bought a iPod from a garage sale like 5 years ago but accidentally locked it

Hey there ftfhe43w34,

Thanks for reaching out to the Apple Support Communities.

To get started, if don't know the passcode to unlock your iPod nano, you can restore the device with a computer using the steps found in this link here: If your iPod won't turn on or seems frozen - Apple Support

If your iPod turns on but gets stuck during startup

If your iPod still won't respond, gets stuck during startup, or persistently displays an Apple logo or , here's what to do:

1. If you're using a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier or a PC, make sure that your computer has the latest version of iTunes.

2. If you have an iPod nano or iPod classic, put your iPod in Disk Mode.

3. On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open a Finder window. On a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier or a PC, open iTunes. Then connect your iPod directly to your computer.

4. Find your iPod in the Finder or iTunes, then select Restore iPod.

We do want to let you know that this will remove all information from the device, so you will need to resync your music to the iPod after the restore is complete.

Let us know if that's able to help.

Take care!