How do I transfer music from old iPod or iOS device to my new iPod or iPhone?

Summary

If you have a new device but don't want to leave your music behind on your old iPod, this guide will show you the best ways to transfer it.

We'll first use TouchCopy to copy music from your old iPod, iPhone or iPad to your computer (Step 1).

Then, using either Waveform or iTunes on PC, or Finder on Mac, you can copy the music from your computer to your new device (Step 2).

Step 1: Copying music from iPod, iPhone or iPad to your computer

1. Download and install TouchCopy on your PC or Mac.
2. Connect your old iPod, iPhone or iPad to your computer via the USB cable.
3. Click the Music section to view all the music on the connected device.
4. Select the music from your device that you wish to copy to your computer.
5. Copy the music:
   • Windows: Use "Copy to PC".
   • Windows, if using iTunes: Use "Copy to iTunes".
   • Mac: Use "Copy to Music".

Watch our video for a step-by-step guide to how to transfer music from iPhone to iPhone:

Step 2: Copying music from computer to a new iPhone, iPod or iPad

Now that your music from your old device is safely saved on your computer, you can choose the best method below to copy music to your new iPhone, iPod or iPad.

• Option 1: Waveform (Recommended)- For Windows 10 and 11 users who don't want to use iTunes, copy music from PC to iPhone using the free Waveform app.
• Option 2: iTunes- If you use iTunes on Windows (or macOS 10.14 or lower).
• Option 3: macOS Finder- For Mac users of macOS 10.15 (Catalina) and higher.

Option 1: Copying music from PC to iPhone, iPod or iPad with Waveform

Waveform is a fantastic alternative to iTunes as a modern music player and manager. It even boasts many other features like being able to seamlessly copy music between iPhone and PC without risky syncing!

1. On your PC, get Waveform free from the Microsoft Store.
2. Launch Waveform and connect your iPhone, iPod or iPad with your USB cable.
3. Click "This PC" to view all the music on your PC.
4. Select the music you wish to copy from your PC (ctrl-click or shift-click to select multiple tracks/albums).
5. Click "Copy to [your iPhone's name]".

Once the copy is complete, you can access your new music either in Waveform by clicking your iPhone in the menu to the left, or directly on your iPhone itself by opening the Music app!

More info on Waveform

Option 2: Syncing music from computer to iPhone, iPod or iPad with iTunes

This will replace any music already on your new iPod/iPhone with the music that you sync - so make sure all your music is in your music library before syncing to avoid data loss! If you'd rather not risk syncing, try Waveform above instead.

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
2. Open iTunes if it does not open automatically.
3. Click your device icon and click the music header.
4. Tick the box to enable music syncing and choose to sync your entire library or only selected music.
5. Click "Sync" to initiate the sync.

Please check out Apple's support article for detailed steps on how to sync your updated iTunes library with your device.

Option 3: Syncing music from Mac to iPhone, iPod or iPad with Finder

If using macOS Catalina (10.15) or higher, you'll need to use the Finder app to sync your music, as iTunes is not available on these newer Macs.

1. To do this, connect your iPod/iPhone to your Mac, then open Finder.
2. Click your device from under the Locations header in the Finder window.
3. Click the Music header, then check the box to "Sync music onto [your name]'s phone/iPod".
4. Choose to sync your entire library from Mac, or only selected music.
5. Hit "Apply" to initiate the sync.

Having trouble syncing iPod with Finder? Don't worry, find out how to sync your device with Finder safely.