How Do I Back Up the Music on My iPod Onto My Mac?
Backing up your files from your iPod back onto your Mac is not a process that is supported through iTunes. Several applications support this function, but those applications are not free. There is, however, a method of backing up your iPod music files for free. You will need to make some simple changes to your computer using Terminal on your Mac. You will also have to make some changes to your iPod's settings.
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Instructions
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Open iTunes and connect your iPod to your computer. You iPod will be added to iTunes in the left panel.
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Click on your iPod in the left pane and then click "Summary." Scroll down and make sure the "Enable iPod for disk use" is selected. Also make sure that "Manually manage music and videos" is selected.
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Open "Terminal" on your Mac. Press "Command" and then "Space bar" to open your computer's search bar. Type in "Terminal" and click "Enter" on your keyboard.
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Show hidden files and folders using "Terminal." Type in the following: "defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUE." After Terminal has recognized that command, type "killall Finder." The "F" in finder must be capitalized.
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Create a folder on your desktop. Right-click the desktop and select "New Folder." Rename the folder something memorable like "iPod backup."
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Open your iPod. This will be located on your desktop. Double-click the iPod icon.
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Open the "iPod Control" folder. This will now be shown because you have enabled hidden folders using Terminal. Once you are in the "iPod Control" folder, find the "Music" folder.
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Select all of the folders in your "Music" folder. Click "Edit" and then "Select All."
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Drag all of the music you selected into the folder you previously created on your desktop. This transfer may take a long time depending on how much music you have on your iPod. All of the music on your iPod will now be backed up onto your computer.
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