How to Add Music to an iPod Without iTunes and Keep Your Songs Safe

Clara Prescott Published on November 07, 2025Transfer Data3-min reading

Still rocking an iPod Classic, Nano, or Shuffle? Even in the age of streaming, these devices have a loyal following. Many users still love the simplicity and storage capacity of iPods for carrying thousands of songs offline. But one challenge that often comes up is figuring out how to add music to an iPod today, especially since iTunes is no longer the default option on modern Macs. In this guide, you will learn multiple ways to transfer songs from your computer to your iPod, including official methods with iTunes or Finder, and easier alternatives without using iTunes at all.

Part 1. How to Add Music to an iPod Without iTunes

Musical transfers to an iPod need not depend on iTunes. Highly considered for iOS devices file management software, imyPass iPhone Transfer, works on iPod, iPhone, iPad, and lets you send songs from your pc without erasing the ones there. Ideal for those who cluster musical collections and wish to keep them in a certain order.

For either Mac or Windows, go to the official imyPass website, download the software, and follow the guidance to complete the installation.

Open the imyPass iPhone Transfer software and connect your iPod using a USB cable. The software will recognize your device.

Click on the Music section. This will allow you to see all the songs on your iPod.

Click the add button and choose either Add File(s) or Add Folder. Select the songs from your computer, and the software will convert them if needed.

After the transfer has happened, you can construct your playlists, remove songs you do not want, or modify your ID3 tags for more effective music management.

Part 2. The Official Way - Using iTunes or Finder

Apple recommends the use of iTunes or Finder for music transfers from a computer to iPods for Windows and macOS Mojave and earlier, or for macOS Catalina and later Finder. To transfer music using iTunes or Finder, use the sync option, and your iPod music library will match your iTunes or Finder setup. You can also use iTunes for other tasks, such as unlocking your iPhone with iTunes when you forget your passcode.

1. For Windows PCs and macOS Mojave (10.14) or earlier - Using iTunes

In the case of older versions of macOS or Windows, using iTunes to transfer music to iPods is acceptable.

2. For Macs with macOS Catalina (10.15) or later – Using Finder

These days, you can sync your devices using Finder, as iTunes is no longer available on macOS Catalina and newer versions.

Note: The functionality is essentially the same for iTunes and Finder. This iPod music sync feature can replace the music already on your device, so you should form a plan if you want to retain older music.

Part 3. What if the Computer Does Not Recognize the iPod

Occasionally, your iPod may not be recognized. This can come up for Finder or iTunes. The following steps may help.

1. Check the USB Cable and Port: There are original Apple USB cables; check which one you are using. Also, switching to a different USB port may help.

2. Evaluate your iTunes or macOS: Recognition issues may come from out-of-date applications, so check for the latest updates.

3. Trust This Computer: On your iPod, select Trust This Computer when prompted.

4. Restart Devices: Refresh the connection by restarting your computer and iPod.

5. Reinstall Apple Mobile Device Drivers (Windows only): If iTunes does not detect your iPod, reinstalling the Apple drivers can often solve the issue.

Part 4. Important Note About Apple Music & iPods

One major drawback of iPods is the inability to sync songs from an Apple Music subscription directly. Apple Music tracks are protected. Apple secured the subscription songs to be played only on authorized devices linked to the Apple ID used to purchase the subscription. Unlike bought or downloaded MP3s, subscription Apple Music songs are not used freely.

Why Apple Music Does not Work on iPods

• Apple Music songs cannot be played on iPods because of the subscription Digital Rights Management, which restricts usage and copying.

• Syncing subscription Apple Music songs to iPods would violate the terms of the subscription and prevent further playback once the subscription ends.

• Only iTunes Store buy tracks can be synced to iPods.

The Workaround

To play Apple Music songs on iPods, one would buy the songs on the iTunes Store since the tracks are DRM-free. These songs can be synced to iPods through Finder or iTunes as regular MP3s. You may also restore music on iPhone through iTunes or Finder before moving tracks. An alternative would be using an iOS device, like an iPhone or iPad, with the Apple Music app, which supports subscription streaming.

Conclusion

You can still put music from iTunes on the iPod using the official syncing methods of Apple, but it may replace your existing files and feel restrictive. Thankfully, alternatives like imyPass iPhone Transfer or cloud services offer more flexibility and control. Whether you prefer the official route or third-party tools, you now have several reliable ways to load songs and keep your iPod music library fresh and enjoyable.