How do I reboot or restart a "frozen" or "hung" iPod?

First, check to make sure that the iPod isn't paused or that the "hold switch" is in the "locked position" as indicated by a small "padlock" icon on the screen (if applicable) and color visible on the right side of the "hold switch" (on the top of the iPod). If the iPod isn't paused or locked, you will need to reset your iPod.

The steps to reboot or restart your iPod are different depending on the model.

For the original iPod, iPod (2nd Gen), and iPod (3rd Gen) plug the iPod into the power adapter and plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet (or plug the iPod into a computer), and reset it by depressing the "menu" and "play/pause" simultaneously and continue to hold both buttons until the Apple logo appears.

For all models with a "Clickwheel" -- starting with the iPod (4th Gen) and provided by all subsequent models with the exception of the iPod shuffle and iPod touch lines and the iPod nano (6th Gen) -- plug the iPod to the power adapter and plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet (or plug the iPod into a computer), and reset it by depressing the "menu" and "select" (the center button) until the Apple logo appears. For additional details on resetting the iPod, please refer to "Resetting iPod" from the Apple Support Site.

For the iPod shuffle models, move the switch to the "off" position, wait for five seconds, and switch it back on. For details, please refer to "Resetting iPod shuffle" from the Apple Support Site.

For the iPod touch models, "press and hold the sleep/wake button and the home button at the same time for at least ten seconds until the Apple logo appears". For more information, please refer to "Turning on/off and resetting iPod touch and iPhone" from the Apple Support Site.

For the iPod nano (6th Gen), "press the Sleep/Wake button and the Volume Down button for 6 seconds, until the Apple logo appears."

Also see:

• How do I fix my iPod if it will not turn on, turn off, or wake up?
• How do I fix my iPod if it is "hung" on the Apple logo?
• How do I fix my iPod if it shows a folder with a "!" icon or "sad" iPod?
• How do I fix my iPod if it won't show up on my computer?

How can I start to troubleshoot a problem with my iPod?

You may wish to start by reviewing the iPod Troubleshooting & Repair Q&A. The iPod Troubleshooting & Repair Q&A provides answers to a variety of questions regarding troubleshooting music playback, the battery, display, hard drive, and more.

Apple's main iPod Support Site likewise is a good first stop for troubleshooting. Apple recommends first trying the "five Rs" to attempt to resolve iPod issues. These five steps are:

1. Reset your iPod.

2. Retry your iPod with a different USB or FireWire port on your computer (please note that the latest iPods can only be synced through USB). [Also see: Which iPods can sync and charge via USB? Which iPods can sync and charge via Firewire?]

3. Restart your computer, and make sure that you have the latest software updates installed.

4. Reinstall your iPod and iTunes software. You can download the latest versions of iPod Updater and iTunes from our website.

5. Restore your iPod using the latest iPod Updater. Please note that restoring an iPod will erase all songs and files on your iPod and restore it back to its original settings. After restoring, you can transfer your music and files from your computer back to your iPod again.

Apple also has provided a nice video walkthrough of these steps in action that you may find helpful, and a general iPod Troubleshooting FAQ also may be of interest.

If after going through all of the above, the issue appears to be a hardware problem, get in touch with professional support.