How to Reset iPod touch to Factory Settings

The iPod is the most popular MP3 player, with more than 350 million iPods sold, of which more than 100 million are iPod touch models.

The iPod touch is probably the best media player available in the market today. The latest version comes with a variety of features and functions, like motion gaming, communication, music, HD videos, video calling, and much more.

However, there can be times when the iPod touch gives frequent issues regarding smooth operation. At such times, a timely reset to factory setting can be the best thing to do, which almost always resolves all problems.

There are two methods of doing this; the first requires the Apple iTunes software and a computer, while the second can be done on the player itself. However, if you reset the iPod without connecting it to a computer, you will lose all your data.

Restoring using iTunes is the most-opted procedure for iPod touch troubleshooting. Remember that once the restore option is initiated, you will not be able to save the data. You do have an option to backup the data before the restore though.

These are the steps to reset your iPod touch to factory settings using iTunes. If these steps do not seem to work the first time, you can reboot the iPod a few times and try again.

3. After connecting your iPod to the system, iTunes should open; if it does not, open it manually. Search for your iPod in iTunes and click on it; typically you can find it listed in the left pane of the software, or in a drop-down at the top right of iTunes.

4. In the summary tab that displays after you click on your iPod, you need to click on restore. In Mac systems, you might have to enter your administrator password. When you click on restore, you will be asked if you want to backup your data.

5. Depending on your preferences, choose either Yes or No. If you think that your iPod is giving problems because of your data, then you should select no.

6. Wait for the restore to take place. In most cases, this can take a while, depending on various factors, including the speed of your computer, and the amount of data on your device. During the restore process, the iPod screen will show a progress bar (under the Apple logo) indicating the state of the restore.

7. Once completed, iTunes will present some instructions depending on the model of your iPod. It may ask you to disconnect the iPod, or to leave it connected. Follow these instructions to complete the restore process.

➲ If you are using a laptop, make sure that your computer is connected to a power outlet before you begin the restore process. In some cases, the restore process can take a while, and you don't want your computer to shut down during the process. It is better if you use a desktop for this.

➲ While the restore process is in progress, never disconnect the iPod from the computer, or press any buttons unless prompted to do so. Removing the cable from the computer or the iPod can disrupt the restore process, and cause your iPod to not function properly.

If this method does not work, or if you do not have access to a computer, but you need to perform a reset, then there's another method you could use. Keep in mind though, that resetting to factory settings erases all data from your device, and if you do not have access to a computer, you will not be able to add music or videos to your device.

Of course, if you have Internet connectivity, you can browse and perform other functions, but you will need a computer with iTunes to add music back to your iPod.

2. Clicking on 'Reset' will take you to another page with different options. These options include the following.

b. Erase All Content and Settings
As the name suggests, this will restore your iPod to factory settings by deleting all the data and applications on the iPod.

c. Reset Network Settings
This will reset your network settings to factory default. This includes any Wi-Fi hotspots you may have saved, or any other changes you have made to your network settings.

d. Reset Keyboard Dictionary
This will reset your keyboard to the default setting. This includes deleting any words that you may have saved to the dictionary.

e. Reset Home Screen Layout
This will reset your home screen to its default layout. All customization, including folders and placement of icons, will be reset.

f. Reset Location & Privacy
This will rest your location and privacy settings to factory settings. Clicking on this will disable your location settings in apps, and you will be prompted in each application to enable location.

3. To restore your iPod to factory settings, you will have to choose the 'Erase All Content and Settings' option. Make sure that you have performed a backup before clicking this option as all your data will be deleted from the device.

➲ The restore process in this method takes longer than when done through iTunes. Make sure that your iPod has enough charge to last while the restore is in progress. Depending on the storage capacity of the iPod, this process can even take up to an hour.

It may be possible that you do not have an Internet connection, and still want to restore your iPod with iTunes. In such cases, it is only possible if you have the iPod software file for your model with you. 

In iTunes, instead of just clicking on restore, hold down the SHIFT key while clicking restore, and you will be presented with a box that will allow you to browse your computer for the iPod software file.

As you can see, restoring an iPod to factory settings is easy. A simple restore can be the solution for all your iPod touch issues. Just remember to backup your data, and you will be listening to the "sound of music" in no time. If these two methods do not help, then you should take your iPod to an Apple Store and get it checked by an expert.