How to Add Two iPods to One iTunes Account
By Maria Janelli
Suppose you have two iPods. Maybe you use an iPod shuffle when you go to the gym, and an iPod touch when you commute. Perhaps you and your spouse each have iPod classics, but you don't want to maintain individual iTunes accounts because you like the same kind of music. Whatever your reason, Apple makes it possible to sync two iPods to a single iTunes account. You can use one of two methods to do this, depending upon how much time you want to spend setting up the devices.
Sync Different Playlists
Step 1
Create playlists for all of the music you want synced to each iPod. For example, you might make three playlists for the iPod you take to the gym, and seven playlists for the iPod you use during your commute.
Step 2
Connect your iPod to your computer. iTunes will automatically open.
Step 3
Click on the icon for your iPod that appears in the left menu of iTunes.
Step 4
Click on the "Music" tab.
Step 5
Check the button for "Selected playlists, artists, and genres."
Step 6
Put a check mark in the box next to each playlist that you want to put on the first iPod.
Step 7
Click "Apply" in the lower right-hand corner.
Step 8
Click "Sync" to add only those playlists to your iPod.
Step 9
Repeat steps 2 to 8 on the second iPod.
Same Account, Separate Libraries
Step 1
Press the "Option" button on your keyboard when you open iTunes. If you're using a Windows computer, press the "Shift" key.
Step 2
Click "Create Library" when you see the dialog box.
Step 3
Give the library a name and save the file. iTunes will then open with your new library.
Step 4
Click on "iTunes" in the menu at the top of the screen, then click "Preferences." If you're using a Windows computer, click on "Edit" and then "Preferences."
Step 5
Click on the "Advanced" tab.
Step 6
Deselect the check box next to "Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to library" and then click OK.
Step 7
Add the music to iTunes that you want on your iPod. You can drag the files into iTunes or select "File" and "Add to Library." If you're using a Windows computer, click "File" and then "Add File to Library" or "Add Folder to Library."
Step 8
Press the "Sync" button to sync your iPod. When the sync is complete, proceed to step 9.
Step 9
Quit iTunes.
Step 10
Press the "Option" button on your keyboard when you open iTunes. If you're using a Windows computer, press the "Shift" key when you open iTunes.
Step 11
Select your original iTunes Library, then click "Choose." If you're on a Windows computer, click "Open." You are now able to switch between the libraries for the different iPods.