iPod Hi-Fi: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Learn the answers to some of the frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding iPod Hi-Fi.

1. Which iPod models support the iPod Hi-Fi?
2. Can I connect iPod Hi-Fi to my computer and use it as a dock?
3. How do I connect my iPod to the iPod Hi-Fi?
4. When using on the go, how many batteries does iPod Hi-Fi require?
5. How do I insert my batteries into iPod Hi-Fi?
6. Does the iPod Hi-Fi charge the iPod while running from batteries?
7. How can I get the most out of the battery life for my iPod Hi-Fi?
8. How do I adjust the tone of the playback of iPod Hi-Fi?
9. How do I set my iPod so its backlighting stays on when connected to iPod Hi-Fi?
10. How do I set my iPod to show the album art when using with my iPod Hi-Fi?
11. Can I use my iPod Hi-Fi to listen to audio from a different source?
12. How do I switch playback from an iPod to a device connected to the audio input port?
13. What does the status light mean?
14. Can I use the iPod Hi-Fi while traveling?
15. How do I pair the remote so it only works with my iPod Hi-Fi?
16. Where is the serial number located on my iPod Hi-Fi?
17. Does the battery indicator on an iPod connected to the iPod Hi-Fi's dock connector reflect the charge level of the six D-size batteries installed in the iPod Hi-Fi?

Which iPod models support the iPod Hi-Fi?

iPod Hi-Fi is supports all iPod models (iPod sold separately). iPod models with a dock connector are supported via the integrated dock, while iPod models that do not have a dock connector need to be connected to the audio input port using a 3.5 mm stereo miniplug. iPod models connected through the dock have enhanced support for the remote. Newer iPod models, like iPod nano or Fifth Generation iPod, support additional features when connected through the dock.

Can I connect iPod Hi-Fi to my computer and use it as a dock?

iPod Hi-Fi does not have a USB or FireWire port to connect to a computer.

How do I connect my iPod to the iPod Hi-Fi?

To connect an iPod with a dock connector insert the dock adapter that fits your iPod, and then connect your iPod. Your iPod Hi-Fi includes dock adapters that work with most models of iPod with dock connectors. If you want to connect another iPod, you can easily remove the dock  adapter from your iPod Hi-Fi using a fingernail, insert the adapter that fits the other iPod, and then insert the other iPod. If there is no dock adapter for your model of iPod included with your iPod Hi-Fi, an adapter may have been included with your iPod or is available separately. 

Use this table to determine which iPod models are supported by each adapter and use the model number to order an extra 3-pack of adapters for that iPod model:

Identification Number on Adapter	iPod Models Supported	Model number to order a 3-pack of adapters
1	10, 15, 20 GB iPod (dock connector) models (The 20 GB is the thinner version — .62 inches / 1.57 cm)	MA117G/A
2	20, 30, 40 GB iPod (dock connector) models (The 20 GB is the thicker version — .73 inches / 1.85 cm)	MA118G/A
3	iPod mini and iPod mini (Second Generation)	MA121G/A
4	iPod (Click Wheel) 20 GB and 30 GB	MA119G/A
5	iPod (Click Wheel) 40 GB	MA120G/A
6	iPod with color display 20 GB and 30 GB	MA122G/A
7	iPod with color display 40 GB and 60 GB (also known as iPod photo)	MA123G/A
8	iPod nano 2 GB and 4 GB	MA124G/A
9	Fifth Generation iPod 30 GB	MA125G/A
10	Fifth Generation iPod 60 GB	MA126G/A

If your iPod doesn’t have a dock connector, you can use an optional audio cable to connect it to the audio input port.

 

When using on the go, how many batteries does iPod Hi-Fi require?

You can run iPod Hi-Fi off of AC power or from batteries. iPod Hi-Fi requires six D batteries when using on the go. Apple does not recommend using a combination of different types of batteries. For example, do not mix alkaline batteries with zinc carbon or rechargeable batteries.

How do I insert my batteries into iPod Hi-Fi?

Insert the batteries positioning the positive (+) and negative (–) terminals on the batteries as shown below. All six batteries are not inserted the same direction. Instead the batteries are divided into two sets of three batteries.

Does the iPod Hi-Fi charge the iPod while running from batteries?

If you are using the iPod Hi-Fi with batteries (and not plugged into an electrical outlet) and you connect an iPod with a dock connector, the batteries in your iPod Hi-Fi provide a minimum charge to iPod. If the iPod is on, it charges for 30 minutes. If the iPod is asleep, it charges for 15 minutes. If you disconnect the iPod and reattach it, the charge cycle starts again. The best way to charge an iPod connected to the dock connector port is by connecting the iPod Hi-Fi to AC power.

Note: You cannot disable the iPod Hi-Fi from charging an iPod connected to the dock connector (you can connect iPod to the audio input port and iPod Hi-Fi will not charge iPod, but you will not have access to some functions of the remote).

How can I get the most out of the battery life for my iPod Hi-Fi?

When not in use, your iPod Hi-Fi enters a low-power standby mode to save battery life. However, if you don’t plan to use your iPod Hi-Fi for an extended period, you may wish to remove the batteries to extend battery life even longer. See "Tips and Tricks to get the most out of your iPod Hi-Fi's batteries" for more information.

Note: If you don’t want the batteries in your iPod Hi-Fi to expend power when iPod isn’t playing, remove iPod from your iPod Hi-Fi. If your iPod Hi-Fi is plugged into an electrical outlet, the iPod battery charges until it is fully charged. 

Discharged batteries should be removed as soon as possible to avoid damage to iPod Hi-Fi from battery leakage.

How do I adjust the tone of the playback of iPod Hi-Fi?

With some newer models of iPod, you can also adjust the tone of playback from iPod Hi-Fi to suit a particular environment. Only the Fifth Generation iPod (iPod with video) and iPod nano running iPod Software 1.1 or later support changing the tone. You’re able to adjust this setting if you see a Speakers item in the main menu when you connect your iPod. The tone setting will be remembered by iPod Hi-Fi until you change it. Select Speakers > Tone Control, then select Treble Boost, Normal, or Bass Boost.

How do I set my iPod so its backlighting stays on when connected to iPod Hi-Fi?

Only the Fifth Generation iPod and iPod nano running iPod Software 1.1 or later support an additional level of control of the backlighting when the iPod is connected to iPod Hi-Fi. When connected to iPod Hi-Fi, these iPod models will have a Speakers menu. Select Speakers > Backlight, then select On Keypress, Always On, While Playing, or Always Off.

 

How do I set my iPod to show the album art when using with my iPod Hi-Fi?

You can also set whether you see the Now Playing screen or album artwork on iPod. You’re able to change these settings if you see a Speakers item in the main menu when you connect your iPod. To set your iPod to display full screen album artwork (when artwork is available for that song) select Speakers > Large Album Art so the setting is On. 

 

Can I use my iPod Hi-Fi to listen to audio from a different source?

Your iPod Hi-Fi has a digital/analog audio input port. You can use it to play music from an iPod that doesn’t have a dock connector or from other audio devices, such as a CD player, stereo receiver, or computer. If you have an AirPort Express Base Station, you can connect it to iPod Hi-Fi and play music from a computer in another room using AirTunes. You connect audio devices or an older iPod using an audio cable with a standard 3.5 mm stereo miniplug. For higher-quality sound, you can connect an optical digital audio device using an S/PDIF optical digital audio cable with a Mini-Toslink connector. 

How do I switch playback from an iPod to a device connected to the audio input port?

If you have an iPod connected to the dock connector port and a different audio device connected to the audio input port you can select between the playback of these two devices by press and holding the Menu button on the remote.

What does the status light mean?

Status Light and Action		Indicates
	Status light displays green for two seconds when inserting iPod	When the iPod Hi-Fi recognizes that an iPod that has a dock connector was inserted into its dock connector port
	Status light blinks green once when you press a button on the remote	Indicates that the iPod Hi-Fi received and can perform that function
	Status light blinks amber once when you press a button on remote.	Indicates that the iPod Hi-Fi received the command, but cannot performed the function. Example: Volume is set to maximum, and you press the Volume Up button. The iPod Hi-Fi could be paired to a different Apple Remote. This may occur if you have another device that uses the Apple Remote, like the iMac, MacBook Pro, Universal Dock, etc.
	Status light blinks green (for up to one minute)	iPod Hi-Fi playback of iPod has been paused. After one minute it stops blinking the status light green. iPod Hi-Fi has muted a device connected to the audio input port (by pressing the Play/Pause button) on the remote
	Status light blinks green after pressing Menu button on remote	iPod Hi-Fi changes playback between iPod and audio input port
	Status light blinks amber after pressing Menu button on remote	iPod Hi-Fi cannot change playback between iPod and audio input port, because it only recognizes one source present
	Status light blinks green three times while pressing Menu and Next/Fast Forward	Pairing remote with iPod Hi-Fi
	Status light blinks green three times while pressing Menu and Previous/Rewind	Reset (unpair) remote with iPod Hi-Fi
	Status light displays green for two seconds when you connect the AC power cord	iPod Hi-Fi is receiving power from AC power
	Status light displays green for two seconds when you remove AC power and have good batteries	iPod Hi-Fi is receiving power from the batteries
	Status light displays amber continuously when you remove AC power, but eventually stops	iPod Hi-Fi is not receiving power from the batteries or there are no batteries

Can I use the iPod Hi-Fi while traveling?

The iPod Hi-Fi has an auto-switching power supply. Because of this it can accept a range in both voltage and frequency, and only require a plug adapter for the specific locale. It supports 100 V to 240 V, 50 Hz to 60 Hz.

How do I pair the remote so it only works with my iPod Hi-Fi?

See "Using the Apple Remote with iPod Hi-Fi" for steps to pair the Apple Remote with iPod Hi-Fi.

Where is the serial number located on my iPod Hi-Fi?

The serial number is printed on the inside of the battery compartment of your iPod Hi-Fi. See "iPod Hi-Fi: Locating the serial number" for more information.

Does the battery indicator on an iPod connected to the iPod Hi-Fi's dock connector reflect the charge level of the six D-size batteries installed in the iPod Hi-Fi?

No, the iPod's battery indicator reflects the charge level of the iPod's internal battery.