How to Reset an Old iPod

Reset your click-wheel, touch-wheel or scroll-wheel iPod if the device freezes.

Apple has developed many iterations of the iPod through the years, utilizing different wheel interfaces such as the touch-wheel, scroll-wheel and click-wheel. If you have an older model, chances are you have run into a technical issue at some point during the iPod's lifespan. If the unit freezes, many people assume they must try connecting the iPod to a computer or wait for the battery to die. Apple also implemented a reset procedure on every iPod that you can execute using the iPod's controls to reset the iPod.

Instructions

Click-Wheel

1. Flip the iPod's Hold switch on.

2. Flip the Hold switch back off.

3. Hold the "Menu" and center-click buttons down.

4. Release the "Menu" and center-click buttons after the Apple logo displays on the screen. The iPod resets.

Scroll-Wheel and Touch-Wheel

1. Flip the iPod's Hold switch on.

2. Flip the Hold switch back off.

3. Hold down Play/Pause and "Menu."

4. Release Play/Pause and Menu when the Apple logo displays on the screen. The iPod resets.

References

• Apple Support: How to Reset iPod; September 2010

Resources

• Apple Support: iPod + iTunes