How to Transfer Music From a PC to an iPod Shuffle

By Si Kingston

Download music to your iPod Shuffle.
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The iPod Shuffle is Apple's smallest MP3 device, but it was the first device in the iPod family to incorporate flash memory. Newer models of the Shuffle allow users to add multiple playlists, while older models (first and second generation) restricted users to one playlist. The tiny device lacks a screen, but it does provide talking points to users to help them navigate through their music.

Go to itunes.com to download and install iTunes on your computer.

Open the iTunes software.

Plug the wider end of the iPod Shuffle's USB sync cable into the bottom of your device. Plug in the other end of the cable into the computer's USB port.

Wait for iTunes to recognize the device. Your device and its contents will be listed in the left pane of the iTunes interface.

Click on your device name in the left pane (e.g., Billy's iPod).

Create a playlist for your Shuffle by selecting "File" at the top of the interface, then selecting "New Playlist." You can skip this step if you prefer to use a playlist already on your iPod Shuffle, or if you are using an older Shuffle that restricts you to the default playlist already listed under your device name. If using a current playlist, select the playlist under your device name. The list and contents will be displayed in the main window.

Locate the music on your computer that you want to transfer to your Shuffle. Then, drag and drop your MP3 files into your new playlist or current playlist window. The music will then transfer to your iPod Shuffle.

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