How to Format an iPod

Plan to sell your iPod, or just want to completely wipe it clean? This article will tell you how to restore your iPod to its original factory setting.

Steps

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    1
    Be sure you have the newest version of iTunes available. At the time of this writing, this would be version 10 (10.2.1 for Mac version). This is available from Apple's website, or through the link at bottom.
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    Attach your iPod to your computer by whatever means it uses (dock, USB, Firewire, etc)
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    Open iTunes.
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    Click the button in the sidebar that says "YOUR_IPOD'S_NAME"
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    Click the tab at top that says "Summary."
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    Click the button that says "Restore."
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    Choose "Use Newest Version" when you are prompted for restore options - this will restore your iPod to the newest iPod software available.
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    Wait for the computer to restore the iPod.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    What if I want to install an iOS that is the latest version but my iPod touch keeps insisting that I have the latest version of iOS?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Some versions are not compatible with devices. For example, you cannot install iOS 11 on an iPhone 4, it just doesn't work. Phones are designed to only work with software up to a certain point because sometimes the system isn't compatible.
  • Question
    How do I get the iPod out of recovery mode?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Hold the power button on top of the iPod down, and the iPod will restart to the lock screen.
  • Question
    Can an iPod classic be restored without losing all media?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No; the restore deletes all the data and files on the iPod.
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Warnings

  • This will erase everything from your iPod. Think before you act.
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  • With older iPods you'll need a wall power connector, otherwise it cannot complete the process.
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  • Obviously, don't remove the cable when it says "Do Not Disconnect" on the iPod; This could damage the software/firmware being updated in the iPod.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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Things You'll Need

  • iPod
  • Computer
  • Newest version of iTunes software (free from Apple).

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References

  1. Apple iTunes Download - Free iTunes Download

About This Article

Tested by:
wikiHow Technology Team
wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 37 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 559,465 times.
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Co-authors: 37
Updated: February 17, 2023
Views: 559,465
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