on the Apple Online Store, see if your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch model is listed (iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPad Wi-Fi, iPad Wi-Fi + 3G, iPod touch).

Note: Some accessories may have limited compatibility. See About iPhone and iPod Accessories or About iPad Accessories for more information. Some accessories that have a charging capability may not charge iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPad Wi-Fi, iPad Wi-Fi + 3G, or iPod touch if they use FireWire instead of USB to charge.

Installing the latest version of iOS may resolve the issue. Learn how to find out which version of software is installed on your iPhone and update if necessary.

Note: If the device does not update successfully, the issue may be with device and not with the accessory. See one of the following articles, depending on your device:

• iPhone
• iPad
• iPod touch

Disconnect the accessory and turn it off, if possible. Restart iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad by turning it off and then back on. When the Home screen reappears, reconnect the accessory.

Isolate the issue to the accessory, if possible. Or, if available, try to reproduce the issue with another identical or similar accessory.

Examples:

• If there is static coming from the left audio channel when using headphones, try connecting the headphones to a stereo, or try connecting a different set of headphones to the device.
• If the device is not syncing when connected to the dock, try connecting it directly to the computer using the Dock Connector to USB Cable, or try another USB port.

Search Knowledge Base for any articles about this accessory. Use the name of the accessory as your keyword in quotation marks:

• "iPhone Dock"
• "Bluetooth Headset"
• "Stereo Headset"
• "Earphones with Remote and Mic"
• "In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic"
• "iPad Keyboard Dock"

Restore iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to its factory default state. You should rarely need to use this step with an accessory issue. If the issue only affects a third-party accessory, contact the manufacturer before restoring the device.