How to Reset a frozen iPod, iTouch or iPhone

Has your iPod frozen? Here are some quick and easy steps to get it unfrozen and playing tunes once again. These work with any iPod, iTouch, iPhone and even iPod shuffle.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• iPod
• Fingers

1. 
    
   hold switch

   On whatever model iPod you have, first check to make sure the hold switch is off. The hold switch is little slider switch located at the top of your ipod. You will know if it is on if you can see orange if this is the case slide it so that it covers the orange area. If your hold switch was on that might have been your problem right there. Try using the ipod to make sure it is really frozen and that it wasn't just on hold mode.

2. Next depending on what model iPod you have you will choose which step to do next to complete the reset and make your frozen iPod unfrozen. Keep in mind that this method will not truly "reset" your iPod but only reboot it. You will NOT loose any data, settings or music from the device.
   *iPod 1st, 2nd & 3rd generations (scroll & touch wheel iPods): Goto step #3
   *iPod 4th generation and after (includes Photo, Nano, Video, and Mini): Goto step #4
   *iPhone & iPod touch (all versions to date): Goto step #5
   *iPod Shuffle: Goto step #6

3. 
    
   iPods gen 1-3

   For the early iPod generations 1-3 press and hold the "menu" and "play/pause" buttons simultaniously for about 10 seconds until you see the screen go blank. When the screen shuts off you may stop pressing. The screen will then light up with the apple logo and you iPod will once again work as normal.

4. 
    
   iPods 4th gen

   For the 4th generation iPods press and hold the "menu" and center buttons simultaniously for about 10 seconds until you see the screen go blank. When the screen shuts off you may stop pressing. The screen will then light up with the apple logo and you iPod will once again work as normal.

5. 
    
   where to push and hold on iphone/itouch

   For the iPhone and iTouch press and hold the "menu" and sleep buttons simultaniously for about 10 seconds until you see the screen go blank. When the screen shuts off you may stop pressing. The screen will then light up with the apple logo and you iPod will once again work as normal.

6. 
    
   shuffle diagrams

   For the iPod shuffle it's as easy as turning the device off then back on.

Tips & Warnings

• When using the methods that involve pressing and holding buttons remember to press firmly until you feel the click and hold in that position.
• Be make sure your fingers are only pressing down on the correct buttons (although no harm will come of holding down more it will not reboot your device).
• Don't push ridiculously hard on the buttons because you could risk damaging them.
• If this does not fix the problem contact apple support.

Resources

• apple ipod support

[cincin1]

on 7/31/2009 Great tips. 5*

[ccsteffen]

on 7/30/2009 Thanks for the great tips on How to Reset a frozen iPod, iTouch or iPhone!! 5* and a Rec.