Hold Button

• Check the hold button to see if it switched into the “Hold” position accidentally as this locks the screen and accessibility to it. The hold button is at the top of most iPod models (on the the iPod touch, it is a toggle switch on the left side). Switch it from the left to the right to remove “Hold,” if on. Even if you find the “Hold” button isn’t in the “On” position, try toggling it back and forth to see if that restores your screen and access to the iPod.
  
  

Use the Combination

• If you locked the screen with the combination, you will have to unlock the screen by entering the same combination. Enter the combination with the controls used to set it in the first place. The screen’s digits flash red if you do not enter the correct combination. If you’ve entered the combination correctly, the iPod should display the last screen you were viewing. If this doesn't work, you will still be able to restore screen functionality.
  
  

Computer Synchronization

• If you cannot remember the combination or find the one you are using doesn’t work, the next step is to attach your iPod to your computer via the USB cable. Attach it to the computer where you uploaded the iTunes software. This should be the same computer used to sync and charge your iPod. Open up iTunes and access the library. Sync the iPod as normal; when you disconnect, the iPod should be unlocked.
  
  

Restore

• If none of these options works for unlocking your iPod, the last resort is using the “Restore” function in iTunes. Using this feature erases all stored data on your iPod and is permanent. You can restore your iPod to a backed up version if you made a backup before restoring the iPod software.