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).
- 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?
- How to factory resetAlso searched as factory reset an iPod · restore to factory settings · factory restore · factory reset with iTunes · factory reset iPod click wheel
- Factory reset without computerAlso searched as reset without computer
- Factory reset a locked iPodAlso searched as reset iPod that is 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).
- 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.
- 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 and restore it.
- 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 and restore it.
Steps from Apple's own iPod guides and support pages.
Factory reset without computer
Also searched as reset without computer
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
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.
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.