iPod Volume issue with 7th gen Nano—how successful are repairs?

[theorist9]

My 7th gen iPod Nano is experiencing volume issues—it sometimes spontaenously decreases to minimum volume, and when I turn the volume back up it immediately goes back down. The issue is intermittent.

And sometimes the volume control button on the side stops responding entirely, forcing me to adjust volume on the screen (or with the headphones). The pause button also intermittently fails to respond. Physically, the side button seems fine—up, down, and pause all depress and release normally. The volume and pause issues started around the same time.

Is this repairable, and is the fix (relatively) permanent? I'd bring it into Apple for replacement, but this model is so old that's no longer available.

I got this model two years ago from Apple as a replacement for an original 7th gen Nano that experienced a similar problem (except with the volume going in the opposite direction).

I've tried doing a complete restore from within iTunes, and also a restore by holding down the home and top buttons simultaneously. Sometimes this fixes the problem, but it always comes back.

The alternative is to buy a used one on eBay. I'd actually prefer to buy a new portable MP3 (e.g., a Sony) over an approximately decade-old used iPod (Apple sold the 7th-gen Nano from 2012–2017); but I'm not aware of any non-Apple MP3's that are fully iTunes-compatible.

 

[Grumpus]

I've never seen anyone offering to repair these things, although used and refurbished ones are available, where refurbished means "used with a new battery." The refurbished ones almost always show signs of physical damage from opening them up, and it's not hard to see why when you read through the iFixit repair guides. You're probably better off to look for a refurbished replacement.

It sounds like the problem is with the switches controlled by the side volume rocker. But still, try different headphones, especially ones without inline controls, and if you can, try bluetooth phones to see if the problem is still present.

My 7th gen Nano is by far my favorite and gets used every single day. I'll be wearing a black armband when it goes.

 

[theorist9]

But still, try different headphones, especially ones without inline controls, and if you can, try bluetooth phones to see if the problem is still present.

Yeah, that was the first thing I checked. The volume spontanously decreases even when headphones are not plugged in. You can view the volume indicator going down on the front display.

 

[Grumpus]

Don't know if it's of interest, but the Elite Obsolete Electronics web site is showing 3 refurbished 7th gen Nanos available at the moment (Turquoise, Gold and Yellow). I have no connection with them other than having been a satisfied customer (parts to flash-mod a 4th gen classic).

 

[theorist9]

Don't know if it's of interest, but the Elite Obsolete Electronics web site is showing 3 refurbished 7th gen Nanos available at the moment (Turquoise, Gold and Yellow). I have no connection with them other than having been a satisfied customer (parts to flash-mod a 4th gen classic).

Thanks for the tip. But I was confused by this, where you caution against getting a refurbished one because the battery replacement causes damage, and then seem to contradict yourself by recommending a refurbished one:

The refurbished ones almost always show signs of physical damage from opening them up, and it's not hard to see why when you read through the iFixit repair guides. You're probably better off to look for a refurbished replacement.

 

[Grumpus]

Thanks for the tip. But I was confused by this, where you caution against getting a refurbished one because the battery replacement causes damage, and then seem to contradict yourself by recommending a refurbished one:

You're putting words in my mouth that I did not, in fact, say. At no time did I recommend against buying a refurbished iPod, and at no time did I recommend purchasing one. Sorry for trying to help. It won't happen again.

 

[theorist9]

You're putting words in my mouth that I did not, in fact, say. At no time did I recommend against buying a refurbished iPod, and at no time did I recommend purchasing one. Sorry for trying to help. It won't happen again.

With all due respect, I am not putting words in your mouth.

The following language is clearly a caution against getting a refurbished model:
"The refurbished ones almost always show signs of physical damage from opening them up."

And the following language is clearly a recommendation to get a refurbished model:
"You're probably better off to look for a refurbished replacement."

I'm sure I'm not the only one who finds those two quotes confusingly inconsistent. Hence it was entirely reasonable for me to express my confusion.