Connecting iPod to your computer

You connect iPod to your computer to transfer and manage music, and in most cases, to charge the battery.

Connect iPod using the included cable. Click here for more information about connecting via USB.

Some iPod models come with a Dock Connector to USB 2.0 cable. You can get an optional FireWire cable (FireWire can only be used to charge the iPod nano or the Fifth Generation iPod).

To connect iPod to your computer:

• Plug the cable into a FireWire or high-powered USB 2.0 port on your computer, then connect the other end to iPod. Be sure to orient the connectors on both ends of the cable correctly. Each connector can only be inserted one way.
• Or, if you have a Dock, connect the cable to a FireWire or high-powered USB port on your computer and connect the other end to the Dock, then put iPod in the Dock.

By default, iPod imports songs automatically when you connect it to your computer. When this automatic transfer is done, it's OK to eject the iPod in iTunes and then disconnect the iPod.

Below are pictures of the FireWire and USB ports and cables that can be used with the current iPod models except for iPod shuffle and iPod nano which use USB only.

6-pin FireWire port and icon

4-pin FireWire port and icon (requires separate adapter and does not charge iPod)

USB port and icon

FireWire to Dock Connector cable

USB 2.0 to Dock Connector cable - for iPod nano, iPod with color display, iPod mini, and iPod (Click Wheel)

Dock Connector to FireWire and USB 2.0 Cable - primarily for iPod (dock connector) models. Click here for more information on this cable.

Related documents

61688: Identifying different iPod models
93845: Using USB to connect iPod
93492: iPod: How to Disconnect Safely
93339: How to Connect the iPod Dock Connector to FireWire and USB 2.0 Cable
93405: iPod: Recommended FireWire and USB Cards
93718: iPod mini appears on the Mac OS X desktop but not in iTunes