Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
iPod touch which iPodModel
- Thread starter zoran
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
This article suggests that you can enter the SN into Apple's device coverage page to get information. Another resource is Identify your iPod model.
Does the iPod function? If so, in the device's settings you should find an About page which displays the SN, and iTunes (or Finder) should display the SN in the device summary screen. Double-check to make sure you have the correct SN with no typos.
EDIT: I entered the SN from my old iPod photo into the coverage page and it failed due to my mistaking a 5 for an S. After correcting that and trying again, it displayed the model number and the year I purchased it.
If you have a dead device and you're trying to read the the SN from the printing on the case, I hope your eyes are better than mine. The small text on my 7th gen Nano is unreadable even with a strong magnifying glass.
You could try posting a photo of the iPod here.
EDIT: I entered the SN from my old iPod photo into the coverage page and it failed due to my mistaking a 5 for an S. After correcting that and trying again, it displayed the model number and the year I purchased it.
If you have a dead device and you're trying to read the the SN from the printing on the case, I hope your eyes are better than mine. The small text on my 7th gen Nano is unreadable even with a strong magnifying glass.
You could try posting a photo of the iPod here.
Last edited:
If the Apple website doesn't give you an answer, EveryMac's serial lookup tool may be able to. https://everymac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup/
It's been able to identify everything I've put into it so far, it can typically figure out any product from pre-2021 when they started using randomised serials.
iPad or iPod?
If it's an iPad you "found" then probably not. If it's activation locked, then there's zero way to do anything with it without the person whose account it is locked to releasing it. If you purchased it from someone, you'll need to reach out to them to remove the lock.
If it's locked to your account, or not activation locked, then you'll need to connect it to a computer and do a full erase and start as a new device. You may be able to use a previous backup to restore some of your apps and settings if you previously had an iPad.
Apple may be able to release the activation lock, but you have to prove beyond any doubt the device is rightfully yours. At minimum you'll need the original receipt. And it's at their discretion, so do not count on this at all.
maybe.
If it's an iPad you "found" then probably not. If it's activation locked, then there's zero way to do anything with it without the person whose account it is locked to releasing it. If you purchased it from someone, you'll need to reach out to them to remove the lock.
If it's locked to your account, or not activation locked, then you'll need to connect it to a computer and do a full erase and start as a new device. You may be able to use a previous backup to restore some of your apps and settings if you previously had an iPad.
Apple may be able to release the activation lock, but you have to prove beyond any doubt the device is rightfully yours. At minimum you'll need the original receipt. And it's at their discretion, so do not count on this at all.
Its the iPod Touch im talking about... and yes i believe i need to make full erase. How do i do that?
You could first try putting it into recovery mode and restoring with iTunes/Finder. If that doesn't work, you could try doing a DFU restore.
If you can't update or restore your iPhone or iPod touch - Apple Support
You can put your iOS device in recovery mode, then restore it using your computer.
Hey everyone,
I wanted to share something that might help fellow iPod enthusiasts. If you’ve ever tried connecting an iPod Touch 1st Gen to a modern system, you probably know how frustrating it can be when iTunes or Apple Music tells you to recover the device—only for the process to fail or get stuck in a loop.
I put together a step-by-step video showing how to fully recover an iPod Touch 1st Gen(can be applied to newer models if their respective recovery file) whether you already have Windows XP set up in a VM or need to install it from scratch. I also cover syncing music from Windows 11 after recovery.
This is my contribution to the iPod community—I love keeping these devices alive, and I hope this guide helps others do the same. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
I wanted to share something that might help fellow iPod enthusiasts. If you’ve ever tried connecting an iPod Touch 1st Gen to a modern system, you probably know how frustrating it can be when iTunes or Apple Music tells you to recover the device—only for the process to fail or get stuck in a loop.
I put together a step-by-step video showing how to fully recover an iPod Touch 1st Gen(can be applied to newer models if their respective recovery file) whether you already have Windows XP set up in a VM or need to install it from scratch. I also cover syncing music from Windows 11 after recovery.
This is my contribution to the iPod community—I love keeping these devices alive, and I hope this guide helps others do the same. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!