How to Connect Multiple iPods to One Computer
Suppose you have more than one iPod that you want to connect your computer. Or maybe you have two different people using the same computer who want to sync their iPods differently. There are a few different ways to go about it. Both Windows and Mac OS allow you to connect multiple iPods using USB cords and access your music library. But you can use these methods to sync different media files to multiple iPods.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Create Separate iTunes Libraries
-
1
Hold down the "Option" key while you open iTunes on your computer if you are using a Mac. Similarly, hold down the "Shift" key while you open iTunes if you are using Windows. This will bring up a new dialog box.
-
2
Click "Create Library." Name the new library and save it. iTunes will now open with this new library you have created.
-
-
3
Open "Preferences." Do this by selecting "iTunes" and "Preferences" on a Mac, and "Edit" and Preferences" in Windows. Click the "Advanced" tab.
-
4
Deselect the check box next to "Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to library." Click "OK." This will make sure duplicated files are not added to your new library.
-
5
Add the files you want to add into your new library, which will be the files you want to go on your second iPod. To do this, drag the files from your hard drive into iTunes. You can also select "File" and "Add to Library." Add to your library until you have it the way you want it.
-
6
Connect your iPod to your computer via USB. Sync your iPod to the library in iTunes. Quit iTunes once the sync is complete.
-
7
Repeat Step 1 to reopen iTunes. Select "Choose Library." Now you can choose your original library or the new one you've created to switch back and forth between your iPod's music libraries.
Create Separate User Accounts
-
8
On a Mac, select the "Apple" menu. Choose "System Preferences." Select the "View" menu and choose "Accounts." Click the "+" button to create a new user account. Connect your iPod for this user and sync it using iTunes.
-
9
In Windows, click the "Start" button. Go to "Control Panel." Under "User Accounts and Family Safety," select "Add or Remove User Accounts." Click "Create a New Account." Connect your iPod for this user and sync it using iTunes.
-
10
Log on and off from your user account to switch between users. This way, you can keep your iPod syncing separate for each user. It can be useful if you have multiple users who have different tastes in music. They can customize their iTunes libraries and iPods.
Sync iPods With Different Playlists
-
11
Open "iTunes." Create multiple playlists that you want to sync with each of your iPods. For example, you can create a workout playlist that you would only upload to your iPod nano; meanwhile, you can put your entire library on your iPod touch.
-
12
Connect your iPods via USB cable. You can do this one at a time or at the same time on a Mac. Windows doesn't support syncing more than one iPod at a time.
-
13
Click on the first iPod under "Devices." In the "Music" tab, select the option to "Sync Music." Select "Selected Playlists, Artists and Genres."
-
14
Click "Apply." This will begin the syncing process. Repeat this process for your other iPods.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you have a Mac, you can always connect multiple iPods and upload files from one existing iTunes library. For Windows, it's best to do this by connecting one iPod at a time. Make sure to name your iPods differently on your computer so you can tell the difference between each device.
