How to Transfer Music to an iPod

Apple’s iPod comes in a variety of formats and capacities. Unlike some portable MP3 players, the iPod uses software to manage the music on your device. While this may seem daunting at first, once you have done it a few times, the process is simple and fast.

Things you will need:

• USB cable for Apple iPod


• iTunes – available at http://www.apple.com/iTunes/


• Digital music files

There are two ways iTunes can manage your music collection on your iPod. Depending on the options set for your device, adding music to your iPod will vary.

 To check the options set for your iPod:

1. Power on your computer.


2. Launch iTunes. This can be found on the Start Menu by clicking “All Programs,” followed by “iTunes.”


3. Plug the USB cable into the bottom of your iPod.


4. Plug the other end of the cable into an available USB port on your computer.


5. Click your device in the bar on the left side of the iTunes interface.


6. Click the “Summary” button at the top of the main iTunes information window.


7. Check the status of the check box labeled “Manually manage music and videos.” This box should be located under “Options.”

If “Manually manage music and videos” is not checked.

1. Power on your computer.


2. Launch iTunes. This can be found on the Start Menu by clicking “All Programs,” followed by “iTunes.”


3. Plug the USB cable into the bottom of your iPod.


4. Plug the other end of the cable into an available USB port on your computer.


5. Click “File” on the main iTunes menu bar.


6. Click “New Playlist” on the drop down menu provided.


7. Type the desired name for your playlist in the box next to the playlist created.


8. Click “Music.” This should be located under “Library” on the left side of the screen.


9. Select the music you want to add. For multiple files, press and hold the “Ctrl” key on your keyboard while clicking songs.


10. Right-click the last song selected.


11. Hover the mouse pointer over “Add to Playlist.”


12. Click the playlist you created on the pop out menu.


13. Repeat this process until all songs you wish to add to your iPod are on the list.


14. Click your iPod in the bar on the left of the iTunes window.


15. Click “Music.” This should be at the top of the main iTunes information window.


16. Click the box next to “Sync Music.”


17. Click the radio button labeled “Selected playlists, artists, albums, or genres.”


18. Click the check box next to your playlist in the “Playlists” section.


19. Click “Sync” in the bottom right of the main iTunes information window.


20. Wait for synchronization to complete before unplugging your iPod or closing iTunes.

Anytime you make a change to this playlist within iTunes and connect your iPod, the music will be updated on the iPod automatically.

If “Manually manage music and videos” is checked:

1. Power on your computer.


2. Launch iTunes. This can be found on the Start Menu by clicking “All Programs,” followed by “iTunes.”


3. Plug the USB cable into the bottom of your iPod.


4. Plug the other end of the cable into an available USB port on your computer.


5. Click “Music.” This should be located under “Library” on the left side of the screen.


6. Select the music you want to add. For multiple files, press and hold the “Ctrl” key on your keyboard while clicking songs. Hold down the mouse button on the last song.


7. Drag the songs to your device, located under “Devices” on the left side bar of the iTunes interface. The display box directly below the iTunes title bar should now show you the progress of the file transfer.


8. Wait for transfer to complete before unplugging your iPod or closing iTunes.