How Do You Restore Your iPod?

iPods can be restored, but make sure you want to do that.

It is important to understand the difference between restoring and updating your iPod. Updating simply syncs your iPod with the latest software and any changes you might have made to your media library. Restoring, on the other hand, returns the device to exactly the way it came when you first opened the box, erasing all of your media and any settings you customized. This can be helpful if your iPod is malfunctioning, experiencing frequent errors and freezing often, but first, make sure that your device is charged, your cables are functioning and you have the latest software updates.

Things You'll Need

• iPod docking cable

Instructions

1. Ensure that you have the latest version of iTunes by opening iTunes and going to "iTunes" (at the top of the computer screen, next to "File" and "Edit") > "Check for Updates."

2. Connect your iPod to your computer with the appropriate docking cable. Your iPod will appear on the iTunes browser window. Select the name of your iPod under "Devices" in the left-hand column.

3. Click "Restore." Enter your administrator username and password if necessary. A progress bar will appear for stage one. When it is done, instructions will appear. Leave the device plugged into the computer for stage two until the Apple logo disappears and the progress bar is full. An iTunes Setup window will appear when it is done.

4. Enter the name of your iPod, language preferences and settings for syncing, as you did when you first set up your iPod.

Tips & Warnings

• As long as all of your media is in your iTunes library on your computer, you will not lose any media when you restore your iPod.

• This restore does not apply to the iPod Shuffle.

References

• Apple Support: Restoring iPod to Factory Settings