How to Automatically Transfer Songs to an iPod Shuttle With iTunes

The iPod Shuttle, which has 512K of space, is an older iPod. It is however, still compatible with current iTunes technology. Songs can be automatically transferred to the Shuttle using the same steps as you would with a different iPod. Synching, or transferring, is quick and easy. Changing your settings to allow this is just as simple and quick, and usually takes under five minutes. Follow these steps to have iTunes automatically transfer songs to an iPod Shuttle.

Things You'll Need

• iPod Shuttle
• Computer
• iTunes Account

Instructions

1. Open the iTunes program and let it load. When you want to place music onto your Shuttle from current CDs you own, insert one into the drive on your computer. Follow the prompt that appears giving you the option to "Rip Music to iTunes." This will place those songs into your iTunes library.

2. Purchase new music to place on your Shuttle by entering the iTunes Music Store. Click on its icon that is in the menu on the left-hand side of the screen. The store will load, with all its featured content on the home page.

3. Browse through the content on the home page. When you can not find what you are looking for, use the search box located at the top right of the screen on the gray header. You can also browse through all the music by clicking on the "Music" link on the sub-menu under "iTunes Store."

4. Buy the music by clicking on the "Buy Now" link. The music will be charged to your account and automatically sent to your iTunes library so it can be transferred to your iPod Shuttle. If you select a free song, you will obviously not be charged, but the music will still be sent to your library.

5. Import selections from other music programs on your computer by clicking on the "File" button in the toolbar. On the pull-down menu, select the option "Import." The prompt will appear and will recognize the folder "My Music," or an equivalent. Find other music files by changing the folder in which you look.

6. Connect your iPod Shuttle to your PC with the cord it came with. The cords are white and have a USB cable on one end. This part connects to the USB port on your computer while the other end connects to your iPod Shuttle.

7. Select your iPod underneath the "Devices" category on the left-side menu on iTunes. The screen that loads first will be the summary page. At the bottom of the page, make sure the box next to "Manually Manage Music and Videos" is not checked.

8. Locate the tab "Music" to the right of the "Summary" tab which is near the top of the screen. Select the option "Sync Music" at the top of the page. Next, choose "Selected Playlists," located under the "Sync Music" menu.

9. Click on the box next to "Songs." This allows iTunes to transfer the songs to your Shuttle, along with any other options you select. If you select another option such as "Playlists," iTunes will automatically update the playlists on your Shuttle every time it is connected to the computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your Shuttle available to load more content by deleting songs or other media when you are finished with them. Since the Shuttle is only 512K, there is not as much space as with other iPods.

• Use the FAQ's section in iTunes "Help" section if you still have questions.

• Maintain the battery to your iPod by allowing it to fully charge when it is plugged in to the computer. Unplugging it early will cause battery wear. Batteries for the Shuttle are expensive and should not be replaced often.

• Do not steal music. Programs that allow the sharing of files are illegal.