I tried activating a new feature in macOS 14.2 and iOS/iPadOS 17.2 called contact verification for iMessages. Before I could complete the process I had to somehow remove my 7th generation iPod Touch from the Messages app. Apple was NOT helpful in indicating just how to do it so I removed the device from my iCloud account and wiped it.
I rarely used it anyway and the display is too small for my 65-yr-old eyes.
I could set it up again to use in the car as a music source because I use on Apple ID for iCloud and another one for media purchases.