When resetting an iPod, all of the music and files on the iPod are safe. However, some of the settings such as time and date might be lost after doing a reset. But if your iPod freezes, you will have to reset the device.

How to Reset an iPod With a Click Wheel

To reset an iPod with a click wheel–iPod Nano 1-5 generations, iPod classic, iPod 5th generation, iPod with color display, or iPod mini 1-2–toggle the hold button from on and then to off.  After doing this, simultaneously click the center select button and the menu button. Hold it until the Apple logo appears which takes around 6 to 8 seconds. You might need to do this a few times, but once you are finished, the iPod should be reset so you can access it once again.

How to Reset an iPod With Scroll Wheel, Touch Wheel and Dock Connector

To reset one of these iPods, toggle the hold switch on and then to off. Press the play button and the menu button at the same time and hold for about 6 to 8 seconds. You might need to do this step a few times.

how to reset an ipod

How to Reset an iPod Shuffle

Because the Shuffle is so much different than other iPod models, it has a much different process. The first step is to switch the shuffle to the off position. Wait five seconds after doing this. Move the switch back to the play in order. If it is a second generation, slide the power strip to on. This should reset the iPod shuffle. If it didn’t, try it again.

How to Reset an iPod Touch

Hold the sleep/wake button for a few seconds. This will prompt you to slide a bar to completely turn the iTouch off. It is the same as trying to reset an iPhone. Once the iPod is off, hold the sleep/wake button to turn it back on.

Restoring an iPod to Factory Settings

Resetting an iPod is much different than restoring it to factory settings. When resetting, you might lose a few settings, but you’ll have everything still installed on it. Restoring the factory settings will erase everything you’ve installed or changed since you purchased the iPod.

Open up the latest version of iTunes on your computer. If you do not have the latest version, it can be downloaded from the Apple, Inc. website.

  1. Attach the iPod to your computer and ensure that the iPod icon is present within the iTunes window. If your iPod is not recognized, try reattaching the iPod cable again to your computer.
  2. Click on your iPod in the iTunes software.
  3. Selecting your iPod should result in a list of options available under the “Summary” option.
  4. In “Summary” choose the “Restore” button to see the various options you can choose from.
    • Restore 1: Allows user to restore with the previous version of the software you were using.
    • Restore 2: Allows the user to restore with the previous version of the software they are using, while it ignores the new software version available.
    • Restore 3: Allows the user to restore your iPod with the newest software released.
    • Restore 4: Allows the user to both update and restore.

If the steps have been followed correctly to this point, the iTunes software will caution you not to detach the iPod while a “Restore” of the software is in progress. You should be able to review the progression of restoring the software for your iPod.

After the software and settings have been restored, iTunes will then prompt you carry out the initial setup tasks.