Learn how to force restart your iPod

If your iPod doesn’t respond when you press the buttons, learn what to do.

Force restart your iPod touch

If your iPod touch isn’t responding, you can force restart your device: Press and hold both the Sleep/Wake button and Home button for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo.

Force restart your iPod nano

Follow the instructions for your model:

iPod nano (7th generation)
Press and hold both the Sleep/Wake and Home button until the screen turns off. Then wait a few seconds for your device to restart. Still need help? Plug your iPod into power, then try again.

iPod nano (6th generation)
Press and hold both the Sleep/Wake and Volume Down button for at least 8 seconds, or until you see the Apple logo. Still need help? Plug your iPod into power, then try again.

iPod nano (5th generation or earlier)
Put the Hold switch firmly in the unlocked position. Then press and hold the Menu and Center (or Select) buttons for 8 seconds, or until you see the Apple logo.

Force restart your iPod classic

Put the Hold switch firmly in the unlocked position.
Press and hold the Menu and Center (or Select) buttons for 8 seconds, or until you see the Apple logo.

Force restart other models of iPod

Here’s how to force restart an iPod mini and models earlier than iPod classic, like iPod (Scroll Wheel), iPod (Touch Wheel), iPod (Dock Connector), and more:

1. Put the Hold switch firmly in the unlocked position.

2. Then follow instructions based on your model:

   • For models of iPod mini, press and hold both the Menu button and Center button for 8 seconds, or until you see the Apple logo or iPod logo. You might need to repeat this step.

   • For other models, press and hold both the Play/Pause button and Menu button for 8 seconds, or until you see the Apple logo or iPod logo. You might need to repeat this step.