How do I reset or format an old iPod?

Question

How do I reset or format an old iPod?

My old iPod (2006 vintage) still seems to work fine and syncs OK with iTunes. However, I want to reset it to factory settings and wipe everything, preparatory to giving it away (rather than destroy it). But I can't find out how to do that.

This happened after reinstalling Windows on my Windows 10 computer. When I reinstalled iTunes (version 12.7.3.46) it found the ipod and synced OK. But I don't want that. I've transferred all my music etc to a Brennan B2 unit, and just want to reset the unit to factory fresh.

Thanks

iPod 5th Generation (Late 2006), Other OS, 30GB

Posted on Apr 1, 2018 7:21 AM

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Answer 1

King_Penguin

Level 10

334,330 points

Apr 1, 2018 7:57 AM in response to Andrew Denny2

When connected to your computer's iTunes what options do you see on the Summary screen in iTunes for it, is there a 'restore' option (which should reset it back to factory defaults) ?

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Answer 2

turingtest2

Level 10

278,263 points

Apr 1, 2018 8:30 AM in response to Andrew Denny2

See Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support.

tt2

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Answer 3

King_Penguin

Level 10

334,330 points

Apr 1, 2018 10:29 AM in response to Andrew Denny2

It's an iPod Classic ? What do you see when you select the iPod's device icon at the top of the iTunes screen e.g. (image is from a Mac but it should be similar on a PC)

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Answer 4

Apr 1, 2018 10:16 AM in response to King_Penguin

There isn't a 'Summary screen.' It shows the ipod in the column in the left, then if I click on that, it expands to show the music folders/categories. Someone elsewhere said to select the iPod (which I did) then click 'settings', but there's no 'settings' option visible either. I tried right-clicking on the ipod icon in the left column, but it just offered a pop-up menu of 'eject', 'sync' & transfer purchases', none of which seemed to do anything.

Getting so frustrated. Should I assume iTunes no longer supports old iPods? It's still working OK when I listen to it.

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Answer 5

Apr 1, 2018 9:58 AM in response to turingtest2

Doesn't work, sorry. I've already been there, I'm not seeing what I'm supposed to be seeing.

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Answer 6

King_Penguin

Level 10

334,330 points

Apr 1, 2018 10:02 AM in response to Andrew Denny2

What type of iPod is it, and what do you see on its Summary tab when connected to your computer's iTunes ?

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How do I reset or format an old iPod?

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