AlanETM
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Ipod to itunes playlist transfer

I have lost my itunes playlist on my windows PC due to a computer crash (fatal). I have the play list on my Ipod. How do I transfer the playlist from the Ipod to Itunes on my new computer?
If I usethe itunes  file> library > import playlist I get the ipod file window with the ipod plugged into the usb port but have no idea which file is needed to do the import. The ipod playlist can be seen under ipod in Itunesbut I cannot copy or paste anything from it.

iPod nano, Windows 10

Posted on Mar 16, 2016 10:25 AM

by Kenichi Watanabe,Apple recommended
Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe
Level 8 (38,823 points)
Mac OS X
A:

A playlist is just a list of songs, not the actual song files.  You cannot use iTunes to transfer songs from iPod to computer (except for songs purchased on iTunes Store).  iTunes syncing is typically in one direction only, from iTunes library to iPod.  However, 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 links, including an article by CNET on the topic.  Once the song files are on the computer's drive, add them to the new iTunes library, using the Add to Library (not import playlist) command.

 

NOTE:  If any songs are from the iTunes Store, you can download past purchases again at no cost, from the iTunes Store Purchased screen.

 

Download your past purchases - Apple Support

 

Going forward, you should back up your iTunes data, along with the rest of your user data, in case your computer (or its drive) fails again.  An iPod is not designed to be your iTunes data backup.  If you want to back up only your (complete) iTunes data to an external drive, this document describes how

 

Manage and back up your iTunes media library - Apple Support

Posted on Mar 16, 2016 2:17 PM

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AlanETM

Q: Ipod to itunes playlist transfer

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Apple recommended

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Mar 16, 2016 2:17 PM in response to AlanETM
    Level 8 (38,823 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 16, 2016 2:17 PM in response to AlanETM

    A playlist is just a list of songs, not the actual song files.  You cannot use iTunes to transfer songs from iPod to computer (except for songs purchased on iTunes Store).  iTunes syncing is typically in one direction only, from iTunes library to iPod.  However, 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 links, including an article by CNET on the topic.  Once the song files are on the computer's drive, add them to the new iTunes library, using the Add to Library (not import playlist) command.

     

    NOTE:  If any songs are from the iTunes Store, you can download past purchases again at no cost, from the iTunes Store Purchased screen.

     

    Download your past purchases - Apple Support

     

    Going forward, you should back up your iTunes data, along with the rest of your user data, in case your computer (or its drive) fails again.  An iPod is not designed to be your iTunes data backup.  If you want to back up only your (complete) iTunes data to an external drive, this document describes how

     

    Manage and back up your iTunes media library - Apple Support

  • by AlanETM,

    AlanETM AlanETM Mar 17, 2016 10:21 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 17, 2016 10:21 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    Many thanks for you helpful reply. I have now successfully made the transfer........and yes the back up is operational. There was an original back up for the failed PC but believe it or not that drive failed at the same time. It would have cost me £475 to get the data back off the drive.......which I declined!