Q: how can i sync an old iPod nano to a different mac than it was set up on?
my dad has an old iPod nano but he's worried it may be seeing its last days. the original computer he set it up with doesn't work anymore, so he wants to back it up on my computer. we share the same iTunes account but none of his music was ever on my computer since i logged in. also, i had to change the email and password of our apple ID because the original email no longer existed. i said he could use my old iPod touch (restore from backup) which could be more reliable, but i don't know how to back up his iPod nano without erasing all the data.
MacBook Pro
Posted on Jan 2, 2016 8:16 AM
iTunes syncing is generally in one direction only, from computer to iPod. If the songs were purchased from the iTunes Store, and your shared Apple ID was used to purchase them, you can download them again (at no cost) from the Purchased screen; on iTunes Store main screen, the link to the Purchased screen is along right side of window. There is also a command in iTunes to transfer purchased items - menu bar -> File -> Devices -> Transfer Purchases from [name of iPod].
Otherwise, there are third-party methods and utilities that can transfer from iPod to computer. If you do an Internet search on something like "ipod transfer music," you should get some useful links, including an article by CNET on the topic.
Once the song files are on your Mac's drive, add them to your iTunes library.
Posted on Jan 2, 2016 8:55 AM