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iPod New User's Guide

Got a new iPod?

This handy guide will help you do the following things:

  1. Install iTunes
  2. Connect and set up your iPod
  3. Fill your iPod and iTunes with Music
  4. Disconnect your iPod
  5. Play your iPod
  6. Learn more
  7. Troubleshoot iTunes and iPod

1. Install iTunes
Before you connect your iPod to your Mac or PC computer or use it, you must install the latest iTunes software.

2. Connect and Set Up your iPod
Charge your battery by connecting it to an Apple iPod Power Adapter or connect your iPod to a high-power USB port —one that's located directly on your computer—to ensure that your computer charges your iPod battery. (If your computer doesn't seem to recognize your connected iPod, wait about 30 minutes to allow the iPod battery to charge before going further.)

3. Fill your iPod and iTunes with Music
Once you finish the set up, iTunes will open.

It will then either:
  • Automatically start filling your iPod with music from your iTunes library (if you set iTunes to automatically update your iPod)

        OR
  • Allow you to pick and choose what music, videos (if you have a Fifth Generation iPod), audiobooks, and podcasts to add, if you opted to manually manage music on your iPod.

To manually add content, simply drag any file from your iTunes library or playlist to your iPod icon in the iTunes Source list. If you're using iTunes for the very first time, you'll need to add some music to iTunes first, such as songs from your own CDs or music already on your hard drive.

4. Disconnect your iPod
Once you've got your music, audiobooks, videos, and other files on your iPod, you're ready to enjoy it.
  • If you see an “OK to Disconnect” message on your iPod, simply disconnect it from your computer.
  • If you see a “Do Not Disconnect” message, click the eject icon that appears next to your iPod icon in the iTunes Source list and then disconnect your iPod from your computer when you see the “OK to Disconnect” message.
  • Disconnecting my iPod

5. Play your iPod
Now you’re ready to enjoy your iPod.

6. Learn more
Whether you're a Mac or Windows user, the information below will help you enjoy your iPod to its fullest.

7. Troubleshooting
The following are typical issues you may encounter.

General

Mac
Windows