How to Unfreeze an IPod Nano 2nd Generation

There's little more frustrating than trying to listen to your favorite music on your iPod only to have it freeze up. With the introduction of a number of different models and generations of iPods to the market, it can sometimes be hard to figure out how to unfreeze your particular model of iPod. Luckily, 1st, 2nd and 3rd generations of the iPod Nano can be reset with a minimal amount of trouble, using the same technique.

Instructions

1. Place your iPod Nano (2nd generation) on a flat surface, preferably on a counter or table that will not easily conduct static electricity.

2. 

   Locate the "Hold" switch on the top of your iPod. The switch is on opposite end of the iPod Nano from where you plug in your charging cord. It's a small, thin switch that slides back and forth.

3. 

   Identify the "Menu" and "Select" button on your iPod's scroll wheel. The scroll wheel surrounds the "Select" button, which is merely the unlabelled circle in the middle, that which you use when choosing a menu item. The "Menu" button is the part directly above the "Select" button. If you imagine your iPod Nano's scroll wheel as a clock, then the "Menu" button is at twelve o'clock.

4. Slide the "Hold" button back and forth between "on" and "off." This is known as toggling. Toggle the switch rapidly 2 to 3 times. This step by itself may unfreeze the iPod. If not, move on to Step 5.

5. Hold the "Menu" and "Select" buttons down at the same time for approximately 10 seconds. This can be somewhat tricky and awkward to do without pressing any of the other scroll wheel buttons, but if you place the pad of your index finger on the "Menu" button, you can usually press both buttons with that one digit.Otherwise, try using one thumb on each button.

6. Wait for the Apple logo to appear. This means the firmware is rebooting and your iPod is restarting.

Tips & Warnings

• When the "Hold" button is on, you will see a small, red light on the top of your iPod Nano. You may need to experiment to find the correct spot of the "Menu" button to press. Pressing closer to the top of the button works better than right in the center. If, for some reason, your iPod is particularly stubborn and these instructions fail to unfreeze it, attempt to connect the iPod to your computer with the power cord. This, too, can reboot the firmware.