Apple iPod mini (User’s Guide) - Manual (Page 16)

16 Using iPod mini
Disabling iPod mini Buttons Using the Hold Switch
If you’re carrying iPod mini in your pocket and you don’t want to press the buttons or
turn it on accidentally, you can make the buttons inactive.
n Set the Hold switch to Hold.
Slide the switch toward
the center (so you can
see the orange stripe)
to disable the controls.