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Technology

Can I Download Music to my iPod Without iTunes?

Nicole Madison
By
Updated May 17, 2024
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It is possible to download music to an iPod without using iTunes, but users have to go to iTunes to prepare their iPods to do so. This involves setting up it up as an external hard drive. To accomplish this, a user needs a computer and a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cord for connecting the iPod to the computer. With these things on hand, the music device can be converted for use without iTunes in just a matter of minutes and for free.

In preparation for downloading music without using iTunes, a person connects his iPod to his computer via a USB cord. iTunes will usually open automatically at this point; it's necessary to use iTunes to prepare the device, but not to download the music. His next step is choosing his iPod in the source list. Then, he can click “Options” in the iTunes window. Clicking this button opens a preferences window for the device, where he can click on the option that says “Enable disk use.”

Once a person sets up the device to be used as an external hard drive, he’ll need to use a program to enable him to manage his music with it. There are free programs an individual can download specifically for this purpose. They are called music device managers or simply device managers.

The exact setup requirements for using a music device manager vary depending on the program the person chooses. Many of them, however, require the user to drag an application icon to his iPod. Once he has done so, he can then run the device manager application. If he no longer wants to use the application to manage his music, he can delete the application and choose another program or return to iTunes.

With a music device manager in place, a person may open the manager from the iPod and use the application's menu to select “Add.” Then, a window usually opens on the user's computer. The user can then drag the music he wants from his computer into that box, clicking “Add" again. Clicking “Add” copies the song the person wants from his computer to his iPod. Many music management programs also have advanced features that allow an individual to place songs into different play lists.

When an individual is finished using a music device manager, he can close the application and eject his iPod. It’s important to click eject before removing it from the computer, however. If the user fails to do so, he may damage or lose some of his files. Some programs have eject buttons or special keys that eject the device.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Nicole Madison
By Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGEEK writer, where she focuses on topics like homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. Her passion for knowledge is evident in the well-researched and informative articles she authors. As a mother of four, Nicole balances work with quality family time activities such as reading, camping, and beach trips.
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Discussion Comments

By fify — On Sep 02, 2012

@donasmrs-- I don't agree with that at all. I use another application for my iPod and I've never had any problems. It's way more efficient than iTunes for me because I don't regularly use iTunes to listen to my music.

I have a whole different application that I use for all media files on my computer. I can do everything with it, including updating my iPod. iTunes is not necessary.

By donasmrs — On Sep 01, 2012
@ValleyFiah-- Oh really? I've never had that happen to me before.

When I first got my iPod, I did remove it without ejecting first. It basically caused the iPod to crash. But then I found out that I can restart it by pressing on the top button and the middle button simultaneously. It has never actually ruined any music files though.

But I guess that's a risk you take when you try to manage an iPod with software other than iTunes. I mean, iTunes was made to work with iPods so it's going to work best with it.

By ddljohn — On Aug 31, 2012

Oh yea, I used to use an application other than iTunes to download music on my iPod on my laptop. I don't remember the name of the application but I had found it online for free and downloaded it.

The reason I looked for an alternative to iTunes was because my laptop was getting really old and I had limited space on my hard drive. iTunes was taking up a lot of space so I switched to the other application that was a lot smaller.

It worked fine but it wasn't as good at iTunes. It was actually a lot slower. So when I got a new laptop, I switched back to iTunes.

By Babalaas — On Dec 19, 2010

@ GeorgesPlane- Amazon is not music managing software; it is only a music store so you will be able to download amazon music to your iPod just the same as downloading it into Windows Media Player.

You will actually be downloading the music to iTunes, which you can then use to synchronize to your iPod. Set iTunes as your primary music player and amazon will automatically download the music into the iTunes library.

As for using your iPod on your PC, this will work. I am pretty sure you just configure your iPod to pc when you first turn it on and you are all set. It should all be easy, straightforward stuff.

By Georgesplane — On Dec 18, 2010

Does anyone know if I will have to go through all of this trouble to download music to my iPod touch through Amazon, rhapsody, or any other services? I like apple products, but I also like to download DRM free music. Also, will a new iPod work well with my PC? I have an HP Envy and I want to make sure I can hook my iPod up to it if I get one. Thanks.

By ValleyFiah — On Dec 15, 2010

I am a PC user, but I have no problem with Apple products, I just prefer windows and Google based devices. This is such a little nuisance, but I find it one of the hardest things to remember when I use Apple products...ejecting devices. The fact that not ejecting a device can ruin files is something that you would think apple would have found a way around. I recently had files corrupted on a flash drive that I plugged into the professors mac at my school. I pulled it out without ejecting it first, and it scrambled my files. Luckily I had already submitted my presentation for grading before class, so it wasn't a big deal, but it was a little annoying nonetheless. For the most part, apple products are simple to use and aesthetically pleasing, but their proprietary nature, and little things like the eject feature drive me nuts.

Nicole Madison

Nicole Madison

Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGEEK writer, where she focuses on topics like...
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