How to Transfer Music from an iPod to iTunes
Copy your valuable music from your iPod to iTunes in Windows or on a Mac.
Up next in How to Use an IPod (23 videos)
Sync, customize, clean, and troubleshoot your iPod without having to head to the Apple store with the advice in these Howcast videos.
You Will Need
- iPod with USB cable
- Computer with iTunes
- Free software (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Connect the iPod
Connect your iPod to your Windows-based PC using the USB cable. If iTunes start syncing your iPod automatically, click the X in the display to stop it.
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Step 2
Select your device
Go to My Computer, and select your iPod from the list of drives in the drop-down menu.
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Most PCs will list your iPod as the F drive, but this can differ depending on what other USB devices you have connected to your computer.
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Step 3
Show hidden files
Go to the Tools menu and select Options. Then click on the View tab and check "Show hidden files and folders." Select Apply.
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In Windows Vista, after you select the iPod drive, select Organize. Select the Folder and Search Options tab and click View and then Show Hidden Files and Folders.
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Step 4
Find the music folder
Find your iPod music folder on your computer by opening your device drive and looking for a folder called iPodControl.
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Step 5
Drag and drop
Select all of the music folders in your iPod. Drag and drop them directly into iTunes. You may have to select each individual song file before dragging and dropping in order to successfully transfer the music.
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You can also transfer the music by selecting File in iTunes, clicking Add to Library or "Add folder to library," and then selecting your iPod music files.
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Step 6
Organize it
Organize your music by going into the iTunes Edit menu, selecting Preferences and, in the Advanced tab, checking Keep iTunes Music Folder Organized. Now you can listen to music directly from iTunes without using your iPod.
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Step 7
Use free software
If you have a Mac, search online for free software that transfer music from your iPod to your iTunes. Unlike Windows, Macs won't recognize your iPod as an external disk.
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The most downloaded song from iTunes in 2009 was "Boom, Boom, Pow" by the Black Eyed Peas.
