How To Restart the iPod Shuffle (Every Model)

Updated November 18, 2019

If your iPod Shuffle doesn't respond when you click its buttons, it's either frozen or out of battery power. To un-freeze it, restart it. The specific steps are different for each model.

Instructions in this article apply to all versions of the iPod Shuffle.

Identify Your iPod Shuffle Model

Since the restart process varies for each model, determine what model Shuffle you have. Learn about each Shuffle model in our overview of the iPod Shuffle's history.

When you've confirmed which one you have, follow the instructions for it below.

How to Restart a 4th Generation iPod Shuffle

On a 4th Generation iPad Shuffle, restart the iPad with the Hold switch. The Hold switch is on the upper-right side of the Shuffle.

Disconnect the iPod Shuffle from the computer or power source.
Move the Hold switch to the Off position. It's off when there isn't any green in the area near the button.
Wait about 10 seconds (wait a little longer if you're not sure).
Slide the Hold switch to the On position so that it shows green.
The Shuffle restarts and is ready to use.

How to Restart a 3rd Generation iPod Shuffle

On a 3rd Generation iPad Shuffle, restart the iPad with the Hold switch. The Hold switch is at the top of the Shuffle.

Disconnect the Shuffle from the computer or power source.
Move the Hold switch to the Off position. The Off text appears on the back of the Shuffle.
Wait about 10 seconds.
Slide the Hold switch to the Play in order position. This setting is represented by an icon that looks like two arrows chasing each other in a circle.
The Shuffle restarts.

How to Restart a 2nd Generation iPod Shuffle

On the 2nd Generation iPad Shuffle, restart the iPad with the Hold button.

Disconnect the Shuffle from the computer or power source.
Move the Hold button to Off.
Wait five seconds.
Move the Hold button to the On position. A green area appears next to the button.
Use the Shuffle as you normally would.

How to Restart a 1st Generation iPod Shuffle

On a 1st Generation iPad Shuffle, restart the iPod with the switch. The switch is on the back of the Shuffle.

Disconnect the Shuffle from the computer or power source.
Move the switch to the Off position.
Wait five seconds.
Move the switch to the Play in order position which is indicated by an icon of two rounded arrows circling each other.
The Shuffle restarts and is ready to use.

What to Do If Resetting the Shuffle Doesn't Work

In most cases, following the steps above should restart the Shuffle and you should be done. But if the Shuffle doesn't work after restarting it:

Make sure the Shuffle's battery is fully charged. The device may seem to be frozen because it's run out of battery. Charge the Shuffle for an hour or so and try again.
Update the Shuffle to the latest version of its operating system. New operating system updates have bug fixes and other efficiencies that often improve performance.

If neither of these steps works, contact Apple for support. Because the Shuffle has fewer buttons than other iPods and no screen, the options to fix problems are limited. Apple is in the best position to help with advanced problems.

If you have a Shuffle other than the latest model, consider buying a new one. A repair may cost as much as the current model.

To learn more about your Shuffle, download the manual for your version free from Apple.

Need to restart an iPod model that's not covered in this article, or an iPhone or iPad? Find out what to do to fix a frozen iPhone, iPad or iPod.