How to Turn off Every Model of the iPod nano

This article explains how to turn off an iPod nano. Instructions apply to the 7th Generation iPod nano and earlier models.

How to Turn off 7th and 6th Generation iPod nano

To turn off the 7th Generation iPod nano or 6th Generation iPod nano, do the following:

1. Hold the Sleep/Wake button (it's located on the top right of the nano). A progress wheel appears on the screen. ​

2. Hold the Sleep/Wake button until the screen goes dark. The nano is now off.

3. To turn the nano on, hold the Sleep/Wake button until the screen lights up.

Most functions of the iPod nano — music, FM radio, and pedometer — stop when you turn the device off. However, if you turn the nano back on less than five minutes after turning it off, the nano will remember the music that was playing when you turned it off and will resume there.

How to Turn off Older iPod nanos

The 5th generation iPod nano and earlier models don't shut down in an expected way. They cannot be turned off. Instead, they go to sleep:

• Gradually: If you use your nano for a minute or two then set it aside, the screen starts to dim and eventually goes black. This is the nano going to sleep. When an iPod nano is asleep, it uses less battery power. By letting a nano sleep, it conserves the battery for later.
• Right Away: If you don't want to wait for the gradual process, put the nano to sleep right away. Hold the Play/Pause button for a few seconds.

Keep Your iPod nano Asleep Using the Hold Button

If you press any button on an iPod nano when it is asleep, the screen lights up quickly and the nano will be ready to rock.

If you don't plan to use the iPod for a while, conserve battery power and prevent the iPod from playing a concert by using the Hold switch.

The Hold switch is at the top of the iPod nano. On the 1st through 5th Generation models, slide the Hold switch to the On position when you put the iPod away. To start using the iPod again, slide the Hold switch to the other position and click a button to start it.

On the 6th and 7th generation nanos, the Hold button doesn't slide. Instead, press it (similar to the Hold button on an iPhone or iPod touch).

Identify Your iPod nano Model

You need to know what nano model you have in order to know which instructions to follow. This is particularly tricky because so many models of the iPod nano look similar.