iPod nano reset: How to reset the player

If your iPod nano stops responding, you should reset it. Depending on the model, the reset works differently. We'll show you how to reset different iPod nano versions.

General information about resetting iPod nano

If the iPod is connected to a PC or Mac, you should disconnect it before resetting it. To do this, proceed as follows:

1. Open iTunes and wait a moment.
2. If your iPod appears in the left bar, click the eject icon to the right of it. If the iPod is not displayed, you can proceed immediately to point 3.
3. Wait until the iPod has disappeared from the bar and then disconnect the USB cable from the PC and iPod.

Reset iPod nano 7th generation

1. Press and hold both the Standby and Home buttons at the same time until the display goes black.
2. Let go of the buttons. The iPod should now restart and you will see the Apple logo after a few seconds.

Reset iPod nano 6th generation

1. Press the standby and volume down buttons at the same time. Hold it down until the Apple logo appears.
2. If that doesn't work, try again. Several attempts are often required.
3. If the iPod does not start after several attempts, connect it to the wall socket using the power supply and repeat step 1.
4. Alternatively, you can also connect it to a PC, which, however, must not be in idle mode. If the iPod automatically connects to iTunes, eject it as described in paragraph 1, but then do not remove it. Try resetting it again.

Reset an iPod nano with click wheel

iPods with click wheels have a key lock installed. Before resetting the iPod, you should therefore check whether it can no longer be operated because this lock has been activated. If a lock-shaped symbol appears on the screen, slide the "Hold" switch in the other direction and check whether the symbol is no longer displayed.

1. If the lock was not active, slide the switch into the "Hold" position and then back again.
2. Simultaneously press the "Menu" button and the middle button of the Click Wheel and hold them down for a few seconds until the Apple logo appears. It may take several tries before the reset works.
3. The keys are difficult to hit at the same time. The reset often does not work because other buttons on the click wheel are also touched. So it's best to put your iPod on the table to reset it.
4. If it still doesn't work, plug the iPod into the wall outlet using the AC adapter and try again.
5. Alternatively, you can connect the iPod to a PC. This must not be in the idle state. Also make sure the iPod is not connected to iTunes. If it does, throw it out as described in paragraph 1.

If you continue to have problems after resetting, you may need to restore your iPod. We will show you how this works in another practical tip.