iPod iPod 4th Generation could not be restored

[TPA711]

Hello,

I was given an iPod Shuffle 4th gen (1.0.3) in original packaging. When trying to restore on my Air M1 (Sonoma 14.6.1), the error message is 'software not available for this iPod.' When trying to restore on a Lenovo (Windows 10 - iTunes 12.13.4.4), error message is 'iPod could not be restored. Unknown error occurred (1439).' Another time it was error (1430). Been down several rabbit holes for a while without progress.

I know shuffles are obsolete, and there could be any number of issues with the battery, etc., but I've been listening to podcasts for years on my current 4th gen shuffle and hoped this 'new' one would be a great backup.

I had an issue a few months ago migrating my shuffle from OS X to Windows and was given a perfect solution (thanks Grumpus!!). I'm hoping for a bit more luck again with this iPod 🙏. Any help is most appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Grumpus]

Can you try a different USB/charge cable? Or a different USB A to C adapter with your MBA? Have you given it sufficient time on a charger for it to be fully charged?

It sound like the Mac recognizes the Shuffle as an iPod, but you could try installing the packages that @bogdanw linked to in this post and try again.

 

[TPA711]

Hi again Grumpus!

The Air recognizes the iPod, but will not get past 'Software: Loading...' I get errors when trying to Restore through Disk Utility.

The 'new' iPod came with a USB A to 3.5mm jack so I've tried that one as well as the one I've been using to charge my current iPod. It was connected to either the Air or Lenovo for a several hours over a few days as I tried to sort this out. Still flashing orange at this point. Will plug it in again.

One post said to try connecting directly to the Air. I currently connect through an Anker hub, but might buy a USB A to USB C adapter to see if that would help.

I took a quick look at the @bogdanw post. Will have to dig a bit deeper (I am not the most technically-savvy person) and give that a try.

Thanks again for your quick reply and I'll let know if/when sorted.

 

[PeterLD]

I have an iPod Shuffle 4th Generation which worked well until I synced it with macOS Sequoia 15.3.1. It had previously worked OK with macOS Sonoma 14.7.3.

What happened: the iPod synced but the podcasts were jumbled and bore no relationship to the voice over labels.

What I did: tried to restore the iPod to original settings. This failed. The Mac downloaded the software then the Finder window showed "Software version 1.0.2. Your Mac is restoring the software on this iPod". It remained stuck this way. I had to force quit Finder to eject the iPod and allow shutdown.

My solution: I have a MacBook running macOS 10.15.7 Catalina, which is the most recent macOS it can run. I was able to repair the damage with this as follows (from my log):

1. Download some podcasts with the Podcasts app.
2. Connect the iPod.
3. Finder recognises it as a new iPod and sets it up with software version 1.0.2 as before.
4. As before it has a small partition for files.
5. The previous name is replaced with "IPOD". Rename in the Finder sync window.
6. Select some podcasts and sync.
7. The podcast episodes appear doubled in the lists.
8. Eject. Still in use. Logout and back in. iPod was ejected but not files disk. Eject.
9. Reconnect. Podcast episodes are now single. Sync.
10. Result: OK, works as before.
11. Difference: the voice over is an American robot.
12. Changing Settings > Accessibility > Voice to a different voice makes no difference.

Conclusion: macOS Sonoma sync and restore for iPod Shuffle are both broken. I'll report this to Apple.

 

[TPA711]

Thanks PeterLD!

I'll run through this process and keep 🙏!