Last Updated: Feb. 25, 2015

Even though it doesn't look much like a desktop or laptop computer, the iPod nano is essentially a small computer. And, just like a regular computer, sometimes it freezes up and needs to be restarted. If you've got a frozen iPod nano that isn't responding to clicks and isn't playing music, it probably needs a reset the same way a desktop computer would (in fact, when trying to solve virtually any problem with an iPod nano, your first step should be a restart.

You'd be surprised how often that solves the problem). Luckily, it's easy to reset an iPod nano. 

How to Reset the 7th Gen. iPod nano

The 7th generation iPod nano is the only nano that offers features like its multitouch screen, Bluetooth support, and a Home button. The way you reset it is also unique. Luckily, reseting the 7th generation nano will be very familiar if you've used an iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad.

1. Press and hold the Hold button (in the top right corner) until a progress wheel appears on the screen.
2. The screen will go dark, but keep holding.
3. In another few seconds, the Apple logo will appear. You can let go now; the nano is restarting.

How to Restart the 6th Gen. iPod nano

If you need to restart your 6th gen. nano, follow these steps:

1. Hold down both the Sleep/Wake button (the one on the top right) and the Volume Down button (the one of the far left). You'll need to do this for 8-10 seconds. 
2. The screen will go dark as the nano restarts.
3. When you see the Apple logo, you can let go; the nano is starting up again.

How to Reset 1st-5th Gen. iPod nano 

Reseting these early iPod nano models is similar to the technique used for the 6th gen. model, though the buttons you use are slightly different.

The first thing you should do is to make sure that your iPod's hold button isn't on. This is the little switch at the top of the iPod nano that you can "lock" the iPod's buttons. When you lock the nano, it won't respond to clicks, which can make it appear to be frozen. You'll know that the hold button is on when you see a little orange area at the top of the iPod nano and a lock icon on its screen. If you see either of these indicators, move the switch back and see if this fixes the problem.

If the nano isn't locked or moving the switch doesn't fix i:

1. Slide the hold switch to the On position (so that the orange appears) and then move it back to Off.
   
2. Hold down both the Menu button on the clickwheel and the center button at the same time. Press them for 6-10 seconds. This should reset the iPod nano. You'll know the nano is restarting when the screen darkens and then the Apple logo appears.
   
3. If this doesn't work the first time, repeat the steps and try resetting the nano again.
   
4. If a second or third reset doesn't solve your problem, try plugging your iPod nano into a power source (your computer or a wall outlet) and let it charge. Then repeat the steps.
   
5. If after all this, your nano still doesn't work, you may have a bigger problem, and ought to contact Apple to get more help.
   

 

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