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3rd gen ipod touch DFU warning on restore attempt

When I plug my 3rd gen iPod touch running iOS 4.2.1 into iTunes I get a warning "iTunes cannot read the contents of the iPod". When I choose to restore to original settings I receive this error:

"This iPod was previously in DFU mode, but restarted and is no longer in DFU mode. To restore this iPod from DFU mode, disconnect it and place it in DFU mode again." I have done as directed several times but iTunes is still unable to communicate with the device. I am pressing sound down, power and home buttons simultaneously to switch into DFU mode. I have switched into this mode with the iPod disconnected from the computer and connected. I received the same error. Anyone have any thoughts as to how to reset or restore this iPod which will hopefully allow communications.

iPod Shuffle (3rd Gen)

Posted on Nov 18, 2022 11:27 AM

Reply
1 reply

Nov 21, 2022 9:45 AM in response to Woodsaregood1

Hey there Woodsaregood1,


It sounds like the iPod is exiting recovery mode when attempting to restore it. This can happen if the download takes longer than 15 minutes on your computer. Use the steps below to try placing in recovery again and restore your iPod:


Put your device in recovery mode and set it up again
1. Make sure that your Mac is up to date. If you're using iTunes, make sure you have the latest version of iTunes
2. On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder. On a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, or on a PC, open iTunes. If iTunes is already open, close it, then open it again. Find out which macOS your Mac is using.
3. Keep your device connected and wait until the recovery mode screen appears:
• iPhone 6s or earlier, including iPhone SE (1st generation), and iPod touch (6th generation) or earlier: Press and hold both the Home and the top (or side) buttons at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the recovery mode screen.
4. Locate your device on your computer. When you see the option to Restore or Update, choose Update. Your computer will try to reinstall the software without erasing your data. Wait while your computer downloads the software for your device. If the download takes more than 15 minutes and your device exits the recovery mode screen, let the download finish, then repeat step 3.
5. After the Update or Restore completes, set up your device.

Get more help
• If you see an error when you update or restore your iPhone or iPod, learn what to do.
• If you can’t update or restore your device with recovery mode, you can't use recovery mode because of broken buttons, or your device is stuck in Activation Lock, contact Apple Support.

If you can't update or restore your iPhone or iPod touch - Apple Support


Take care!


3rd gen ipod touch DFU warning on restore attempt

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