How to Put an iPod Into Disk Mode

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When troubleshooting an issue with your iPod, it's sometimes helpful to manually put it into Disk Mode.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using iPods With a Click Wheel

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    (Set it to Hold, then turn it off again.)
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    When the Apple logo appears, release the Menu and Select buttons and immediately press and hold the Select and the Play/Pause buttons until the Disk Mode screen appears.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using iPods Without a Click Wheel

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    (Set it to Hold, then turn it off again.)
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    This resets iPod. When you reset iPod all your music and data files are saved, but some customized settings may be lost.
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      Tips

      • If you are having difficulty putting the iPod model into disk mode, set it on a flat surface. Make sure that the finger pressing the Select button is not touching the Click Wheel. Also make sure that you are pressing the Play/Pause button toward the outside of the Click Wheel and not near the center.
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      • If you are still unable to put your iPod with a Click Wheel into Disk Mode, use one finger from one hand to press the Select button, and one finger from the other hand to press the Play/Pause button.
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      Warning

      • To return it to its normal operating state, you will have to reset iPod.


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