Your iPod occasionally crashes to the point where turning it off and on again isn't enough, and getting an appointment at the Apple Store takes two weeks - only to be told by some genius that you need to reset it? Skip the wait, avoid the queues and do it yourself. It's fast, simple, and we'll show you how.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: iPod Touch
Step 1. Launch iTunes
Check that you have the latest version by clicking on the iTunes menu and selecting Check for updates.
Step 2. Connect the iPod to the computer
Use the cable that was in the iPod package and connect it to the computer. After a few moments, the iPod should appear in the resources panel of iTunes, in the DEVICES section.
Click on your iPod to open the summary tab in the iTunes window
Step 3. Click Restore
This will erase everything from your iPod and restore it to factory conditions.
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iTunes will ask you if you want to back up before restoring. Click on the Back Up button or you will lose everything.
IPod backup - If you use a Mac, you will be asked for the administrator's name and password.
- If you use Windows, you will be given one or more options that may cause iTunes to download the latest iPod software in water. Holding down the SHIFT key before clicking on the Restore button will allow you to search your PC for the firmware version you want to use.
Step 4. Accept all warning prompts
The restore will begin.
Step 5. A progress bar will appear on the screen, indicating that the first phase of the recovery has begun
Once this step is done, iTunes will present you with a couple more messages with instructions specific to the iPod model you are restoring:
- Disconnect the iPod and connect it to the iPod Power Adapter (for older models).
- Do not disconnect the iPod from the computer until complete recovery (for recent models).
Step 6. Keep the iPod connected
During the second step of the restore process, the iPod screen will have the Apple logo and a progress bar underneath. AND basic that the iPod remains connected to the computer or adapter at this stage.
Note: the progress bar may be difficult to see, as the iPod backlight may be off
Step 7. Set up your iPod
Once step two of the restore is complete, the iTunes installation assistant window will appear. It will ask you to name the iPod and choose your synchronization preferences, just like you did the first time you connected it to your PC (or Mac).
Method 2 of 2: iPod Classic, Shuffle, Nano, and older iPods
Step 1. Make sure you have an active internet connection
If the software is old, you will need to install the latest one for both iTunes and iPod.
Step 2. Launch iTunes
Check that you have the latest version by clicking on the iTunes menu, and selecting Check for updates …
Step 3. Connect the iPod to the computer
Using the supplied cable, connect it to your computer. After a few seconds, the iPod should appear in the Resources panel of iTunes, under the DEVICES section.
Click on the iPod to open the tab on the main iTunes page
Step 4. Click Restore
This will erase everything on the iPod and restore the factory conditions.
- If you are using a Mac, you will be asked for administrator credentials.
- If you're using Windows, one or more recovery options may appear to have iTunes automatically download the latest software. Holding down the SHIFT key before clicking on the Restore button will allow you to search the PC for the firmware version you want to use.
Step 5. Accept all prompts
The restore will begin.
Step 6. A progress bar will appear on the screen, indicating that the first phase of the recovery has begun
Once this step is done, iTunes will present you with a couple more messages with instructions specific to the iPod model you are restoring:
- Disconnect the iPod and connect it to the iPod Power Adapter (for older models).
- Do not disconnect the iPod from the computer until complete recovery (for recent models).
Step 7. Keep the iPod connected
During the second step of the restore process, the iPod screen will have the Apple logo and a progress bar underneath. AND basic that the iPod remains connected to the computer or adapter at this stage.
Note: the progress bar may be difficult to see, as the iPod backlight may be off
Step 8. Set up your iPod
Once step two of the restore is complete, the iTunes installation assistant window will appear. It will ask you to name the iPod and choose your synchronization preferences, just like you did the first time you connected it to your PC (or Mac).
Advice
- For more information on iPod recovery or startup problems, see the "iPod Help" section in the iTunes "Help" menu.
- Restoring is not the same as formatting the Hard Drive.
- Restore only if absolutely necessary.
- Things don't work out? Check that you are connected to the internet. You need the internet to download the iPod software. A quick way to check is to open a web page. If it loads, you are connected.
- Backup iPods and other iOS devices often.
- Check that you are using the correct software or update for your iPod model, and the latest. If you don't know what model you have, go to the Apple website and you will be able to check it out quickly.
Warnings
- When iPod requires power, give it to it, and don't unplug it until the progress bar disappears. If you do this and the iPod's battery dies in the process, you'll end up with an expensive paperweight.
- Since the restore deletes both music and files, remember to make a backup. All songs, videos, podcasts, audiobooks and games can be reloaded onto the iPod if you have them stored in your iTunes library.
