How to Reset Every Model of iPod nano

This article explains how to reset your iPod nano if it isn't responding to clicks and won't play music. Resetting your iPod nano is simple and takes only a few seconds. (While Apple discontinued the iPod nano on July 27, 2017, the devices are still in use.)

How to Reset the 7th Generation iPod Nano

The 7th generation iPod nano looks like a shrunken iPod touch and is the only nano that offers features like a multitouch screen, Bluetooth support, and a Home button. The way you reset it is also unique (though resetting the 7th generation nano will be familiar if you've used an iPhone or iPod touch).

1. Press and hold the Hold button (located in the upper-right corner) and the Home button (located on the bottom front) at the same time.

2. When the screen goes dark, release both buttons.

3. In a few seconds, the Apple logo appears, which means the nano is restarting. In a few seconds, you'll be back at the main screen, ready to go.

How to Restart the 6th Generation iPod nano

If you need to restart your 6th generation nano, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button (located on the top right) and the Volume Down button (located on the far left) for at least 8 seconds.

2. The screen will go dark as the nano restarts.

3. When you see the Apple logo, release the buttons. The nano starts up again.

4. If this doesn't work, repeat from the beginning. A few tries should do the trick.

How to Reset 1st Through 5th Generation iPod nano 

Resetting the early iPod nano models is similar to the technique used for the 6th generation model, though the buttons are slightly different.

Before doing anything else, make sure that the Hold button isn't on. This is the switch at the top of the iPod nano that locks the iPod buttons. When you lock the nano, it won't respond to clicks, which makes it appear to be frozen. You'll know that the Hold button is on if you see an orange area near the switch and a lock icon on the screen. If you see either of these indicators, move the switch back and see if this fixes the problem.

If the nano isn't locked:

1. Slide the Hold switch to the On position (so that the orange appears), then move it back to Off.

2. Press and hold the Menu button on the click wheel and the Center button at the same time. Hold for 6 to 10 seconds. This process should reset the iPod nano. You'll know it's restarting when the screen darkens and the Apple logo appears.

3. If this doesn't work the first time, repeat the steps.

What to Do If Resetting Didn't Work

The steps to restart a nano are simple, but what if they didn't work? There are two things you should try at that point:

• Plug the iPod nano into a power source (such as a computer or a wall outlet) and let it charge for an hour or more. It could be that the battery is run down and needs to recharge.
• If you charged the nano and tried the reset steps, and your nano still doesn't work, you may have a problem that you can't solve on your own. Contact Apple to get more help.