Syncing music between Mac and iPod (old iPhone)

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Syncing music between Mac and iPod (old iPhone)

I use an old iPhone 4 as an iPod. I have a good number of Playlists on it. When I got a new computer last Spring (Mac Studio), I transferred my music from my old computer to the new computer (used my backup disc to move the music to new computer). However, all the Playlists were nowhere to be seen. I have read the Help topics regarding syncing -- still have questions and am confused. If I connect my iPod to the Mac Studio and sync Music library, does it only sync one way? Will what's on the Mac take precedence and I'll lose all those Playlists or can the Playlists on the iPod transfer to the Mac? I still have the old computer and all those playlists are still listed there. Is there a way I can get them over to the new computer if they won't transfer from the iPod? I've been hesitant to do anything because I don't want to lose those Playlists!

Earlier iPhone models

Posted on Aug 18, 2023 5:13 PM

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Answer 1

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javaliga

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Aug 18, 2023 6:59 PM in response to sandalee

The first and safest thing I would try is to export the playlists from your old computer and then import those playlists to your new computer (using a thumb drive). See the 'Save copies of playlists to use on another computer' and 'Import a Music playlist' sections in:

Save a copy of a playlist in Music on Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 2

sandalee Author

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Aug 18, 2023 7:07 PM in response to javaliga

A thumb drive -- why didn't I think of that?! Thanks so much. Won't have time tonight to try it, but will tomorrow. Appreciate your taking the time to answer (and providing link) with what seems to be a great solution.

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Answer 3

sandalee Author

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Aug 19, 2023 5:22 PM in response to javaliga

That is working. Even if I had thought of the thumb drive, I wouldn't have known the paths to take. So thank you very much.

Still wondering if the syncing is only one way though.

Will music on my iPod disappear if I were to connect my iPod to the Mac and certain pieces aren't yet on the Mac?

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Answer 4

javaliga

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119,451 points

Aug 19, 2023 7:39 PM in response to sandalee

Except for minor things like ratings, etc., syncing generally goes from the computer to the device but not in the other direction. In general if you try to connect and sync an Apple device to a new library, iTunes or Music (with the newer MacOS) will want to erase all the current media content on the device and replace it with items from the new library.

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Answer 5

sandalee Author

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Aug 20, 2023 2:48 PM in response to javaliga

That's what I thought. You've been most helpful.

One last question -- hope I'm not being a pest! -- if I uncheck "Sync Library" in my Music settings, and then connect my old iPod (iPhone 4) to the new Mac, would I be able to drag select items from the Mac to the iPod (without deleting anything)?

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Answer 6

javaliga

Level 10

119,451 points

Aug 18, 2023 7:10 PM in response to sandalee

You're welcome.

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Syncing music between Mac and iPod (old iPhone)

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