How do I know which generation iPod touch I have?

Start here; http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1353 or even here,http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1353#iPod_touch_2nd_generation which is simply further down the page of the first link. At the top of the page are some technical specifications for each model, but further down are some pictures, which should help you.

On the second link, look at the pictures of the 1st and 2nd generation Touch and notice the difference in the shape of the black antenna section on the back. Also note, the 1st gen does not have any buttons on its side edge. The 2nd gen and above all have two volume buttons on the side edge.

A 1st gen has no volume buttons on its edge. It can use up to iOS 3.1.3

A 2nd gen has Model No. A1288 etched into the back casing. It can use up to iOS 4.2.1

A 3rd gen has Model No. A1318 etched into the back casing. It can use iOS 5.1.1

A 4th gen Touch has two cameras, one of which is on the screen side. It can use iOS 5.1.1

STEPS

1. Unlock iPod touch

2. Open SETTINGS

3. Press GENERAL

4. Press ABOUT

5. Check the place marked VERSION

The iOS used is written there. Match the iOS to this:

1st generation can use up to iOS 3.1.3

2nd generation can use up to iOS 4.2.1

3rd generatin can use iOS 5.1.1

4th generation can use iOS 5.1.1

*NOTE: THE INFORMATION WRITTEN ABOVE ^ CAN ONLY BE FOUND USEFUL IF YOUR IPOD IS UP TO DATE WITH THE CURRENT iOS. YOU CAN DO THIS BY CONNECTING YOUR IPOD TO ITUNES AND UPDATING IT*

I hope you found my advice useful. If it helped you, please press the button "This helped me" and if it solved your question, please press "This solved my question" Thank you!

preciouspink123:

as you say, your information can only be useful if the iPod is up to date with the current iOS. Even then, any generation of Touch, still to be upgraded to its highest iOS, could fail your test. To cap it all, it's not even what was asked.

By the way, Apple's Terms of Use, to which you have agreed to abide, forbid asking for points and frankly, that's what you are doing. Presumably, you felt that both myself and roaminggnome's answers were not good enough.

Identifying iPod models