How to Disable the Restrictions on My iPod

Restrictions aren't just for parents handing over their iOS device to their kids.
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You can use your iPod's Restrictions, also known as Parental Controls, to implement a number of controls -- to require a password for app purchases, for example, or completely block the use of Siri. To disable these restriction -- either all of them or a select few -- you need to know the Restrictions passcode you've set for the iPod. If you've lost or forgotten the passcode, the only way to remove your iPod's restrictions is to do an iTunes factory restore.

1 Disabling Restrictions When You Know the Passcode

2 Navigate to your iPod's Home screen

Navigate to your iPod's Home screen, and then tap "Settings."

3 Tap General

Tap "General," and then tap "Restrictions."

4 Disable Restrictions

Tap "Disable Restrictions" to completely turn off the feature. Enter the four-digit passcode when prompted. Alternately, you can maintain some of your Restrictions and toggle the slider to "Off" for individual features you wish to un-restrict.

5 Disabling Restrictions When You Don't Know the Passcode

6 Connect the iPod to your computer

Connect the iPod to your computer using a USB cable, and then launch iTunes on the computer if it doesn't launch automatically.

7 Select your iPod from the list of available devices

Select your iPod from the list of available devices once it appears in iTunes.

8 Click the Summary'' tab

Click the "Summary" tab, and then choose "Restore iPod." Confirm by clicking "Restore."

9 Wait for the iPod

Wait for the iPod to restore and then restart. When you see the "Slide to Set Up" message displayed on the screen, unplug the USB cable from the device, and then follow the on-screen prompts in the iOS Setup Assistant to initialize the device.

10 Reconnect the device to the computer

Reconnect the device to the computer, and then sync it with iTunes to replace your iPod's apps and digital content. Do not restore from a previous backup to avoid reloading previous settings and re-enabling the Restrictions.

  • Information in this article applies to iPod Touch devices running iOS 6. It may vary slightly or significantly for other versions or products.

Based in Tampa, Fla., Danielle Fernandez been writing, editing and illustrating all things technology, lifestyle and education since 1999. Her work has appeared in the Tampa Tribune, Working Mother magazine, and a variety of technical publications, including BICSI's "Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual." Fernandez holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of South Florida.

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