How to Reset your iPod
How and why you should reset your iPod
An iPod is really just a simple computer that can play just one type of file. The first thing we do with a computer that is having problems is reboot. An iPod reset is essentially a reboot of your iPod. Just like a computer, it allows the iPod to take inventory of its parts and restart processes that allow it to conduct its rather unsophisticated operations of playing back its limited number of file types. Apple has created the reset process to take care of mechanical issues related to the 'Hold' switch as well. Therefore, looking at it can be the fast track to resolving issues. If the iPod isn't booting up or is not responding to your orders, it might simply be a stuck Hold switch.
Issues that call for an iPod reset include:
- Doesn't mount or appear in iTunes. The iPod isn't showing up on your computer when it's connected
- Battery with Exclamation point. For more details, see icons
- If it shows the spinning disc icon, you can finish disc scan w/ a reset [disc-caut.gif]. For more details, see iPod icons explained
- Doesn't respond / locked up
- Poor or scratchy sound quality or headphones aren't working
The first thing to do is to reset the hold switch. This will let you see if the hold switch is engaged in the first place, which would explain why it's not responding to your commands.
Any iPod with the click wheel, fourth generation or later, including Mini, Nano, Photo and Video, will do the following:
- Slide the Hold button over to the Hold position where the red is exposed. Then slide it back
- Press and hold the menu and center button simultaneously for 6 to 10 seconds as shown below. The Apple logo should appear on the screen when the unit is reset
Earlier iPods including pre-fourth gen, touch wheel, scroll wheel iPods:
- Slide the Hold button over to the Hold position where the red is exposed. Then slide it back
- Hold the pause / play and menu button down for about 6 to 10 seconds, until the Apple logo appears
If you had any problems with the above process, you'll want to connect the iPod to a power source. Connect it to your USB or Firewire cable and plug it in. Let it charge for a few minutes before trying the reset again. If it doesn't work the first time try it a few more times before giving up.
After a successful reset of the iPod you'll notice custom settings have been reset, but it won't remove any data from the drive.
If the reset didn't fix your iPod, the next step is to restore. The restore process will wipe out any saved data; therefore, restoring your iPod should be considered a last resort.
The iPod reset process is handy for occasional problems that you might encounter and its part of Apple's 5 Rs to iPod maintenance.