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The New User's Guide to iPod shuffle

  • Last Modified: April 13, 2009
  • Article: HT1654
  • Old Article: 303634
This article has been archived and is no longer updated by Apple.

Products Affected

iPod shuffle, Windows

1. Install iTunes

Before you connect your iPod shuffle to your Mac or PC computer or use it, you must install the latest iTunes software.

2. Connect and Set Up your iPod shuffle

Charge your battery by connecting it to an Apple iPod Power Adapter or connect your iPod to a high-power USB port —one that's located directly on your computer—to ensure that your computer charges your iPod battery. (If your computer doesn't seem to recognize your connected iPod , wait about 30 minutes to allow the iPod battery to charge before going further.)

3. Fill your iPod shuffle and iTunes with Music

Once you finish the set up, iTunes will open. It will then either:

  • Automatically start filling your iPod with music from your iTunes library (if you set iTunes to automatically update your iPod)

      OR

  • Allow you to pick and choose what music, audiobooks, and podcasts to add, if you opted to manually manage music on your iPod.

To manually add content, simply drag any file from your iTunes library or playlist to your iPod icon in the iTunes Source list. If you're using iTunes for the very first time, you'll need to add some music to iTunes first, such as songs from your own CDs or music already on your hard drive.

4. Disconnect your iPod shuffle

Once you've got your music, audiobooks, and other files on your iPod, you're ready to enjoy it.

  • If you see an “OK to Disconnect” message on your iPod, simply disconnect it from your computer.
  • If you see a “Do Not Disconnect” message, click the eject icon that appears next to your iPod icon in the iTunes Source list and then disconnect your iPod from your computer when you see the “OK to Disconnect” message.
  • Disconnecting my iPod shuffle

5. Play your iPod shuffle

Now you’re ready to enjoy your iPod.

6. Learn more

Whether you're a Mac or Windows user, the information below will help you enjoy your iPod to its fullest.

7. Troubleshooting

The following are typical issues you may encounter.

General

Mac

Windows

Additional Information

Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple’s recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.

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