If your iPod has frozen, you’ll want to force it to restart in order to be able to continue using it. Here, we take you through the process of resetting an iPod Touch, iPod Classic, iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle. We’ve also got advice on how to completely reset your iPod back to its factory settings if it has become completely unresponsive or if you’re thinking about selling it on.
How to reset an iPod nano (7th generation)
In order to reset your 7th generation iPod nano, you simply need to press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button at the same time. Hold them both until the screen goes dark. After a few seconds, the Apple logo should appear, followed by the home screen.
How to reset an iPod nano (6th generation)
The 6th generation iPod nano can be reset using a slightly different method. Instead of using the home button, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and the Volume Down button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears. Apple advises that, if this technique doesn’t work, try it again when the iPod is plugged in.
How to reset older iPod nano, iPod classic, original iPod or iPod mini
The first five generations of iPod nano, the iPod classic, the iPod, the iPod photo and the iPod mini all feature Click Wheels, which means they can all be reset in the same way. First check that the Hold switch isn’t in the lock position (switching it to the on position could solve the problem immediately). If it’s not, try pressing and holding the Menu button and the Select button at the same time until the Apple logo appears.
How to reset iPod Shuffle
For the iPod Shuffle, resetting the device is as simple as turning it off and on again. Simply slide the switch into the OFF position, wait for 10 seconds, and then slide it into the play in order or shuffle position.
How to reset an iPod Touch
If your iPod Touch has become completely unresponsive and you’re unable to restart it by pressing and holding the Sleep/Wake button and then using the ‘Slide to power off’ slider, you can reset the iPod Touch by pressing and holding the Sleep/Wake button and Home button simultaneously for 10 seconds. You should then see the Apple logo, before launching into the Home screen.
How to restore an iPod to its factory settings
If you want to completely restore an iPod to its factory settings because it has become completely unresponsive or you want to sell it on, you can do so by following the steps below. Don’t forget, though, that restoring your iPod will erase all of the songs and files from the device itself, so make sure that you back up your iPod to your iTunes library before restoring. You’ll need to make sure you’ve got an internet connection, the most up-to-date version of iTunes on your computer and your iPod connected to said computer before starting the process. Choose your iPod in the Source panel in iTunes, and then go to the Summary tab of the main iTunes window and click Restore. iTunes will then begin restoring your iPod. When it’s finished, follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll see an Apple logo on the screen of your iPod, with a progress bar below it. You need to make sure that your iPod remains connected to the computer or power until the restoration process is complete. You’ll then see the iTunes Setup assistant on your computer, which you’ll need to follow in order to finish restoring your iPod. If you’re trying to restore an iPod Shuffle, follow the same instructions but note that instead of the Apple logo appearing on the screen (which would be tricky because there is no screen on an iPod Shuffle), you’ll see an orange light flashing continuously. Ashleigh is Tech Advisor’s Head of Affiliate. Providing expert buying advice you can trust is her forte, helping you to find the most reputable consumer tech products and services, and ensuring you don’t spend a penny more than you should.
