Quick fixes
How to factory reset an iPod
A factory reset, also called a restore, erases all songs and settings and puts fresh software on the iPod. Pick what you need and your iPod to see Apple's steps.
Quick answer
- On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open a Finder window. On an older Mac or a Windows PC, open iTunes (the latest version).
- On a Windows PC: on Windows 10 or 11, get iTunes from the Microsoft Store; on Windows 7 or 8, install iTunes 12.10.11 from Apple's download page.
- Connect the iPod straight to the computer, not to a keyboard or a hub.
- Select the iPod in the Finder sidebar or in iTunes, choose Restore iPod and confirm. Then follow the steps on the screen.
What do you want to do?
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- Factory reset without computerAlso searched as reset without computer · factory reset without iTunes or computer · reset to factory settings without computer
- Factory reset a locked iPodAlso searched as reset iPod that is locked · reset an iPod to factory settings when locked
- Still not working — free diagnostic
Which iPod do you have?
Step by step
A factory reset erases all songs on the iPod. If they are not on your computer any more, copy them off first.
- On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open a Finder window. On an older Mac or a Windows PC, open iTunes (the latest version).
- On a Windows PC: on Windows 10 or 11, get iTunes from the Microsoft Store; on Windows 7 or 8, install iTunes 12.10.11 from Apple's download page.
- Connect the iPod straight to the computer, not to a keyboard or a hub.
- Select the iPod in the Finder sidebar or in iTunes, choose Restore iPod and confirm. Then follow the steps on the screen.
- iPod 4th Gen, iPod Photo, iPod Mini 1st Gen and iPod 3rd GenOn the 3rd Gen, 4th Gen, iPod Photo and Mini 1st Gen the restore can stop at a picture of a plug: it finishes on the wall charger. Connect it to the wall charger (the iPod Power Adapter; on the 3rd Gen, its FireWire wall charger) to complete it.From our repair bench
- iPod 4th Gen, iPod Photo and iPod Mini 1st GenNo wall charger? A trick that sometimes works: wiggle the cable slightly in and out at the computer's USB port, and the iPod can be tricked into finishing the restore.From our repair bench
- Click wheel iPodsThe computer doesn't show the iPod? Put it in Disk Mode first: slide the Hold switch on and off, hold Menu and Center until the Apple logo appears, let go, then hold Center and Play/Pause until the Disk Mode screen appears. Connect it, copy your music off if it shows up as a disk, then restore it.
- iPod ClassicRestore keeps failing, or the computer doesn't see it at all? On the 6th/7th Gen, try DFU mode: connect it, hold Menu and Center until it restarts, and keep holding until it restarts again; the screen stays blank, and in some cases the computer then recognizes it and offers a restore.From our repair bench
- iPod 3rd GenThe computer doesn't show the iPod? Put it in Disk Mode first: slide the Hold switch on and off, hold Menu and Play/Pause until the Apple logo appears, let go, then hold Previous and Next until the Disk Mode screen appears. Connect it, copy your music off if it shows up as a disk, then restore it.
Steps from Apple's own iPod guides and support pages.
Factory reset without computer
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Apple's factory reset is done from a computer with Finder or iTunes. On the iPod itself you can reset the settings, which keeps the songs.
- iPod ClassicChoose Settings > Reset Settings, then choose Reset and pick your language.
- iPod Video, iPod 4th Gen, iPod Photo, iPod Mini and iPod 3rd GenChoose Settings > Reset All Settings, then choose Reset and pick your language.
Steps from Apple's own iPod guides and support pages.
Factory reset a locked iPod
Also searched as reset iPod that is locked · reset an iPod to factory settings when locked
Forgot the screen-lock code of an iPod Classic or iPod Video? Connect it to the computer you sync it with first: it unlocks by itself. Without that computer, a restore clears the code and erases the songs.
- 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.
- iPod 4th Gen, iPod Photo, iPod Mini and iPod 3rd GenUsing an iPod Remote? Its own Hold switch must be off too.
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.
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Questions
Does a factory reset delete everything?
Yes. Apple says restoring erases all data on the iPod, including all songs.
Can I factory reset an iPod without iTunes?
On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later you use the Finder instead of iTunes. On a Windows PC you use iTunes.
Why is my iPod still locked with the Hold switch off?
On the 4th Gen and Photo the headphone jack cable is the likely fault, then the Hold switch. On the 3rd Gen it is most likely a torn or unseated headphone jack cable. On other models it is the Hold switch (see Hold switch not working).