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Fix "iTunes Could Not Connect to the iPod" Passcode Error

· 2 min read

If you have forgotten the passcode on your iPod and iTunes displays the error "iTunes could not connect to the iPod because it is locked with a passcode", the only way to regain access is to perform a full restore through Recovery Mode.

Warning: This process will erase all data on your iPod. If you have a previous backup in iTunes or iCloud, you can restore your content after the reset.

How to restore using Recovery Mode​

  1. Turn the iPod off completely.
  2. Open iTunes on your computer.
  3. Connect the iPod to your computer using the USB cable.
  4. Press and hold the Home button on the iPod as you connect it. Keep holding the Home button — this forces the iPod to power on and boot directly into Recovery Mode.
  5. iTunes will display a dialog: "iTunes has discovered an iPod in Recovery Mode. Would you like to restore?"
  6. Click Yes (or Restore).
  7. Wait for the restore process to finish. The iPod will restart and load a fresh copy of iOS.

After the restore​

Once the restore completes, the iPod will display the initial setup screen. You can either set it up as a new device or restore from a backup if you previously synced with iTunes or iCloud.

If you continue to have issues connecting the iPod after the restore, try using a different USB cable or USB port, and make sure you are running the latest version of iTunes.