Quick fixes
Forgot the iPod screen-lock code
Only the iPod Classic and the iPod Video have a screen-lock code. Pick what you see and your iPod.
Quick answer
- iPod Classic and iPod Video Connect the iPod to the computer you normally sync it with: it unlocks by itself.
- iPod 4th Gen, iPod Photo, iPod Mini and iPod 3rd Gen This iPod has no screen-lock code. If it seems locked, the Hold switch is most likely on: slide it off, so that no orange shows next to it.
What do you want to do?
- Forgot screen-lock codeAlso searched as forgot code · forgot lock code · screen lock password forgotten · forgot pin code · can't get into iPod forgot passcode
- Unlock screen lockAlso searched as unlock screen · reset screen lock · screen lock reset
- Screen lock default code
- Still not working — free diagnostic
Which iPod do you have?
Step by step
- iPod Classic and iPod VideoConnect the iPod to the computer you normally sync it with: it unlocks by itself.
- iPod Classic and iPod VideoNo longer have that computer? Restore the iPod (How to factory reset an iPod): Apple says a restore is the only way to clear a forgotten code, and it erases the songs.
- iPod 4th Gen, iPod Photo, iPod Mini and iPod 3rd GenThis iPod has no screen-lock code. If it seems locked, the Hold switch is most likely on: slide it off, so that no orange shows next to it.
Steps from Apple's own iPod guides and support pages.
Unlock screen lock
Also searched as unlock screen · reset screen lock · screen lock reset
- iPod Classic and iPod VideoPress Center, then enter the code: turn the wheel to each number and press Center to confirm it.
- iPod Classic and iPod VideoConnect the iPod to the computer you normally sync it with: it unlocks by itself.
- iPod 4th Gen, iPod Photo, iPod Mini and iPod 3rd GenThis iPod has no screen-lock code. If it seems locked, the Hold switch is most likely on: slide it off, so that no orange shows next to it.
Steps from Apple's own iPod guides and support pages.
Screen lock default code
There is no default code: the code is the one chosen on this iPod when the lock was set.
- iPod Classic and iPod VideoConnect the iPod to the computer you normally sync it with: it unlocks by itself.
- iPod Classic and iPod VideoNo longer have that computer? Restore the iPod (How to factory reset an iPod): Apple says a restore is the only way to clear a forgotten code, and it erases the songs.
- iPod 4th Gen, iPod Photo, iPod Mini and iPod 3rd GenThis iPod has no screen-lock code. If it seems locked, the Hold switch is most likely on: slide it off, so that no orange shows next to it.
Steps from Apple's own iPod guides and support pages.
Still not working — free diagnostic
Mail us your iPod and we test it and send you a free repair quote. If you don't like the price, we ship it back at our expense.
Free
Questions
Is the Hold switch the same as the screen lock?
No. The Hold switch only keeps the buttons from being pressed by accident; the screen-lock code stops other people from using the iPod.
I forgot the volume limit code. What now?
The volume limit can have a code too. If you forget it, Apple says you can restore the iPod, which erases the songs.