Restore your iPod nano's factory settings using iTunes.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images
The iPod nano packs a lot of punch in its 1 1/2-inch by 1 1/2-inch frame. The sixth-generation iPod nano released in September 2010 features a touchscreen on the front, and volume and "Sleep/Wake" buttons on the sides; there is no Click Wheel. The iPod nano comes with either 8GB or 16GB of storage space, and has an accelerometer and FM radio receiver; there is no camera on the device and it does not play video as previous version of the iPod nano have done. The device can be restored to its factory settings using iTunes if your are experiencing software problems.
Step 1
Turn on your iPod nano and connect it to your computer using the USB cable that came with your device, or another Apple iPod USB cable.
Step 2
Open iTunes if it does not open automatically. If you don't have iTunes, it can be downloaded for free for either a Windows or Mac computer (see Resources).
Step 3
Click the name of your iPod nano which appear beneath "Devices" on the left side of the iTunes program window. The "Summary" screen containing general information about the contents of your iPod nano will appear on the right side of the program window.
Step 4
Click the "Summary" tab. Click "Restore" in the lower half of the "Summary" tab if you are sure you want to restore your iPod nano to its default factory settings. Click the "Restore" button again when iTunes displays a dialog box asking if you are certain you want to restore your iPod, then enter your administrator's username and password. You will see a progress bar on your iPod's screen during the first stage of the restore process.
Step 5
Follow the instructions as prompted by iTunes to continue the second stage of the restore process. If you have an older iPod nano, iTunes will ask you to disconnect the iPod from the computer and plug it into a power source; if you have a newer iPod nano, iTunes will ask you to leave it connected to your computer. Do not disconnect your iPod nano from a power source during the second half of the restore process.
Step 6
Follow the steps indicated by the iTunes Setup Assistant, which appears after your restore has completed, to name and set up your iPod nano. This will be the exact same process you went through after first connecting your iPod nano to your computer after you purchased it.
Tip
- Create a backup of your iPod nano using the iTunes backup feature before you import music to your device. To backup your device select "File" in the upper-left corner of the iTunes program window and then select "Library" and "Back Up to Disc." Insert blank DVDs or CDs when iTunes prompts you to.
- If you don't have your full music library in iTunes or backed up on an external hard drive, use a third-party application to remove songs off your iPod nano and transfer the songs to your computer. Applications such as iRip, XPod, PC iPod and iSyncTunes let you copy the entire contents of your iPod nano, including playlists.
Warning
- Restoring your iPod nano completely erases its contents and restores the device to its factory settings.
Photo Credits
- Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images
