How to Reset an iPod

Guide Note

A frozen iPod is simply no good. Once you know how to reset it properly, your music will quickly be back on track.

Table of Contents

iPod Reset Tips

  1. Start with your iPod on a flat surface.
  2. Toggle your Hold switch back and forth into the off position.
  3. Read directions carefully to be sure you're pressing the right buttons.
  4. You may need to repeat a step to reset your iPod properly.
  5. If you have an older iPod, know that resetting might remove some of your custom settings.

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Introduction

  • As cool as your iPod is, every now and again it freezes up and stalls your tunes. Instead of waiting for it to come back on its own (which it may or may not do), you'll want to learn the few simple steps to resetting it. With the instructions below, you'll be listening to your music again in under a minute.

If You Have a Click Wheel iPod

  1. Locate your Hold switch (at the top of your iPod) and slide back and forth, so you slide into the Hold position and then slide off.2
  2. You'll know it's in the Hold position when it appears orange.3
  3. See this video for a visual reference.3
  4. Then "press and hold the Menu and Center (Select) buttons simultaneously." You should see the Apple logo on your screen in between 6 and 8 seconds.1
  5. If you don't see the Apple logo, try repeating this step.1

Additional Tips

  1. Try setting your iPod on a flat surface and performing the steps above again.1
  2. Be sure your finger isn't touching the click wheel when you're holding down the two buttons.1
  3. Press the Menu button toward the outer edge of the click wheel as opposed to toward the center.1
  4. If all else fails, plug in your iPod to its adapter and into a nearby outlet or to your computer.1
  5. Check out Apple's video for further troubleshooting.4

If You Have a Scroll Wheel or Touch Wheel iPod

  • Older iPods, like the one on the left, will use slightly different steps. (Creative Commons photo by Pedro Vera)
    Older iPods, like the one on the left, will use slightly different steps. (Creative Commons photo by Pedro Vera)
    Older model iPods have a slightly different buttons to press when resetting.
  1. Toggle (as in slide on and off) the Hold switch at the top of your iPod.1
  2. Then hold down the Play/Pause and Menu buttons at the same time, about 6 to 8 seconds.1
  3. If the Apple logo does not appear after holding down the Play/Pause and Menu buttons, try performing that step again.1
  4. If your iPod remains frozen, try using one finger from one hand to hold down the Center (Select) button, and one finger from the other hand to hold down the Menu button.1
  5. Note that when resetting this type of iPod, you might lose a few of your customized settings (On-The-Go Playlists, Bookmarks, Shuffle, etc.). But don't worry, you won't lose any of your music.1

If You Have an iPod Shuffle

  • If you have an iPod Shuffle, either first or second generation, you'll need to follow somewhat different steps.
  1. Make sure your Shuffle isn't connected to your computer before you begin.5
  2. Turn off your Shuffle. (Slide button to the Off position so the green stripe is not showing.)5
  3. Then count to five and turn it back on.5

Conclusion

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References for How To Reset an iPod

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 Apple: How to Reset iPod
  2. ↑ Lifehacker: UltraNewb: How to Reset Your Frozen iPod
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Video Jug: How to Reset Your iPod
  4. ↑ Apple: iPod and iTunes Support: Troubleshooting
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Apple: Resetting iPod Shuffle
  6. ↑ My Digital Life: How to Reset iPhone and iPod Touch


How to Reset an iPod Questions

How do you reset an iPod Touch? (2 answers)

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