Restoring iPod shuffle to factory settings with iPod updater

Many iPod shuffle issues you may encounter can be easily resolved by performing a software restore of the iPod. Examples of some of these symptoms can be found in this document.

If you are using iTunes 7 or later, click here.

There are two ways you can do a restore: Download and install the latest iPod Updater software, or restore your software using the iPod Updater application that came on your iPod CD. The benefit to have the most recent version of the iPod Updater is that some issues may be resolved with a more recent updater

Warning: The restore process cannot be undone. All of your songs and files on the iPod will be deleted. Always make a backup of your important data.

To update or restore iPod shuffle with the latest software:

1. Download the iPod Updater for Windows or for Mac . The update contains the latest software for all models of iPod.
2. Double-click the software install file and follow the onscreen instructions to install the iPod shuffle Update.
3. Open the iPod Updater.
   Mac OS X: The updater is located in the /Applications/Utilities/iPod Software Updater/ folder.
   
   Windows: Click the Start button, point to All Programs, and then point to iPod. Click the name of the most recent iPod Updater.
   
   
4. Move the switch on the iPod to the Off position and wait 5 seconds.
5. After the iPod Software Updater has opened, connect iPod shuffle to your computer.
6. Follow the onscreen instructions to update or restore iPod shuffle software.

If you're using iPod Updater and it doesn't see that iPod shuffle is connected to your computer, turn iPod shuffle on (by moving the switch to either the play in order or shuffle settings) and then off again.

If you want to restore iPod shuffle software but you don't have an Internet connection, use the iPod Updater application that was installed on your computer when you installed the software from the iPod CD.

To restore iPod shuffle software using iPod Updater that came from your iPod CD:

• Mac users: Find the iPod Updater application in Applications/Utilities/iPod Software.
• Windows users: Find the iPod Updater application here:
  Click the Start button, point to All Programs, and then point to iPod. Click the name of the most recent iPod Updater.

For steps to restore other iPod models, click here.

Related documents

• 301267: "Disk cannot be read from or written to" when syncing iPod or "Firmware update failure" error when updating or restoring iPod"
• 61711: "Your Windows PC doesn't recognize iPod"
• 61937: "iPod does not appear in iPod Updater or iTunes in Mac OS X"
• 60950: "iPod doesn't appear in iTunes or on the Mac desktop"
• 61771: "iPod does not appear in iTunes or on the desktop, an exclamation point or sad iPod icon appears onscreen"