How to put music on your iPod

What you need

Mac: use Finder on macOS Catalina or later, or iTunes on macOS Mojave or earlier.
Windows: use iTunes for classic, nano, shuffle, and mini; use Apple Devices for iPod touch (install Apple Music too).
Match a data cable to your iPod and computer; a newer computer may need a USB-C adapter or hub.
An adapter does not change the iPod’s required connection: first- and second-generation full-size iPods sync over FireWire, not USB.
Use music files you own or may copy, in a format your iPod supports; check its model number and connector with Apple’s identification guide before buying a cable.

Use a cable that fits the iPod; an adapter does not change the iPod’s required connection.

On macOS Catalina or later, use Finder; on macOS Mojave or earlier, use iTunes.
Connect with a compatible data cable; unlock the iPod and choose Trust if asked.
Finder syncing is documented for iPod touch; older USB-connected iPods may appear, but are not guaranteed.
If an older iPod is missing, use the troubleshooting checklist below.
In Finder, select the iPod in the sidebar; in iTunes, select the device.
Open Music sync options and choose songs, artists, albums, or playlists to add.
Click Apply or Sync, wait for syncing to finish, then eject in Finder or iTunes before unplugging.

Use iTunes for Windows 10 or later for classic, nano, shuffle, mini, and other recognized full-size iPods.
Connect the iPod, open iTunes, and select its device icon.
Under Settings, choose Music and turn on syncing.
Select music to add, then click Apply or Sync.
Stay connected until syncing finishes; eject from the app or Windows before unplugging.

Install the Apple Music app and Apple Devices app.
Connect the touch, open Apple Devices, and select it in the sidebar.
Unlock the touch and accept the Trust prompt if one appears.
Choose Music, turn on syncing, select the music to add, and apply the changes.
Do not disconnect while syncing; eject from the app or Windows before unplugging.

FireWire warning: first- and second-generation full-size iPods sync over FireWire, not USB; a USB-only cable or adapter cannot replace FireWire.

Classic and other full-size: Cable: Varies by model; first and second generations require FireWire. · App: Finder on Catalina or later if recognized; iTunes on older macOS or Windows.
iPod mini: Cable: 30-pin dock; USB or FireWire depending on cable and computer; check generation. · App: Finder on Catalina or later if recognized; iTunes on older macOS or Windows.
iPod nano: Cable: 7th generation uses Lightning; earlier generations use their older generation-specific connector. · App: Finder on Catalina or later if recognized; iTunes on older macOS or Windows.
iPod shuffle: Cable: Use its generation-specific cable; confirm the generation and connector first. · App: Finder on Catalina or later if recognized; iTunes on older macOS or Windows.
iPod touch: Cable: Later models use Lightning; earlier models use an older connector, so identify the generation. · App: Finder on Catalina or later; iTunes on earlier macOS; Apple Devices on Windows.

Classic, nano, and shuffle: Apple Music subscription tracks and Spotify offline downloads stay in their apps; sync regular library files instead.
Copy compatible music you own or may copy, such as purchases or CD imports; file support depends on the iPod model.
Touch: Apple Music subscription music works only when the model and software support it; Apple Music or iTunes Match prevents iTunes syncing, and subscription tracks do not become ordinary files.

Try another data-capable cable and USB port; check adapters, since a charge-only cable cannot sync.
For iPod touch, unlock it and accept any Trust prompt on the iPod and computer; restart both, then reconnect.
Before troubleshooting, charge with a compatible cable or power adapter.
If it will not power on or hold a charge, the battery may need service.
Disk mode is not normal syncing; follow Apple’s instructions for your exact model and do not guess button combinations.
If it still does not appear, follow Apple’s connection troubleshooting guide; identify the model before changing cables or software.
Last resort — restore: use Apple’s model-specific restore instructions; it can erase music, so keep another copy first.

This guide’s catalogue scope includes the following model pages. Check each model’s fitment notes before buying parts or starting a repair.