How to Reset Music on an iPod

by Joshua Duvauchelle

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Apple sells millions of iPods every year, in part because of the device's ease of use and design. Even the best-designed device can malfunction, and your iPod may occasionally experience glitches and software errors. Resetting its music and restoring its software can help resolve these issues. Apple has integrated a way to reset and restore the device from within the iTunes software.

Step 1

Start up the iTunes software, used to manage all iPod content and software. If you don't have iTunes installed, you can download it from Apple for free (see Resources).

Step 2

Connect your iPod to your computer using its included USB cable. The iPod will now show up in the left-hand column of iTunes.

Step 3

Press the "iPod" icon. A new window will appear in the iTunes interface, displaying the iPod settings.

Step 4

Press "Restore." A dialog box will pop up. Choose "Restore and Update." The iPod device will now reset. All music will be removed and the iPod will be reset to its original factoring settings. The iTunes software will also download any applicable updates to the internal iPod software, after which the software will upload all of the music back to the device.

Step 5

Click the "Eject" icon next to the iPod's icon, then disconnect the device from its USB cable.

Warning

  • It can take several hours to upload all of the media back to an iPod after it has been reset and restored.

About the Author

Joshua Duvauchelle is an editor and journalist who has been writing since 2000. His work has appeared in various national and international magazines, including "Honolulu Magazine." Duvauchelle graduated with honors from Trinity Western University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in professional communications, and he earned a certificate in applied leadership and public affairs from the Laurentian Leadership Centre.

Photo Credits

  • Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images