Going back to Apple's firmware

There are three levels of “going back”. Start with the gentlest one.

1. Just start Apple’s firmware

Slide the Hold switch on (or hold Menu) while the iPod turns on. With any bootloader we install, this starts Apple’s firmware. Nothing is changed.

2. Remove what was added

• Scrollwheel OS: Firmware › Scrollwheel OS › Remove.
• Rockbox: Firmware › Rockbox › Uninstall (type ERASE).
• The Scrollwheel bootloader: Firmware › Bootloader › None (Apple only) (type BOOT).

Your music stays. Apple’s firmware was never changed, so the iPod is back as it was.

Put back a backup

Before the app changes the iPod’s firmware area or its music database, it saves a backup to your phone. You’ll find backups under iPod › Repair & Restore:

• Back Up Firmware Area makes one now.
• Write Back puts a firmware-area backup back (type ERASE). Share sends a copy wherever you choose.
• Put Back restores the music database as it was before the app’s last change.

Backups stay in the app’s private storage, are never uploaded, and are deleted if you uninstall the app.

3. Restore the iPod completely

A full restore brings back a broken or Mac-formatted iPod. It erases the whole iPod, music included.

1. Download your iPod’s firmware file (.ipsw) from Apple’s servers. The Apple Wiki firmware table links to them. We never include or host Apple’s firmware.
   • iPod mini 1st generation (grey labels on the wheel): iPod_6.1.4.1.ipsw. If the iPod then shows a folder with a warning sign, use iPod_3.1.4.1.ipsw. The app asks which you have.
   • iPod mini 2nd generation: iPod_7.1.4.1.ipsw.
2. In the app: iPod › Repair & Restore › Restore from .ipsw, and pick the file.
3. The app backs up the start of the disk, then erases the iPod, writes the firmware, formats the music area and writes a new partition table. Type ERASE to confirm.
4. Unplug the iPod and connect it to a wall charger with its cable. It finishes installing there, with a plug-and-socket picture and a progress bar.

Also under Repair & Restore: Erase Music, Keep Firmware and Remove All Songs.

iPod nano 2nd generation and later

These keep their firmware in their own flash memory, and restoring them works differently. Use iTunes or Finder for now. The app’s own nano 2nd generation restore is experimental and untested.