How to Reformat an iPod Nano

Apple's iPod has transformed the music industry, changing the way music is sold, listened to, marketed and distributed. It is versatile. easy to use and reliable. You might need to reformat your Apple iPod, however, if you buy or are given a used unit, if it starts acting flaky, or if the controls become unresponsive. Reformatting can remedy these problems, but be aware that it deletes the existing contents of your iPod Nano.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with iTunes installed
• USB iPod sync cable

1. Power on the iPod, and determine if you need to save any of its content before reformatting it. If this is a brand-new unit, or if you bought it used, chances are there's nothing worth saving on it. If it was synced to a computer that you don't have access to anymore--such as one that malfunctioned or was stolen--you may indeed want to save the Nano's contents. If so, you need third-party software to extract the contents before syncing to a new computer and reformatting your iPod.

2. 
   USB sync cable

   Decide what computer you will sync your iPod with. Once you have extracted any music, movies and other data you want to save, it's time to format it and sync it to your computer. Visit Apple's website to make sure you have latest version of Apple's "iTunes" installed on your computer. If you require an upgrade and are a Mac user, go to "Software Update" under the Apple in the upper left corner of the screen. If you are a Windows user, access the "Programs" menu, available from the "Start" menu.

3. 
   Click the "Restore" button to reformat your iPod Nano to original settings.

   Connect your iPod to the sync cable or dock, and connect the cable or dock to your computer's USB port. The computer will recognize the iPod and automatically launch "iTunes." If it's a new iPod, you will go through a setup wizard. If the iPod is linked to a different computer's "iTunes" library, you will be prompted to either restore the iPod to its original factory settings or eject it.

4. 
   The first window in the "Restore" wizard

   Click on the "Reformat" button, which will take you through the same wizard new users get, as described in Step 4.

5. Follow the prompts through the wizard, which includes naming the iPod, setting your preferences about syncing, and indicating how you want to manage your Podcasts. You'll also have the option to sync contacts, calendars, notes and photos to your iPod.

6. 
   Your iPod's eject icon, in the left part of the "iTunes" window

   Eject the iPod by clicking on the "Eject" icon (the upward-pointing triangle in the left column), and unplugging the iPod when its screen indicates that it's okay to eject it. You can customize your iPod further by scrolling through the "Settings" menu, which allows you to streamline your menus by electing which ones not to display. These settings are reversible simply by enabling the items you wished not to display.

Tips & Warnings

• When you connect an iPod to a computer to which it has not been synced and you are asked whether to reformat or eject, you still can charge the iPod's battery by selecting the "Cancel" button.
• Apple does not sanction third-party iPod hacks, but they are not illegal. Use them at your own risk.

Resources

• Apple: iPod + iTunes