How to Unlock Disabled or Unavailable iPod[2025]

When your iPod says “iPod is disabled” or “iPod Unavailable,” you’re locked out for minutes or even longer. The only way back in is using the right passcode. If you forgot the screen passcode unluckily, don’t worry, there are still ways to unlock disabled iPod. Some rely on iTunes, others don’t. We’ll cover both sides here and help you get into your locked iPod easily,  so you can use your iPod like before.

No matter your iPod touch model or iOS version, you’ll find a method that fits. Whether you’re stuck on “iPod is disabled,” “iPod Unavailable,” or the “Security Lockout” screen, every method mentioned here will help you bypass them easily.

Can You Unlock Disabled/Unavailable iPod Without Losing Data?

No, unless you have the latest iPod backup. If iPod supports iOS 17, you can use the old screen passcode to unlock the disabled iPod without any data loss. However, unfortunately, iPod only supports up to iOS 15.

How to Unlock Disabled/Unavailable iPod Without iTunes

Most users write to us with the same issue: iTunes or Finder won’t recognize their iPod, especially when iPod is stuck on the “iPod Unavailable” or “iPod is disabled” screen. So, we’ll begin with the methods that let you remove screen lock from iPod without needing iTunes. And let’s face it, some of these ways are just easier. Let’s cover those first.

Way 1. Use iDevice Passcode Removal Tool [Without iTunes]

Passixer iPhone Unlocker’s Screen Passcode removal feature lets you remove the screen lock from any iPod touch generation easily. Whether your iPod is locked with 4/6-digit passcode, Face ID, Touch ID or custom code, Passixer will help you get into your locked iDevice fast. Plus, it doesn’t put unnecessary requirements to work successfully, like having an active Wi-Fi on the iPod or Apple ID upfront. Passixer also supports all iPod Touch models running from iOS 6 all the way to iOS 15.7.9.

Once your iPod is unlocked, you can sign in the device with a new Apple ID first and then install new apps, listen to music, watch movies, etc., on it as normal.

Key Features:

• Unlock broken or unresponsive iPhone without passcode or Face ID.
• Work on screen lock removal even when Find My iPod is on.
• Remove Apple ID from second-hand iPhone without password.
• Bypass iCloud Activation Lock on iPhone without unavailable Apple ID or screen passcode.

How to Use Passixer to Unlock Disabled iPod:

Step 1. Launch Passixer on your Mac or Windows. From the home screen, choose Wipe Passcode to begin.

Step 2. Confirm your iPod device info and hit Start. The tool will download the appropriate firmware for your iPod. 

Step 3. Once done, enter 0000 and press Unlock to start unlocking iPod.

You’ll see the Wiped passcode successfully message on the software screen in a few minutes.

Way 2. Use Erase iPod Option [Without iTunes or Computer]

There’s a native feature built into the last iPod. Apple made that lets you wipe the device right from the lock screen. Yes, you’ll only find the Erase iPod option on the 7th-generation iPod touch, running iOS 15.2 to 15.7.9. And it’s also the only iPod model that shows the updated iPod Unavailable message instead of the older “iPod is disabled” screen.

Keep in mind that this process wipes everything from the device, just like a full reset inside Settings. Still, for users who meet the conditions, it’s the simplest way to start fresh—right from your hands.

Requirements

• iPod Touch 7th-generation
• Apple ID must be signed in
• iPod is connected to a previously used Wi-Fi network

How to Use Erase iPod Option:

You can follow these steps the moment the Erase iPod option shows up in the bottom-right corner. If you can’t see the option yet, keep entering the wrong passcode a few times to go to the iPod Unavailable screen.

Step 1. Tap Erase iPod and you’ll get a warning that all data, apps, and content will be permanently erased. Confirm by selecting Erase iPod once again.

Step 2. You’ll be asked to enter your Apple ID password. The first few characters of the Apple ID will appear as a hint. Type in the password and hit Done.

Step 3. After that, your iPod will begin erasing. It usually takes five minutes.

Way 3. Use Find My Feature [Without iTunes or Computer]

If your iPod doesn’t show that button on screen because it is running an older iOS, you can remotely erase it by using Find My feature. Both options trigger the same result: a full reset, wiping everything clean, as long as Find My was already enabled. Also, there are two reliable ways to access Find My:

• Use the Find My app on another iPhone (your own or borrowed).
• Visit iCloud.com in a browser.

We’ll cover both below.

Requirements

• iPod Touch 5th, 6th, or 7th generation (running iOS 6 to 15.7.9)
• iPod must be powered on and connected to Wi-Fi
• Find My iPod must’ve been enabled before lockout
• You must know the Apple ID credentials used on the device
• Optional: Use a trusted browser to skip 2FA

How to Use Find My to Access Locked iPod:

We’ll show you both methods step-by-step. First through the browser and then via the Find My app which can become helpful when the iCloud site method fails.

Steps on iCloud Site

iCloud website is handy when you’re on a trusted browser because you won’t need to pass extra security checks. On a new computer, though, two-factor authentication will be required before accessing your Apple Account(Apple ID). If that’s sorted, here are the steps:

Step 1. Head to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID.

Step 2. Once inside the iCloud dashboard, scroll through the home screen and select the Find My option.

Step 3. From the All Devices drop-down list at the top screen, pick the iPod you want to erase.

Step 4. A side panel with available options will appear, click Erase This Device from the options.

Step 5. A confirmation will pop up, warning that the data will be wiped permanently. Hit Erase to finalize.

Steps on Find My App

Again, there are two ways to do this—one from your own iPhone that’s signed into the same Apple ID and another using a borrowed iPhone without needing two-factor authentication. The requirements don’t change, however, both options will only work as long as your iPod is online and Find My was already enabled.

Option 1: Use an iDevice Already Signed In

Step 1. Open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad already linked to the same Apple ID as your iPod. From the bottom tabs, tap Devices.

Step 2. You’ll see all Apple devices connected to your account. Select the desired iPod.

Step 3. Tap Erase This Device and confirm when prompted.

Option 2: Use a Friend’s iPhone (No 2FA Needed)

Apple surprisingly sometimes allows you to access Find My from another iPhone without triggering two-factor authentication, which is if you use the Help a Friend option. Follow these steps:

Step 1. On your friend’s iPhone, open the Find My app and tap the Me tab in the bottom-right corner.

Step 2. Select Help a Friend. Then, tap Use a different Apple Account and log in with the Apple ID used on your iPod.

Step 3. Select your iPod from the list, tap Erase This Device, and then confirm when asked. The iPod will reset remotely just like in the previous method.

How to Unlock Disabled/Unavailable iPod with iTunes

Restoring your iPod through recovery mode is one of the most straightforward options to unlock your unavailable iPod. Just connect your device to a computer and let iTunes or Finder handle the reset.

There’s one caveat to keep in mind. If Find My iPod is turned on, the reset won’t bypass the iCloud lock screen. Activation Lock will stay, even after everything else is erased.

Requirements

• Mac or Windows computer with Finder or iTunes
• Workable USB cable
• Find My must be off to avoid Activation Lock after reset

How to Use iTunes to Remove Disable iPod Screen:

Step 1. Connect your iPod to your Mac or Windows PC using a USB or Lightning cable.

Step 2. Press and hold the Top button until the power slider appears. Slide to turn off your iPod. Then, put your iPod into Recovery mode by pressing the corresponding buttons and connect the device to your computer.

• iPod touch (7th generation): Volume down button
• iPod touch (6th generation and earlier): Home button

Step 3. On your computer, open iTunes (or Finder). A prompt will appear with the option: Restore and Update. Select it to factory reset your iPod and bypass the iPod is disabled connect to iTunes or iPod Unavailable screen.

Step 4. On the following software agreement screen, click Agree to continue.

Step 5. You’ll see a confirmation message once the process is complete. Click OK and leave the device connected.

Wait for it to restart and return to the Hello screen. Then, you can unplug the iPod and leave this trouble behind you for good. If you’ve reset an iPod active on Find My feature, you’ll have to enter the Apple ID to bypass iCloud lock before accessing your iPod.

Conclusion

So those are all the tested ways to unlock a disabled iPod, whether you want to use iTunes, Find My, or prefer a quick on-device reset. The best method for you depends on your situation: iOS version, Apple ID access, etc.

In summary, Passixer is the way to go if you want to get into the disabled iPod quickly. This software supports all iPod Touch models. And, more importantly, it can remove the screen passcode from iDevice without skilled needed.