iPod "Recovery Mode" error (#2): Potential fix

We previously reported on an issue where some users receive the message "iTunes has detected an iPod in recovery mode. You must restore this iPod before it can be used with iTunes."

In many cases, a restore process is not successful in resolving this error message.

Potential fix Some instances of this problem can be resolved by putting the afflicted iPod in disk mode, then using Apple's Disk Utility to erase and format the iPods internal hard drive. Follow these steps:

1. Verify that the iPod has at least a partial charge
2. Toggle the hold switch on and off (leave it off)
3. Press and hold the "Menu" and "Select" buttons until the Apple logo appears
4. Immediately after the Apple logo appears, press and old the middle (select) and Play/pause buttons simultaneously until the disk mode screen appears
5. Connect the afflicted iPod to your Mac -- the iPod screen should then say "Do not disconnect"
6. Launch Disk Utility (located in Applications/Utilities) and select the iPod disk from the left-hand pane
7. Click the "Erase" tab at the top of the main Disk Utility window
8. Select "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)" from the "Volume Format" menu
9. Press the "Erase" button
10. After performing this procedure, reset your iPod. For most iPods this is accomplished by press and holding the "Menu" and center (select) buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears,

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

• iPod (fifth-generation): "Recovery Mode" error, failed synchronization

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