How To Access The New iPod Nano’s Diagnostic Mode [How-To]

Like all iPods before it, the new sixth-generation iPod nano comes with a handy diagnostic mode to allow Apple’s constabulary of technicians to dig into the underlying wetware of the device before the flouncy frills of the operating system have been slathered on top.

Unlike past iPods nanos, though, the new nano doesn’t have a clickwheel, which makes accessing its hidden iTerm Diagnostic Mode slightly different than before.

If you want to access the nano 6G’s diagnostic mode, here’s how you do it:

1. Reset your nano by holding down the sleep and volume down buttons until the Apple logo appears.

2. When you see the Apple logo, hold down all three buttons until “iTerm: iPod Display Console” flashes on screen.

3. (Other) You can reset your nano into Disk Mode by simply holding down the volume buttons when you see the Apple logo.

My favorite takeaway from the new nano’s diagnostic mode? The fact that the sixth-generation iPod nano is apparently codenamed “Snowfox” internally. That’s just adorable.

2 comments »