If you need to update or restore an iPod shuffle, then click here. If you have iTunes 7 or later, click here. Note that iPod Updater cannot update iPod models released on or after 2006-09-12.
Background
First, it is important to understand the difference between "update" and "restore."
"Update" simply updates the software that controls iPod and may also update the firmware for the hard drive. Update does not affect the songs and files stored on iPod.
"Restore" erases the iPod and restores it to its original factory condition. Because restoring iPod erases all of the songs, videos, photos, and files on iPod, make sure to back up your files first.
For instructions on how to restore iPod, see "Restoring iPod to factory settings".
How to update iPod for Windows using Windows XP or Windows 2000
If you are using Windows ME and the original iPod, click here.
- Download and install the iPod Updater from http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/ipodupdater20060628.html.
From time to time Apple expects to release versions of this application that have newer versions of iPod software. These later versions may include new functions or improvements to existing features. You can check to see if the latest iPod Updater contains new software for your iPod by comparing the software version listed on the iPod Updater download page for your model iPod to the version currently installed on your iPod. To learn how to check your current version, click here. If you're not sure what iPod model you have, click here. - Connect your iPod to your computer using the USB or FireWire cable that came with your iPod.
- If the iPod Updater you just installed contains newer software for your iPod, you will be prompted to update your iPod after you connect it to your PC as shown below. Simply select Run Updater and the iPod Updater will open. Click Update to start the process.
If you want to manually launch the iPod Updater, follow these steps:
- On the Start menu, point to All Programs.
- Point to iPod under All Programs.
- Point to the most recent iPod Updater listed and then click the iPod Updater YYYY-MM-DD.
Alternatively, in My Computer, try entering the following address:
C:\\Program Files\\iPod\\
Then, open the latest "iPod Updater YYYY-MM-DD" folder and then launch the iPod Updater application. - If your iPod is formatted for a Mac, you will not be able to update your iPod using a PC unless you restore it. You will see a message on your PC saying that your iPod is not readable and that it needs to be formatted. If this applies to your iPod please read the this procedure.
- Depending on the model iPod you have and whether you are using a USB or FireWire connection to connect your iPod, you may be asked to leave you iPod attached to the computer for the update to complete or you may be asked to connect the iPod to the iPod Power Adapter that came with your iPod (not all iPod models ship with a power adapter). Be sure to follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update. After reading the instructions you can close the iPod Updater.
- During the update process, you will notice an Apple logo and progress bar appear on the iPod display. Once this is completed, you can resume normal use of your iPod. If you notice a different icon on the iPod screen read this article and the follow the related instructions.
How to update iPod for Macintosh
This procedure assumes that the default iPod preference prompting iTunes to automatically open whenever you connect iPod to your Mac has not been changed.
- Download and install the iPod Updater from http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/ipodupdater20060628.html.
From time to time Apple expects to release versions of this application that have newer versions of iPod software. These later versions may include new functions or improvements to existing features. You can check to see if the latest iPod Updater contains new software for your iPod by comparing the software version listed on the iPod Updater download page for your model iPod to the version currently installed on your iPod. To learn how to check your current version, click here. If you're not sure what iPod model you have, click here. - Connect your iPod to your Mac using the USB or FireWire cable that came with your iPod.
- If the iPod Updater you just installed contains newer software for your iPod, iTunes will prompt you to update your iPod after you connect it to your Mac as shown below. Simply click OK and iTunes will open the iPod Updater and install the newer software onto your iPod. If you previously opted to not receive notifications about iPod Updates, simply open the latest iPod Updater in the iPod Software Updater folder. This folder is located inside the Utilities folder inside of the Applications folder (/Applications/Utilities/iPod Software Updater).
- Depending on the model iPod you have and whether you are using a USB or FireWire port to connect your iPod, you may be asked to leave you iPod attached to the computer for the update to complete or you may be asked to connect the iPod to the iPod Power Adapter that came with your iPod. Be sure to follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update (not all iPod models come with an iPod Power Adapter).
- If your iPod is formatted for Windows, the iPod Updater will be unable to simply update your iPod and a restore will be necessary to complete the update on your Mac. If this applies to your iPod please read the this procedure.
- During the update process, you will notice an Apple logo and progress bar appear on the iPod display. Once this is completed, you can resume normal use of your iPod. If you notice a different icon on the iPod screen read this article and the follow the related instructions.
Related documents
93936: "iPod iconology or what does this picture on my iPod mean?"60983 "Restoring iPod to factory settings"
60984 "iPod: How to find software version"
61594: iPod: About Software Update