How to Unformat Your iPod

Sometimes your iPod needs to be turned back to its factory settings. This is generally required when system files become corrupted or when your iPod just slows down because of overuse. You can also use some iPods as external hard drives, and restoring them deletes all the data off the iPod to maximize memory if need be.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• iPod
• iTunes
• Computer

1. Install and open iTunes. Connect your iPod to the computer and wait until iTunes recognizes it. There a couple third party programs that can do this, but iTunes is free and efficient.

2. Click your iPod's icon on the left-hand menu to open the summary page. You will be presented with quite a bit of information regarding your iPod including the following: amount of space left, amount of space used and what kind of sync setting you would like.

3. Click the "Restore" button located in the middle of the page. The restore function will bring your iPod back to factory settings and reformat the hard drive. Click "Ok" when iTunes asks you whether or not you want to continue with the restore operation.

4. Resync your media if you are using the iPod as a media device or leave it empty if you are using it as a external hard drive.

Tips & Warnings

• Not all iPods can be used as external hard drives like the iPod Touch.
• You will lose all of your data when restoring.

References

• Restore iPod to Factory Settings
• Restore with iTunes
• Restore iPod Without iTunes