We often get iPods into the store, usually right out of the box, that appear broken. They will randomly change track, and this can of course become infuriating. Not to fear! This is a feature, and one that can be disabled.
iPod nano 4th and 5th generation models, as well as any iPod touch or iPhone running iPhone OS 3 or iOS 4 have an option named “Shake,” also called “Shake to Shuffle.” It’s exactly as it sounds. The software uses the built-in accelerometer in the iPods to sense when it has been shaken, and switches to a random song in its playlist.
Some may say, “this isn’t so useful while running…” That’s very true! I, myself, have found this option to be frustrating from time to time after dropping my iPhone into my front pocket and it shuffled to a different song.
Here’s a way to turn that off:
On the iPod touch, tap Settings, followed by tapping iPod. Right at the top, you can disable this option. On the iPod nano, click Settings, followed by Playback. The iPod nano’s Shake option can alternatively be temporarily disabled by switching the Hold button on the top of the unit to On.