Restoring is an essential skill for iPod users. It refers to two things: restoring an iPod to factory settings or restoring an iPod with a backup. It is used to troubleshoot and fix various software issues. Moreover, you have to restore your device if it is disabled or crashed. Before you sell your old device, you also need to restore it. This guide identifies the proven methods and demonstrates the workflow for each method.

Part 1: How to Restore an iPod to Factory Settings

The best option to restore an iPod to factory settings is iTunes or Finder, depending on your operating system. It is available to all generations, including the disabled device. This way requires a computer and a compatible cable.

Step 1. Connect your iPod to your computer.

Step 2. Open Finder on macOS Catalina or later. For Windows and other Mac versions, use the latest version of iTunes.

Step 3. Click the iPod button after your device is detected.

Step 4. Go to the General or Summary tab.

Step 5. Click the Restore iPod button.

Step 6. Then, follow the onscreen instructions to restore your iPod.

Part 2: How to Restore an iPod in Recovery Mode

If your iPod is disabled, locked, or inaccessible, or iTunes/Finder cannot detect your device, you have to restore your iPod in Recovery Mode. This way also requires a computer and a cable.

Step 1. Hold the Top button until the power-off slider appears.

Step 2. Drag the slider to shut down your device.

Step 3. Put your iPod in Recovery Mode:

Keep pressing the Volume Down button on iPod touch (7th gen) or the Home button on other models.

Step 4. Hold the button while connecting your iPod to the computer with a cable.

Step 5. Release the button until you see the Recovery Mode screen.

Step 6. Open iTunes or Finder according to your operating system.

Step 7. Then, click the Restore button on the pop-up dialog.

Part 3: How to Restore iPod from iCloud Backup

If you prefer to back up your device with iCloud, you can restore your iPod from iCloud backup. Before that, you need to factory reset iPod. On an accessible iPod, you can do it in the Settings app. Otherwise, you have to complete it with iTunes.

Step 1. Open the Settings app.

Step 2. Navigate to General, Reset, and choose Erase All Content and Settings.

Step 3. If prompted, enter your Apple ID password.

Step 4. When your iPod restarts, set it up from the Hello screen.

Step 5. Choose Restore from iCloud Backup on the Apps & Data screen.

Step 6. Use your Apple ID and password to sign in to iCloud.

Step 7. Choose a backup to begin restoring the iPod from iCloud backup.

Step 8. When the process finishes, complete the rest of the setup steps.

Part 4: How to Restore iPod Without Data Loss

Restoring an iPod to factory settings will erase all content on your device. Fortunately, Apeaksoft iPhone Data Recovery can help you get back your music and other data even if you don’t have a backup. Moreover, the concise interface makes it easy to use.

How to Restore Your iPod Without iTunes

Step 1. Connect to your iPod

Open the best iPod data recovery software after installing it on your computer. It is available on Windows and Mac. Plug your iPod into your computer with a compatible cable. The software will detect your device immediately.

If you don’t have a backup, choose Recover from iOS Device and click Start Scan.

To restore the iPod with iTunes backup, choose Recover from iTunes Backup File, pick a backup, and click Start.

If you intend to restore your iPod from iCloud backup, choose Recover from iCloud Backup File, enter your Apple ID and password, choose iCloud Backup, and click Download on a proper backup.

Step 2. Preview data on your iPod

When you are presented with the preview window, you can view data on your iPod by type. To recover photos from an iPod, for example, choose Camera Roll.

Step 3. Recover iPod data

Select all items you want to recover and click the Recover button. Set an output folder and click Recover again.

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