Can't sync ipod touch with laptop(S)

Question

Level 1

8 points

Can't sync ipod touch with laptop(S)

I have a music library of 1200 odd tunes. They were on my iPod and in iTunes library on laptop#1. I recently bought laptop#2 and decided to have access to iTunes library on that one also. I downloaded iTunes on to laptop#2 and backed up to icloud. the library has now disappeared from iPod (but is still on both laptops). Can't sync with either laptop - #1 won't show the iPod icon so I can't get to the page with the sync button on it - #2 shows the icon but when I hit sync it says "Can't sync; an unknown error has occurred" or words to that effect. How can I get my music back on the iPod. Do I need a new iPod? present one is generation 4.

iPod shuffle, iOS 7

Posted on May 1, 2016 7:48 AM

Reply

Answer 1

lllaass

Level 10

210,411 points

May 1, 2016 8:28 AM in response to Geeyess

You said ""Can't sync; an unknown error has occurred" or words to that effect."

What is the exact wording of the error message?

You can only sync with one computer. To switch computers

Syncing to a "New" Computer or replacing a "crashed" Hard Drive: Apple Support Communities

If all the synced media like apps and music are already in the iTunes library of the new computer just backup to iTunes and restore from that backup.

iOS: Back up and restore your iOS device with iCloud or iTunes

Reply

Answer 2

Geeyess Author

Level 1

8 points

May 1, 2016 9:49 AM in response to lllaass

Thanks for your advice. I have decided not to have music on laptop#2 so have de-authorised it. However I can't sync from #1 because the icon doesn't appear so can't see the sync button. Any suggestions as to why? It is definitely connected because it appears in file explorer.

Reply

Answer 3

lllaass

Level 10

210,411 points

May 2, 2016 2:56 AM in response to Geeyess

What icon? If the iPod does not appear in iTunes then:

If you don‘t see your connected device in iTunes for Mac

Or

First:

iTunes: Fix iPhone or iPod Not Detected in Windows 10

next try

Apple Mobile Device USB Driver Missing

last

iPhone, iPad, or iPod not recognized in iTunes for Windows

- I would start with

Removing and Reinstalling iTunes, QuickTime, and other software components for Windows XP

or

Remove and reinstall iTunes and related software components for Windows 7 and later

- New cable and different USB port

Also see:

iPod not recognised by windows iTunes - ASC

Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows updates

- Try on another computer to help determine if computer or iPod problem

Deauthorizing only effects using iTunes/app store purchases. Not syncing I general

Reply

Answer 4

Geeyess Author

Level 1

8 points

May 2, 2016 3:02 AM in response to lllaass

Thanks iiiass,

Re-downloading iTunes solved the problem.

You asked "what icon?" It is a little iPod image that should appear in the left hand side of the bar at, the top when iPod is connected. Just to the right of the three dots.

Reply