Sunday, September 28, 2008

Unlock Your iPod WITHOUT Using iTunes

We just took a minor vacation involving a long drive. Unfortunately, the night before we left I accidentally locked my iPod while messing with it. This meant that the only screen I could see is the one you see above. This also meant that for the whole 10+ hours in the hot car, I was without my music. Sigh. . .

The Offending Screen (arstechnica)

The unlocking info from Apple is impractical for people who don't use iTunes or no longer have an "authorized" computer with iTunes (the whole stupid "authorization" thing as well as the bad interface of iTunes means that my iPod has never known its embrace - I use an alternate file management software for my 'Pod that gives me more freedom). Opportunistic developer MaxSoft even sells an "iPod unlocker" for $10 that essentially duplicates the easy hack you can implement from any computer that'll unlock your iPod in less than a minute. As always, there's the slightest chance you could screw something up when you crawl into your iPod's actual data, but this is worlds better than reformatting your iPod's brain and losing everything.

The easy fix (as outlined on a few of smarter websites that don't just reiterate Apple's dumb statements):

1) Open your iPod as a flash drive (you'll see it from the "My Computer").

2) Enable hidden folders and go into the folder "iPod control".

3) From within the "Device" folder, find the file titled "_locked" and rename it to "_unlocked".

Then just disconnect the thing and you should be on your way. If this doesn't work (I haven't tested this on any other iPods), deleting the file instead should work, but I would suggest that you Google around before you try anything other than this easily-reversible method. I've given you more than enough search terms should you need to look.

24 comments:

  1. This seems valuable advice for any with the problem described.

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  2. Thanks man u saved my life. I cant go without music. Tanks again. T-Pain

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  3. Anonymous7:34 AM

    what if my ipod is disabeled and it says connect to itunes when i went to my compust there was a file that came up that said Apple Ipod but that was under scanner and camera but i couldnt find it anywhere plz email me instructions @sheldonj@rocketmail.com

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  4. Sheldon Johnson7:35 AM

    that was me up there that asked that

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  5. Anonymous4:21 PM

    Thanks to you and Google! Worked for 5th Generation iPod on Xubuntu. iPod was a gift to my sister so the usual fixes could not work.

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  6. Anonymous9:16 PM

    I love you. My comp is too shitty for itunes. you saved my life.

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  7. Anonymous8:25 PM

    THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!!!!!my friend will be happy!!!!!

    THANK U!!!

    mms4cellphones.blogspot.com

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  8. Anonymous1:10 PM

    wow, it was that simple and yet apple try's to make you use itunes, and for what? so your music can get deleted when it doesn't need too?? does apple even know about this? idiots! thanks man you saved me, had to unlock the wife's ipod, freaking thing ain't even mine hahaha

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  9. Anonymous10:16 PM

    its not coming up in my computer.

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    Replies
    1. Pamela12:21 PM

      its not comming up on mine either.

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  10. Anonymous10:06 AM

    my computer doesnt show the flash drive,what do i do ?

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  11. Anonymous6:39 AM

    i cnat find that as a flash drive, the only folder i see having to do with my ipod is with pictures. can someone help me?

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  12. Anonymous9:01 PM

    i seriously need help it only shows my itouch as a camera and scanner......what do i do!!! >.<

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  13. Anonymous9:43 PM

    omg thanks so mutch it helped alot :)

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  14. Anonymous4:27 PM

    i dont see the folder thing. what do i do? help please :(

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  15. khuzema9:23 AM

    dude that was awsome , big fan ov urs now

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  16. Anonymous5:24 PM

    man i am 11 i dont get anything nothing is working does this work on an apple ipod 4g because thats what i think that i got 4g or 5g man i am so mad i need help!!!!!!!!!!!!!:(((((

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    1. Anonymous5:37 PM

      im 11 to and ima freakin out this is bad! and..i dont understand any of that so..HELP! and..if u figure it out plz let me know sum how idk how but just do it i lost my facebook so message my mom..her name is sarah mccrory just message and tell her and she will show me how okay thanks :)

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  17. Anonymous3:27 AM

    How do you fine the hidden files

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  18. Anonymous11:53 AM

    Can the ipod be disabled when I connect it? Or do i have to wait until i can write my passcode in?

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  19. Anonymous6:15 PM

    wen i look for the files all it says is scanner and camera. Can you help me ?

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  20. Anonymous7:09 PM

    Will this work with an iPad? Reply ASAP please

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  21. i am gona try dis maybe it would work first before i laugh... :(

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