Forgot iPod PASSWORD: How to FIX IT without a restore

ATTENTION: PLEASE READ THIS! Most of your questions are answered below.

This process will not delete anything stored on your iPod. The whole idea is to preserve your data and avoid performing a restore.

This is what I have on my computer and it works every time for me: Windows 7 32-bit version, .NET Framework 4.0, iTunes 10.7.0.21, Java 6 update 41

The required files can be downloaded from:

Gecko works best with Windows 7 32-bit version. Windows 8 users *might be able to use the command line procedure described on my site.

If you get the "INIT FAILED (mux thread)" error, try downgrading your Java to version 6.

Sometimes your phone will show a black screen and stop responding. If this happens for more than a few minutes you should be able to use a hard reset to get it back on. Hold power+home buttons for ten seconds then release and press the power button again.

If you have forgotten your iPod password and entered it too many times, this will allow you to get past the "iPod is disabled" screen without a restore. This way you won't lose all of your data, jailbreak or unlock. Works on the following devices up to version 6.0 Once you get past the ipod disabled message you can once again enter your password. If you forgot your iPod password you can recover it by following the steps in my other video. Works with the following devices:

iPod 2-4th generation
iPhone 3GS-4
iPad 1

This procedure does not require your device to be jailbroken.

You do not need to have an iTunes account but you will need iTunes on your computer.

You can post questions here but unfortunately there are some that I can't answer if I haven't encountered the same problem that you are having. Hopefully other YouTube members will help me respond to some of your questions. You can always use the "Assist" option on my website if you are still having trouble. Good luck.

Possible solution to JRE or INIT Failed mux message:

Shatti Unique says:

i used itunes 11.0.5.5 on ios6 i worked,, just remove the new itunes INC the itunes file in the music library,, thanks my friend

From Evalrion:

Device: iPod Touch 4G
Software Used: iTunes 10.7, Java SE 6.37
Tools: Gecko iPhone Toolkit

Goal: Allow me to enter my passcode again.

Process:
1. Uninstall iTunes, Apple Application Support x32 & x64, Apple Mobile Device Support.
2. Install Java SE 6.37 and iTunes 10.7 x64 (because I use Windows 7 x64).
3. Plug in iPod, let it get all its device drivers (I had 3).
4. Follow video instructions. My iPod kept going to the screen with an icon for iTunes and a cable, this is not what you want. You want the screen to be completely black after following the instructions to get to DFU mode.
5. There may be a point where the program doesn't stop where it does in the video, it will install a driver for recovery mode, "Apple Device Driver (Recovery)" if I remember correctly.
5. Continue to follow video instructions.

Outcome: Success!

Thank you! Still helpful 4 years later! :P

[colehong]

This worked! I found my old iPod 4 that I wanted to start using again, but it was disabled (which I'm guessing is why I stopped using it). I wanted to reset it using my CPU, but to do that I needed to "Trust this computer" but I obviously can't because it's disabled!! With this video I reset my iPod with iTunes!! Thank you so much!!

[GoCellPhoneRepair]

This question keeps coming up so I'm going to state here just as an update. *Most* questions are answered in the video description. This works with the devices listed as supported up to 5.0.1. I have not had any trouble with 5.1.1 either for the record. 6.1.X sometimes works and sometimes does not. 7.X... not much luck.


Also there is a possible solution for the INIT FAILED error if you read the end of the video description.

[josephbenedek]

Has anyone figured out a way to do this on Windows 10? I really want to get into my old iPod but I am locked out and don't want to lose all of my data.

[GoCellPhoneRepair]

This is meant to get your iPod working without deleting anything. You do not need an iTunes account. Your first question is answered in the video description. I will add the second answer now so that others will benefit.

[jeriieboi]

YOU'RE A GENIUS! Everything worked perfectly fine with me. My nephew lost his phone at a food court and when the concierge gave it back it was disabled. Took a while for me to fix it and you helped, so thanks a lot. :)

[GoCellPhoneRepair]

The answer to your question can be found in the video description.

[Keylime-dhnp]

Will this still work? Since the video is older? I'm trying to fix my iPod 4, but I can't risk having anything deleted.. Advice? Don't know if it's still in date

[Moonlittt]

um, not paying 10$ for gecko toolkit.

[thaliaalvarez]

Could I just pay you to do this!?? I don’t want any of my pictures deleted I’m afraid to mess anything up

[miktit]

I thought it would be better to repost here.
Succes! I made it on computer with Windows 7 home-premium (64 bit). I installed iTunes 10.6.3 (downloaded it form the Apple support page) and downgraded to Java 6 41st update (downloaded from Oracles site) I bought the Gecko Toolkit and downloaded redsn0w from the links in the description. I didn't install any .NET framework on the computer.
The iPod disabled is a 4th gen and has iOs 6 on it.

Thanks a

[GoCellPhoneRepair]

@Jason Yang It does not work with the iPhone 4S. Why can't I reply to your comment?

[thomass.]

Huge props to you for still answering comments.

[anawood]

My iPod is locked and I've forgotten the password is there way to bypass it and still be able to keep the pics I have on it?

[GoCellPhoneRepair]

@013SINFUL This will not work with the iPod 3rd gen. Please check the video description for supported devices. 

[creekerr]

when I do the first steps, it just sends me to the "restore ipod" and I cant find gecko tool. help?

[ItsCueven]

ive been trying to get into my ipod touch 4th generation ive been itching to get into it for years is there any up to date way to restore without losing my data

[GoCellPhoneRepair]

For everyone having problems with iPhone 4S, iPad 2, iPod 5th generation: This program only supports devices listed in the description.

[GoCellPhoneRepair]

@Dania Ihsan As long as you have the model and iOS version listed in the video description it will work indefinitely.

[GoCellPhoneRepair]

No. That is the whole purpose- to save everything that's on your device.

[GoCellPhoneRepair]

@Shenne Tiedeman That sounds like your firmware may be too new. Do you know when it was last updated? The latest iOS that seems to work is 6.1.3