If you forgot your iPod touch passcode

Forgot your iPod touch passcode? Learn how to get your iPod touch into recovery mode so you can erase it and set it up again.

If you enter the wrong passcode on your iPod touch Lock Screen too many times, an alert lets you know that your iPod touch is disabled. (Learn what to do if the "[Device] unavailable" or "Security Lockout" screens appear on your iPod touch.)

If you can’t remember your passcode when you try again, you need to use a computer to put your iPod touch in recovery mode. This process deletes your data and settings, including your passcode, giving you access to set up your iPod touch again.

After you erase your iPod touch, you can restore your data and settings from backup. If you didn't back up your iPod touch, you can set it up as a new device and then download any data that you have in iCloud.

An iPod touch showing the iPod is disabled message

Step 1: Make sure that you have a computer (Mac or PC)

This process requires a Mac or PC. If you're using a PC, make sure that it has Windows 10 or later, and that the Apple Devices app or iTunes is installed. You also need the cable that came with your iPod touch, or another compatible cable, to connect your iPod touch to the computer.

If you don't have a computer and you can't borrow one, you need to go to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for help.

Step 2: Turn off your iPod touch

  1. Unplug your iPod touch from the computer if it’s connected.

  2. Press and hold the Top button until the power off slider appears.

    An iPod touch showing the location of the Top button

  3. Drag the slider to turn off your iPod touch, then wait a minute to make sure that it turns off completely.

Step 3: Put your iPod touch in recovery mode

  1. Get ready by finding the button on your iPod touch that you'll need to hold in the next step:

    • iPod touch (7th generation) uses the volume down button.

      An iPod touch showing the location of the volume down button

    • iPod touch (6th generation and earlier) uses the Home button.

      An iPod touch showing the location of the Home button

  2. Press and hold the correct button for your iPod touch while immediately connecting your iPod touch to the computer. Don't let go of the button.

  3. Keep holding the button until the connect to your computer screen appears on your iPod touch, then let go.

    An iPod touch showing the recovery mode screen

If the passcode screen appears, then you need to turn off your iPod touch and start again.

If you can’t get your iPod touch to show the connect to your computer screen and you need help, contact Apple Support.

Step 4: Restore your iPod touch

  1. Locate your iPod touch in the Finder, the Apple Devices app, or in iTunes on the computer that it’s connected to. (Learn how to find your connected iPod touch.)

  2. Choose Restore when presented with the option to Restore or Update. Your computer downloads software for your iPod touch and begins the restore process. If the download takes more than 15 minutes and your device exits the connect to your computer screen, let the download finish, then turn off your iPod touch and start again.

    A Mac window showing the Restore button

  3. Wait for the process to finish.

  4. Disconnect your iPod touch from the computer, then set up and use your iPod touch.

Need more help?

If you can't complete any of these steps, if you're still prompted for a passcode, or if you need any other assistance, contact Apple Support.

Published Date: