iPod Touch

The iPod Touch features the same revolutionary interface as Apple's iPhone. iPod touch features a 3.5-inch widescreen display with a touchscreen QWERTY keyboard perfect for browsing the web.

iPod Touch Applications

Find amazing deals on the iPod that you've always wanted with a Refurbished iPod.

iPod Touch Wireless Troubleshooting

First check for Wi-Fi access.

When iPod touch is connected to a Wi-Fi network, the Wi-Fi icon in the status bar at the top of the screen shows connection strength. The more bars you see, the stronger the connection.

If you are at home, are you operating a wireless router or access point to give your iPod touch a network to connect to? If not, you may have to turn your computer into a wireless access point (WAP). To do that, your computer must first have a wireless card.

An ad hoc network is a temporary connection between computers and devices used for a specific purpose, such as sharing an Internet connection and providing wifi access for your iPod touch. Ad hoc networks can only be wireless, so again, you must have a desktop, laptop or usb wireless network adapter installed in your computer to set up or join an ad hoc network.

Are you trying to connect to encrypted or unencrypted wireless connection?

Encrypted:

Go to Settings
Go to Wi-Fi
Click on your Wireless Network
Enter your WEP or WPA key
Connect to it

Unencrypted:

Follow all steps above except number 4.

4th Generation iPod® Click Wheel (20GB, 40GB) 5th Generation iPod® with Video (30GB, 60GB in Black and White) 5th Generation v2 with Video (30GB and 80GB in Black, White, and U2) iPod® Photo® (20GB, 30GB, 40GB, 60GB) U2® Special Edition iPod® (20GB, 30GB, 40GB) iPod® Classic® (80GB, 160GB)
Save money by repairing your iPod. Click here to fix your iPod!
1st Generation 4GB in Pink, Blue, Silver, Green, and Gold 2nd Generation 4GB or 6GB in Pink, Blue, Silver, and Green 1st Generation 1GB, 2GB, 4 GB in Black and White 2nd Generation 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB in Black, Silver, Pink, Blue, Green, and Red Nano with Video (4GB, 8GB)

Connecting to the Internet

iPod touch connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi networks. iPod touch can join AirPort and other Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or at Wi-Fi hotspots around the world. When joined to a Wi-Fi network that is connected to the Internet, iPod touch connects to the Internet automatically whenever you use Safari, YouTube, or the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store.

Many Wi-Fi networks can be used free of charge. Some Wi-Fi networks require a fee. To join a Wi-Fi network at a hotspot where charges apply, you can usually open Safari to see a webpage that allows you to sign up for service.

Joining a Wi-Fi Network
The Wi-Fi settings let you turn on Wi-Fi and join Wi-Fi networks.

Turn on Wi-Fi
Choose Settings > Wi-Fi and turn Wi-Fi on.

Join a Wi-Fi network
Choose Settings > Wi-Fi, wait a moment as iPod touch detects networks in range, then select a network. If necessary, enter a password and tap Join (networks that require a password appear with a lock icon).

Once you’ve joined a Wi-Fi network manually, iPod touch will automatically connect to it whenever the network is in range. If more than one previously used network is in range, iPod touch joins the one last used.

When iPod touch is connected to a Wi-Fi network, the Wi-Fi icon in the status bar at the top of the screen shows connection strength. The more bars you see, the stronger the connection.

iPod Touch Wi-Fi Settings

Wi-Fi settings determine when and how iPod touch joins a Wi-Fi network.

Turn Wi-Fi on or off
Choose Wi-Fi and turn Wi-Fi on or off.

Join a Wi-Fi network
Choose Wi-Fi, wait a moment as iPod touch detects networks in range, then select a network. If necessary, enter the password and tap Join. (Networks that require a password appear with a lock icon.)

Once you’ve joined a Wi-Fi network manually, iPod touch automatically joins it whenever the network is in range. If more than one previously used network is in range, iPod touch joins the one last used

When iPod touch is joined to a Wi-Fi network, the Wi-Fi icon in the status bar at the top of the screen shows signal strength. The more bars you see, the stronger the signal.

Set iPod touch to ask if you want to join a new network
This option tells iPod touch to look for another network when you aren’t in range of a Wi-Fi network you’ve previously joined. iPod touch displays a list of all available Wi-Fi networks that you can choose from. (Networks that require a password appear with a lock icon.) Choose Wi-Fi and turn “Ask to Join Networks” on or off. If you turn “Ask to Join Networks” off, you can still join new networks manually.

Forget a network, so iPod touch doesn’t join it automatically
Choose Wi-Fi and tap next to a network you’ve joined before. Then tap “Forget this Network.”

Join a closed Wi-Fi network (an available Wi-Fi network that isn’t shown in the list of scanned networks)
Choose Wi-Fi > Other and enter the network name. If the network requires a password, tap Security, select the type of security the network uses, and then tap Other Network and enter the password.

You must already know the network name, password, and security type to connect to a closed network.

Some Wi-Fi networks may require you to enter or adjust additional settings, such as a client ID or static IP address. Ask the network administrator which settings to use.

Adjust settings for joining a Wi-Fi network
Choose Wi-Fi, then tap next to the network.

Sources of interference for IPod Touch, wireless devices and networks

The farther away the interference source, the less likely it is to cause an issue. The following items can cause interference with wireless communication:

Microwave ovens: Placing your computer, Bluetooth wireless device, or AirPort base station near a microwave oven that is in use may cause interference.
Direct Satellite Service (DSS) RF leakage: The coax cable that comes with certain types of satellite dishes may cause interference. Obtain newer cables if you suspect RF leakage.
Certain electrical devices such as power lines, electrical railroad tracks, and power stations.
2.4 GHz or 5 GHz phones: A cordless telephone that operates in this range may cause interference with wireless devices or networks when used.
Metal objects: If possible, move metal objects or change the placement of the computer, wireless device or wireless access point so the path between your computer and the wireless device or wireless access point is free from metal objects that may cause interference.
Video senders (transmitters/receivers) that operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bandwidth.
Wireless speakers that operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bandwidth.
Any other "wireless" devices that operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bandwidth (microwaves, cameras, baby monitors, and so on).

Unable to join a Wi-Fi network, or are unable to access the Internet while connected

Restart the device
Hold the power button until "slide to power off" appears. Slide to power off your device. When it is off, press the power button to turn it back on.
Reset network settings by selecting Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Note: This will reset all network settings, including passwords, VPN, and APN settings.

The PocketDock is a popular iPod accessory. Aside from the fact it's significantly cheaper than Apple's AV Connection kit, the coolest feature is how the audio is line-out, rather than from the degraded headphone jack connection. The sound quality is superior when out-putted this way, connected directly to the iPod's line level circuitry.

The PocketDock is the Swiss Army Knife of iPod connectivity. It replaces a bag full of adaptors and cables and makes life easier, especially if you spend a lot of time traveling and staying in hotels. You can plug your iPod into hotel stereos and even hotel TVs to watch video podcasts via S-Video.

iPod Touch 3G Mobile Broadband

As far as I know there is no "gizmo" or iPhone wifi antenna or iPod Touch wifi antenna to directly boost the Wi-Fi reception of an iPod Touch or an iPhone. At home you can boost your routers signal using some of the ideas on this site. Away from home the best solution would be to sign up for a mobile broadband plan (3G) and get a mobile router like the Cradlepoint PHS300 Personal Hotpot.

My mobile broadband provider has $39.99 and $59.95 per month 3G plans. They will give you a $50 usb evdo modem that plugs into the router for free if you sign up for a 2-year plan. Check with you own cell phone service provider to find out what their rates are.

What this all means is that with a mobile router, usb evdo modem and a 3G plan you can have your own personal Wi-Fi hotspot that works just about anywhere, thus would have Internet access in your car, on the beach, at a ball game, in a store and in your RV or just about anywhere else with your iPod Touch.

Links to iPod touch documentation

Make sure you are using the most recent iPod touch software.

iPhone and iPod touch: Tips when using Wi-Fi

iPod touch: Wi-Fi Information and Settings

iPod touch: Basic Troubleshooting

iPod touch Manuals