If you can't sync videos to your older generation iPod

Older generation iPods might not support video formats supported by newer iPods, iPhones, or iPads.

This article has been archived and is no longer updated by Apple.

When you try to sync high-quality standard-definition (SD) videos to your iPod classic or iPod nano, you might see a message that reads "[Your File]" was not copied because high-quality SD video is not compatible with the iPod "[Device Name]."

To sync these videos, first change your settings, then redownload the video and try to sync again.

Change your settings

  1. Open iTunes.
  2. Mac: From the menu bar at the top of your computer screen, choose iTunes > Preferences.
    Windows: From the menu bar at the top of the iTunes window, choose Edit > Preferences.
  3. Click the Downloads tab. If you don't see a Downloads tab, get the latest version of iTunes.
  4. Deselect "Download high-quality SD videos."
  5. Click OK.

Delete and redownload

After changing your settings, redownload your video then try to sync again.

If you bought the video from the iTunes Store

  1. In the left sidebar of the iTunes window, click Videos.
  2. From the menu bar at the top of your computer screen or the top of the iTunes window, choose View > View As > List.
  3. Find and select the video that you want to sync, then click the More Options icon iTunes blue three dots more options icon . If the video has HD icon next to its title, learn how to get an SD version.
  4. Click Remove Download.
  5. Redownload the video by clicking the download icon iTunes blue cloud download icon.
  6. After the video downloads, sync it to your device.

If you created the video

Videos that you created might be in a format that isn't supported by your iPod. For these videos, follow these steps:

  1. In the left sidebar of the iTunes window, click Videos.
  2. Select the video that you're trying to sync. From the menu bar at the top of your computer screen or the top of the iTunes window, choose File > Convert > "Create iPod or iPhone Version."
  3. Sync the new version to your iPod.
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