How to Download Songs Onto an iPod Shuffle
By Aksana Nikolai
Though the iPod shuffle does not have a screen like other iPod models, the method for downloading songs to your device is the same as with other devices in the iPod family: you connect it to your computer and then sync it with your iTunes library. You can either automatically sync your iPod when you connect it to iTunes or manually transfer selected songs to the device.
Automatic Sync
Step 1
Launch iTunes, and then connect the iPod to your computer using the iPod's USB cable.
Step 2
Click the "iPod" button at the top-right corner of the iTunes screen. If you've connected two or more devices to iTunes, click "2 Devices," and then select your iPod. ITunes displays the iPod summary screen.
Step 3
Click the “Music” button, and then select the “Sync Music” checkbox.
Step 4
Select “Entire Music Library” to sync all songs each time you connect the iPod to iTunes. Alternatively, click the “Selected Playlists, Artists, Albums and Genres” radio button to choose the music you want to sync. Select the checkboxes corresponding to songs and playlists that you want to sync automatically each time you connect the iPod to iTunes.
Step 5
Click “Apply” to begin the sync.
Step 6
Click the “Eject” icon next to the iPod once you see the “iPod Sync Is Complete” message.
Manual Sync
Step 1
Launch iTunes, and then connect the iPod to your computer using the iPod's USB cable.
Step 2
Click the "iPod" button at the top-right corner of the iTunes screen. If you've connected two or more devices to iTunes, click "2 Devices," and then select your iPod.
Step 3
Click the “Summary” button if iTunes does not automatically display the iPod summary screen, and then select “Manually Manage Music and Videos.”
Step 4
Click “On This iPod” to see the songs currently synced to the device, and then click “Add To.”
Step 5
Drag the songs you want to transfer to the iPod from the left side of the iTunes window to the pane on the right, and then click “Done.”
Step 6
Click “Sync.”
Step 7
Click the “Eject” icon next to the iPod once you see the “iPod Sync Is Complete” message.
References
Warnings
- Information in this article applies to iTunes 11 and the fourth generation iPod shuffle. It may vary slightly or significantly with other versions or products.
Writer Bio
Aksana Nikolai is a graduate of the New York Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree in language studies and international affairs. Nikolai is currently working in online marketing and communications. She has been writing since 2008, specializing in made-for-Web content and maintaining her fashion and beauty blog.