Use Multiple iPods on One Computer

If your household has multiple iPods and only one computer, the question will arise as to how to manage those devices on the shared PC. There are a few solutions available. The more complex the technique you choose, the more control you'll have over syncing music and other content to your iPod. The easiest way is by using iTunes.

Manage Multiple iPods on One Computer

While this is probably the simplest way to manage multiple iPods on one computer, it's not the most precise.

1. Open iTunes and attach the cable that came with the first iPod (or iPhone or iPad) to the computer.

2. Click the device icon to access its settings.

   

3. In the Settings pane, click Music.

   

4. Select the Sync Music check box to choose what music will sync to the iPod.

5. Select the Sync Music and Selected playlists, artists, albums, and genres check boxes. Clear the Automatically fill free space with songs check box.

   

6. In the Playlists, Artists, Albums, and Genres sections, view the contents of the computer's iTunes library. Select the items you want to sync to the iPod in each of the four sections.

   

7. When you've selected everything you want to sync to the iPod, click Apply to save these settings and sync the content you chose.

   

8. Disconnect the iPod and repeat the process for all the other iPods you want to use via this computer.

This process lets each person select only the music they want from the entire iTunes library. But it might take a while to pick songs, and it limits everyone's options by only letting them access music that's already on the computer. It's also possible for a person to get songs they don't want if they click the wrong artist or playlist before they sync.