Restore iPod without iTunes: Difference between revisions

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Ok, so you have an iPod Classic (80, 120 or 160 GB), or a Nano (3G or 4G should work, can't speak for the newer models). You have done something bad to it, like changing the firmware or deleting something you shouldn't have deleted, and you want to bring it to life? Great, that's the article you're looking for!
Before using this guide, you should try restoring your iPod with iTunes. If it doesn't recognise it, try putting it in [[Modes#DFU_mode|DFU mode]] first. Here's a video on how to achieve this:
 
First, you should try restoring it with iTunes. But it probably won't recognise it, unless you put it in DFU mode. Here's a video on how to achieve this:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_bIDtBohnE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_bIDtBohnE


Then use iTunes' Restore option. It should actually ask you to do it, just accept it and it would be back to life in a minute or two.
Then use iTunes' '''Restore''' option, but it should ask you to do it automatically - just accept it.


''But, .... it doesn't work! What should I do? It's BROKEN!''
If this doesn't work, keep reading.
 
Calm down, and keep reading...


=The standard disclaimer=
=The standard disclaimer=
Line 17: Line 13:


=Prerequisites=
=Prerequisites=
* An iPod (Classic - also known as iPod 6G/7G) (It works for Nanos, but the files are different!)
* An iPod (nano 3rd to nano 7th, and all Classic models)
* Computer with Windows (Linux tutorial coming soon, it's mostly the same except that you don't need to care about drivers, but need to build ipodscsi from source)
* A computer running Windows, Linux or macOS
* Patience
* Patience


Line 28: Line 24:
# The iPod shows a monochrome disk mode screen
# The iPod shows a monochrome disk mode screen
# You repartition the hard disk, upload the new firmware and reboot the iPod - all these three at once using ipodscsi
# You repartition the hard disk, upload the new firmware and reboot the iPod - all these three at once using ipodscsi
# Your iPod is working again. Yay!
# Your iPod is working again!
 
You're ready? Ok, let's do it!


'''Please note that Apple's files are available ONLY over HTTP! It is possible that your browser automatically changes HTTP to HTTPS, which won't work. Make sure you download them over HTTP.'''
'''Please note that Apple's files are available ONLY over HTTP! It is possible that your browser automatically changes HTTP to HTTPS, which won't work. Make sure you download them over HTTP.'''
Line 36: Line 30:
=Steps to restore=
=Steps to restore=


<s>There's also a video of (almost) the whole procedure. The commands are longer, because I have the files in different directories. Also, it doesn't show USB driver installation, because I already have them installed.
Here's what you need to do.
 
Link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-nEXXv8_PY</s>
 
The video is outdated, showing the old procedure (using Python/pyusb and ipoddfu.py).


==Putting the iPod into DFU mode==
==Putting the iPod into DFU mode==
# Get an USB to iPod dock cable.
* Connect a USB to iPod cable to your computer. Don't connect the iPod yet.
# Connect it to your computer.
* Lock the '''HOLD''' switch, then unlock it after a second.
# Get your iPod.
* Connect the USB cable to the iPod.
# Lock the '''HOLD''' switch, then unlock it after a second.
* During the next two steps, disregard what happens on the iPod's screen, just do what we ask you to.
# Connect the USB cable to the iPod.
* Hold down '''MENU''' + '''CENTER''' for 12 seconds but no more than 15 seconds.
# During the next two steps, disregard what happens on the iPod's screen, just do what we ask you to.
* Release the buttons.
# Hold down '''MENU''' + '''SELECT''' (the center button) for 12 seconds (count to 12, just to be sure that your timing is right).
* You're in DFU mode.
# Release the buttons.
# You're in DFU mode.


Here's a video, to make it more clear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_bIDtBohnE
Here's a video on how to do it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_bIDtBohnE


==Uploading the first restore stage (WTF)==
==Uploading the first restore stage (WTF)==
"What the f*ck"? No, probably means '''W'''riting '''T'''he '''F'''irmware or '''W'''aiting for '''T'''he '''F'''irmware - we never found out. Who cares, anyway.
This is the '''W'''riting '''T'''he '''F'''irmware or '''W'''aiting for '''T'''he '''F'''irmware mode. Your device needs to receive a Recovery program.
 
1. Press the Start menu button.


2. Type '''cmd''' and press '''Enter'''.
* Open '''cmd''' or '''Terminal'''
 
* Download one of these files depending on the OS type/version you have:  
3. In the black window that opens, type '''cd Desktop''' and press '''Enter'''.
** [https://files.freemyipod.org/~user890104/bootloader-ipodclassic-v1_0/Windows/mks5lboot32.exe mks5lboot32.exe] for 32-bit Windows
 
** [https://files.freemyipod.org/~user890104/bootloader-ipodclassic-v1_0/Windows/mks5lboot64.exe mks5lboot64.exe] for 64-bit Windows
4. Download one of these files to your Desktop, depending on the Windows version you have (x86 = 32 bit, x64 = 64-bit):  
** [https://files.freemyipod.org/~user890104/bootloader-ipodclassic-v1_0/Linux/mks5lboot.x86 mks5lboot.x86] for 32-bit Linux
[https://files.freemyipod.org/~user890104/bootloader-ipodclassic-v1_0/Windows/mks5lboot32.exe mks5lboot32.exe] OR [https://files.freemyipod.org/~user890104/bootloader-ipodclassic-v1_0/Windows/mks5lboot64.exe mks5lboot64.exe] (Right-click, then choose Save link as...).
** [https://files.freemyipod.org/~user890104/bootloader-ipodclassic-v1_0/Linux/mks5lboot.x86_64 mks5lboot.x86_64] for 64-bit Linux
 
** [https://files.freemyipod.org/~user890104/bootloader-ipodclassic-v1_0/Mac/mks5lboot mks5lboot] for macOS
5. And this one too, from Apple's servers: [http://appldnld.apple.com/iPod/SBML/osx/bundles/041-8552.20121203.Bile3/x12230000_Recovery.ipsw x12230000_Recovery.ipsw] (I hope they won't delete it at some point, because we can't legally host it on our server).
* Download a file from Apple's servers depending on your iPod model:
 
** [http://appldnld.apple.com/iPod/SBML/osx/bundles/041-8552.20121203.Bile3/x12230000_Recovery.ipsw x12230000_Recovery.ipsw] for iPod classic and iPod nano 3rd generation
6. Go to your desktop, and rename the '''ipsw''' file to '''zip'''.
** TODO: ''provide Recovery files for the nano models''
 
* Rename the '''ipsw''' file to '''zip'''.
7. Use your favourite tool to extract the zip, '''WinZip''', '''WinRAR''' and '''7-zip''' will do it well, even Windows' integrated ZIP extractor will do.
* Use your favourite tool to extract the zip, e.g. '''WinZip''', '''WinRAR''', '''7-zip''' or even Windows' integrated ZIP extractor.
 
* Open the extracted folder, and go to '''Firmware''' -> '''dfu'''. There should be a file named '''WTF.x1223.RELEASE.dfu''' there. Copy it to your working directory.
8. Open the extracted folder, and go to '''Firmware''' -> '''dfu'''. There should be a file named '''WTF.x1223.RELEASE.dfu''' there. Copy it to the desktop.
'''Please note that the commands here may be different for you, depending on your operating system!'''
 
* Run the following command in your terminal
'''Please note that the commands here are for the 32-bit version, which should work on all Windows versions - if you choose to use the 64-bit version, please enter mks5lboot64.exe instead of mks5lboot32.exe in the following commands!'''
  mks5lboot --dfuscan
 
You should see an output similar to the following, showing that your iPod is detected. If not, please ask for support and do not continue.
9. Back in the black window, type: (or copy/paste)
  mks5lboot32.exe --dfuscan
and press Enter.
 
You should see a message similar to the following, showing that your iPod is detected. If not, please ask for support and do not continue.
  mks5lboot Version -170303
  mks5lboot Version -170303
  This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
  This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
Line 88: Line 69:
  [INFO] winapi: found \\?\USB#VID_05AC&PID_1223#87020000000001#{B8085869-FEB9-404B-8CB1-1E5C14FA8C54}\0001
  [INFO] winapi: found \\?\USB#VID_05AC&PID_1223#87020000000001#{B8085869-FEB9-404B-8CB1-1E5C14FA8C54}\0001
  [INFO] DFU device state: 2
  [INFO] DFU device state: 2
10. Enter the following command:
10. Run the following command:
  mks5lboot32.exe --dfusend WTF.x????.RELEASE.dfu
  mks5lboot --dfusend WTF.x????.RELEASE.dfu
You should see the following output:
You should see an output similar to this:
  mks5lboot Version -170303
  mks5lboot Version -170303
  This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
  This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
Line 96: Line 77:
  [INFO] winapi: found \\?\USB#VID_05AC&PID_1223#87020000000001#{B8085869-FEB9-404B-8CB1-1E5C14FA8C54}\0001
  [INFO] winapi: found \\?\USB#VID_05AC&PID_1223#87020000000001#{B8085869-FEB9-404B-8CB1-1E5C14FA8C54}\0001
  [INFO] DFU image sent successfully (35955 bytes)
  [INFO] DFU image sent successfully (35955 bytes)
If you see something different, stop here. Otherwise, go ahead.
If you don't see "DFU image sent successfully", stop here.
==Uploading the second restore stage (FIRMWARE)==
==Uploading the second restore stage (FIRMWARE)==
1. Enter the following command:
* Run the following command:
  mks5lboot32.exe --dfuscan
  mks5lboot --dfuscan
You should see the following output:
You should see an output similar to this:
  mks5lboot Version -170303
  mks5lboot Version -170303
  This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
  This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
  warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.<br>
  warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.<br>
  [INFO] DFU scan:
  [INFO] DFU scan:
  [INFO] winapi: found \\?\USB#VID_05AC&PID_1245#87020000000001#{B8085869-FEB9-404B-8CB1-1E5C14FA8C54}\0001
  [INFO] winapi: found \\?\USB#VID_05AC&'''PID_1245'''#87020000000001#{B8085869-FEB9-404B-8CB1-1E5C14FA8C54}\0001
  [INFO] DFU device state: 2
  [INFO] DFU device state: 2
2. On the line that has a "found" text, look for the USB Product ID. It is the four symbols after the text '''PID_'''. In this example, it's 1245 which means a Classic 2G (120GB)
* On the line that has a "found" text, look for the USB Product ID. It is the four symbols after the text '''PID_'''. In this example, it's 1245 which means a Classic 2G (120GB)
 
* Download one of the following files, depending on your iPod's model/product ID.
3. Download one of the following files, depending on your iPod's model/product ID.
** For '''Classic 1G''' (USB PID 1241), download [http://appldnld.apple.com/iPod/SBML/osx/bundles/061-4728.20080707.Vlo09/x12410000_Recovery.ipsw x12410000_Recovery.ipsw].
* For '''Classic 1G''' (USB PID 1241), download [http://appldnld.apple.com/iPod/SBML/osx/bundles/061-4728.20080707.Vlo09/x12410000_Recovery.ipsw x12410000_Recovery.ipsw].
** For '''Classic 2G''' (USB PID 1245), download [http://appldnld.apple.com/iPod/SBML/osx/bundles/061-4962.20080909.Aaqs3/x12450000_Recovery.ipsw x12450000_Recovery.ipsw].
* For '''Classic 2G''' (USB PID 1245), download [http://appldnld.apple.com/iPod/SBML/osx/bundles/061-4962.20080909.Aaqs3/x12450000_Recovery.ipsw x12450000_Recovery.ipsw].
** For '''Classic 3G''' (USB PID 1247), download [http://appldnld.apple.com/iPod/SBML/osx/bundles/061-7299.20091217.Bghyt/x12470000_Recovery.ipsw x12470000_Recovery.ipsw].
* For '''Classic 3G''' (USB PID 1247), download [http://appldnld.apple.com/iPod/SBML/osx/bundles/061-7299.20091217.Bghyt/x12470000_Recovery.ipsw x12470000_Recovery.ipsw].
** For '''Classic 4G''' (USB PID 1250), download [http://appldnld.apple.com/iPod/SBML/osx/bundles/041-8552.20121203.Bile3/x12500000_Recovery.ipsw x12500000_Recovery.ipsw]
* For '''Classic 4G''' (USB PID 1250), download [http://appldnld.apple.com/iPod/SBML/osx/bundles/041-8552.20121203.Bile3/x12500000_Recovery.ipsw x12500000_Recovery.ipsw]
* As before, rename it to zip and extract it.
4. As before, rename it to zip and extract it.
* Go inside the folder '''Firmware''' -> '''dfu''', and copy the file to your working directory. It should be named '''FIRMWARE.x****.RELEASE.dfu''' where **** is the USB ID of your iPod at the moment.
 
* Run the following command:
5. Go inside the folder '''Firmware''' -> '''dfu''', and copy the file to your desktop. It should be named '''FIRMWARE.x****.RELEASE.dfu''' where **** is the USB ID of your iPod at the moment.
  mks5lboot --dfusend FIRMWARE.x????.RELEASE.dfu
 
You should see an output similar to this:
6 Enter the following command:
  mks5lboot32.exe --dfusend FIRMWARE.x????.RELEASE.dfu
and press Enter.
You should see the following output:
  mks5lboot Version -170303
  mks5lboot Version -170303
  This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
  This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
Line 127: Line 104:
  [INFO] winapi: found \\?\USB#VID_05AC&PID_1245#87020000000001#{B8085869-FEB9-404B-8CB1-1E5C14FA8C54}\0001
  [INFO] winapi: found \\?\USB#VID_05AC&PID_1245#87020000000001#{B8085869-FEB9-404B-8CB1-1E5C14FA8C54}\0001
  [INFO] DFU image sent successfully (1157699 bytes)
  [INFO] DFU image sent successfully (1157699 bytes)
After 10-20 seconds, you should see an Apple logo on the screen, and after a couple more second a white screen with a stop sign and text '''Do not disconnect''' at the bottom. Windows might want to reformat it, say '''No''' if it does. Continue to the next step.
After 10-20 seconds, you should see an Apple logo on the screen, and after a couple more second a white screen with a stop sign and text '''Do not disconnect''' at the bottom. Your operating system might want to reformat it, say '''No''' if it does. Continue to the next step.
==Final step: Install Apple's firmware==
==Final step: Install Apple's firmware==
# You're almost there. Go to http://www.felixbruns.de/iPod/firmware/ and download the latest firmware for your iPod model.
* You're almost there! Go to http://www.felixbruns.de/iPod/firmware/ and download the latest firmware for your iPod model.
# As you might have guessed, you need to rename the '''ipsw''' to '''zip''', and extract it.
* As you might have guessed, you need to rename the '''ipsw''' to '''zip''', and extract it.
# In that folder, you'll find a file named '''Firmware-XX-X.X.X''' (X's depending on the model and version). Copy it to the desktop.
* In the resulting folder, you'll find a file named '''Firmware-XX-X.X.X''' (X's depending on the model and version). Copy it to your working directory.
# Download [http://files.freemyiPod.org/misc/ipodscsi.exe ipodscsi.exe] to your desktop.
* Get ipodscsi.
# Open '''Windows Explorer''', and look for your iPod. It should be in the Removable drives section. Take a note of its drive letter (e.g. '''F:''').
** For Windows, download [https://files.freemyipod.org/misc/ipodscsi.exe ipodscsi.exe] to your working directory.
# Open the black window, and type:
** For Linux/macOS, download [https://github.com/freemyipod/freemyipod.git out Git repository], navigate to '''tools/ipodscsi_linux''' and build '''ipodscsi''' using '''make'''
  ipodscsi.exe F: ipod6g writefirmware -p -r Firmware-*
* Open your file manager and look for your iPod. It should be in the Removable drives section. Take a note of its drive letter (e.g. '''F:''' on Windows) or block device path (e.g. '''/dev/disk4''' on Linux/macOS).
You should see:
* Run the following command:
  ipodscsi F: ipod6g writefirmware -p -r Firmware-*
You should see an output similar to this:
  ipodscsi v. 0.1.0 r959 - Copyright 2011 by Michael Sparmann (TheSeven)
  ipodscsi v. 0.1.0 r959 - Copyright 2011 by Michael Sparmann (TheSeven)
  This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
  This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
Line 164: Line 143:
  Rebooting device... done
  Rebooting device... done


Your iPod will reboot. You'll see a black screen with an Apple logo, and a progress bar at the bottom. Then it will again, show you another Apple logo for a while, and finally start Apple's firmware.
Your iPod will reboot. You'll see a black screen with an Apple logo, and a progress bar at the bottom. Then it will reboot again, show you another Apple logo for a while, and finally start Apple's firmware.


It should be safe to format it at this point. Use '''FAT32''' as filesystem. Windows isn't going to allow you format large devices with '''FAT32''', so you might need to use a third-party tool. [http://www.ridgecrop.demon.co.uk/index.htm?guiformat.htm FAT32 Format] is a good choice.
It should be safe to format it at this point. Use '''FAT32''' as filesystem.
* Windows isn't going to allow you format large devices with '''FAT32''', so you might need to use a third-party tool. [http://www.ridgecrop.demon.co.uk/index.htm?guiformat.htm FAT32 Format] is a good choice.
* On Linux, use '''mkfs.vfat'''.
* On macOS use '''Disk Utility''' or the '''diskutil''' command-line tool.


Then use iTunes to manage your music/videos. Or [https://files.freemyipod.org/~user890104/bootloader-ipodclassic.html install Rockbox].
Then use iTunes to manage your music/videos. Or [https://www.rockbox.org/download/ install Rockbox].


Enjoy your unbricked iPod!
Enjoy your unbricked iPod!

Latest revision as of 16:51, 31 May 2026

Before using this guide, you should try restoring your iPod with iTunes. If it doesn't recognise it, try putting it in DFU mode first. Here's a video on how to achieve this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_bIDtBohnE

Then use iTunes' Restore option, but it should ask you to do it automatically - just accept it.

If this doesn't work, keep reading.

The standard disclaimer

THE SOFTWARE AND INSTRUCTIONS ARE PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR INSTRUCTIONS, OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE OR INSTRUCTIONS.

Continue reading only if your agree.

Prerequisites

  • An iPod (nano 3rd to nano 7th, and all Classic models)
  • A computer running Windows, Linux or macOS
  • Patience

Overview of the procedure

  1. You put the iPod into DFU mode
  2. You send the first stage of the restore firmware (called "WTF") to the iPod using mks5lboot
  3. The iPod reconnects with a different USB IDs
  4. You send the second stage of the restore firmware (called "FIRMWARE") to the iPod using mks5lboot
  5. The iPod shows a monochrome disk mode screen
  6. You repartition the hard disk, upload the new firmware and reboot the iPod - all these three at once using ipodscsi
  7. Your iPod is working again!

Please note that Apple's files are available ONLY over HTTP! It is possible that your browser automatically changes HTTP to HTTPS, which won't work. Make sure you download them over HTTP.

Steps to restore

Here's what you need to do.

Putting the iPod into DFU mode

  • Connect a USB to iPod cable to your computer. Don't connect the iPod yet.
  • Lock the HOLD switch, then unlock it after a second.
  • Connect the USB cable to the iPod.
  • During the next two steps, disregard what happens on the iPod's screen, just do what we ask you to.
  • Hold down MENU + CENTER for 12 seconds but no more than 15 seconds.
  • Release the buttons.
  • You're in DFU mode.

Here's a video on how to do it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_bIDtBohnE

Uploading the first restore stage (WTF)

This is the Writing The Firmware or Waiting for The Firmware mode. Your device needs to receive a Recovery program.

  • Open cmd or Terminal
  • Download one of these files depending on the OS type/version you have:
  • Download a file from Apple's servers depending on your iPod model:
    • x12230000_Recovery.ipsw for iPod classic and iPod nano 3rd generation
    • TODO: provide Recovery files for the nano models
  • Rename the ipsw file to zip.
  • Use your favourite tool to extract the zip, e.g. WinZip, WinRAR, 7-zip or even Windows' integrated ZIP extractor.
  • Open the extracted folder, and go to Firmware -> dfu. There should be a file named WTF.x1223.RELEASE.dfu there. Copy it to your working directory.

Please note that the commands here may be different for you, depending on your operating system!

  • Run the following command in your terminal
mks5lboot --dfuscan

You should see an output similar to the following, showing that your iPod is detected. If not, please ask for support and do not continue. 

mks5lboot Version -170303
This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

[INFO] DFU scan:
[INFO] winapi: found \\?\USB#VID_05AC&PID_1223#87020000000001#{B8085869-FEB9-404B-8CB1-1E5C14FA8C54}\0001
[INFO] DFU device state: 2

10. Run the following command: 

mks5lboot --dfusend WTF.x????.RELEASE.dfu

You should see an output similar to this: 

mks5lboot Version -170303
This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

[INFO] winapi: found \\?\USB#VID_05AC&PID_1223#87020000000001#{B8085869-FEB9-404B-8CB1-1E5C14FA8C54}\0001
[INFO] DFU image sent successfully (35955 bytes)

If you don't see "DFU image sent successfully", stop here.

Uploading the second restore stage (FIRMWARE)

  • Run the following command:
mks5lboot --dfuscan

You should see an output similar to this: 

mks5lboot Version -170303
This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

[INFO] DFU scan:
[INFO] winapi: found \\?\USB#VID_05AC&PID_1245#87020000000001#{B8085869-FEB9-404B-8CB1-1E5C14FA8C54}\0001
[INFO] DFU device state: 2
  • On the line that has a "found" text, look for the USB Product ID. It is the four symbols after the text PID_. In this example, it's 1245 which means a Classic 2G (120GB)
  • Download one of the following files, depending on your iPod's model/product ID.
  • As before, rename it to zip and extract it.
  • Go inside the folder Firmware -> dfu, and copy the file to your working directory. It should be named FIRMWARE.x****.RELEASE.dfu where **** is the USB ID of your iPod at the moment.
  • Run the following command:
mks5lboot --dfusend FIRMWARE.x????.RELEASE.dfu

You should see an output similar to this: 

mks5lboot Version -170303
This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

[INFO] winapi: found \\?\USB#VID_05AC&PID_1245#87020000000001#{B8085869-FEB9-404B-8CB1-1E5C14FA8C54}\0001
[INFO] DFU image sent successfully (1157699 bytes)

After 10-20 seconds, you should see an Apple logo on the screen, and after a couple more second a white screen with a stop sign and text Do not disconnect at the bottom. Your operating system might want to reformat it, say No if it does. Continue to the next step.

Final step: Install Apple's firmware

  • You're almost there! Go to http://www.felixbruns.de/iPod/firmware/ and download the latest firmware for your iPod model.
  • As you might have guessed, you need to rename the ipsw to zip, and extract it.
  • In the resulting folder, you'll find a file named Firmware-XX-X.X.X (X's depending on the model and version). Copy it to your working directory.
  • Get ipodscsi.
    • For Windows, download ipodscsi.exe to your working directory.
    • For Linux/macOS, download out Git repository, navigate to tools/ipodscsi_linux and build ipodscsi using make
  • Open your file manager and look for your iPod. It should be in the Removable drives section. Take a note of its drive letter (e.g. F: on Windows) or block device path (e.g. /dev/disk4 on Linux/macOS).
  • Run the following command:
ipodscsi F: ipod6g writefirmware -p -r Firmware-*

You should see an output similar to this: 

ipodscsi v. 0.1.0 r959 - Copyright 2011 by Michael Sparmann (TheSeven)
This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

Repartitioning... done
Initiating firmware transfer... done
Writing firmware................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................
...... done
Rebooting device... done

Your iPod will reboot. You'll see a black screen with an Apple logo, and a progress bar at the bottom. Then it will reboot again, show you another Apple logo for a while, and finally start Apple's firmware.

It should be safe to format it at this point. Use FAT32 as filesystem.

  • Windows isn't going to allow you format large devices with FAT32, so you might need to use a third-party tool. FAT32 Format is a good choice.
  • On Linux, use mkfs.vfat.
  • On macOS use Disk Utility or the diskutil command-line tool.

Then use iTunes to manage your music/videos. Or install Rockbox.

Enjoy your unbricked iPod!

Related info

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