If your computer doesn’t recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod

If you connect your device to your computer with a USB cable and your computer doesn’t recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, get help.

If your computer doesn’t recognize your connected device, you might see an unknown error or a «0xE» error. If you do, follow these steps and try to connect your device again after each step:

1. Make sure that your iOS or iPadOS device is unlocked and on the Home screen.
2. Check that you have the latest software on your Mac or Windows PC. If you’re using iTunes, make sure you have the latest version.
3. Make sure that your device is turned on.
4. If you see a Trust this Computer alert, unlock your device and tap Trust.
5. Unplug all USB accessories from your computer except for your device. Try each USB port to see if one works. Then try a different Apple USB cable.*
6. Restart your computer.
7. Restart your device:
   • iPhone
   • iPad
   • iPod touch
8. Try connecting your device to another computer. If you have the same issue on another computer, contact Apple Support.

For more help, follow the steps below for your Mac or Windows PC.

If you use a Mac

1. Connect your iOS or iPadOS device and make sure that it’s unlocked and on the Home screen.
2. On your Mac, hold down the Option key, click the Apple menu, and choose System Information or System Report.
3. From the list on the left, select USB.
4. If you see your iPhone, iPad, or iPod under USB Device Tree, get the latest macOS or install the latest updates. If you don’t see your device or still need help, contact Apple Support.
   

If you use a Windows PC

The steps differ depending on if you downloaded iTunes from the Microsoft Store or from Apple.

If you downloaded iTunes from the Microsoft Store

Follow these steps to reinstall the Apple Mobile Device USB driver:

1. Disconnect your device from your computer.
2. Unlock your iOS or iPadOS device and go to the Home screen. Then reconnect your device. If iTunes opens, close it.
3. Click and hold (or right-click) the Start button, then choose Device Manager.
4. Locate and expand the Portable Devices section.
5. Look for your connected device (such as Apple iPhone), then right-click on the device name and choose Update driver.
   
6. Select «Search automatically for updated driver software.»
7. After the software installs, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and verify that no other updates are available.
8. Open iTunes.

If you downloaded iTunes from Apple

Follow these steps to reinstall the Apple Mobile Device USB driver:

1. Disconnect your device from your computer.
2. Unlock your iOS or iPadOS device and go to the Home screen. Then reconnect your device. If iTunes opens, close it.
3. Press the Windows and R key on your keyboard to open the Run command.
4. In the Run window, enter:
   %ProgramFiles%\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\Drivers
5. Click OK.
6. Right-click on the usbaapl64.inf or usbaapl.inf file and choose Install.
   
   You might see other files that start with usbaapl64 or usbaapl . Make sure to install the file that ends in .inf. If you’re not sure which file to install, right-click a blank area in the File Explorer Window, click View, then click Details to find the correct file type. You want to install the Setup Information file.
7. Disconnect your device from your computer, then restart your computer.
8. Reconnect your device and open iTunes.

If your device still isn’t recognized

Check Device Manager to see if the Apple Mobile Device USB driver is installed. Follow these steps to open Device Manager:

1. Press the Windows and R key on your keyboard to open the Run command.
2. In the Run window, enter devmgmt.msc , then click OK. Device Manager should open.
3. Locate and expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
4. Look for the Apple Mobile Device USB driver.
   

If you don’t see the Apple Mobile Device USB Driver or you see Unknown Device:

• Connect your device to your computer with a different USB cable.
• Connect your device to a different computer. If you have the same issue on another computer, contact Apple Support.

If you see the Apple Mobile Device USB driver with an error symbol:

If you see , , or next to the Apple Mobile Device USB driver, follow these steps:

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

Ipod from windows to mac

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Can I use my iPod on both a Mac and Windows PC?

From the official Apple iPod FAQ:

No, not at the same time. iPod is configured for either Mac or PC. You can use iTunes 7 or later [or the earlier iPod Software Updater utility] to restore iPod to work with a Mac or a PC.»

For additional information, please refer to «Restoring iPod to Factory Settings» from the Apple Support Site.

Can I use a Mac-formatted iPod on a Windows PC or vice versa?

Converting a Mac-formatted iPod into a Windows-formatted iPod requires the iPod to be «restored», and doing so will erase the internal storage. Be very certain that any music, photos, videos, or data files are safely backed up before attempting to convert an iPod from one platform to another. Starting with iTunes 7, the software will allow you to use a Windows-formatted iPod on the Mac, but doing so is not supported.

From the official Apple iPod FAQ:

It is not possible to use an iPod formatted for Mac with Windows. This is because Windows does not support the HFS Plus file system and therefore will not see the drive. When you connect an iPod formatted for Mac to your PC, iTunes will prompt you to restore the iPod.

For additional information, please refer to «Restoring iPod to Factory Settings» from the Apple Support Site.

It likewise is worth noting that Apple provides no support for an iPod that has been reformatted for a platform other than the one originally intended.

Can I use the iPod with Mac OS 9?

You can use the original iPod and iPod 2nd Gen with Mac OS 9.2.1. Subsequent iPod models require a Mac running Mac OS X.

Also see: What are the minimum system requirements for each iPod? Will the iPod work with my computer?

Can I use the iPod with Windows 98?

Officially, Apple provides no support for Windows 98. You cannot use the iPod with Windows 98, as the operating system lacks support for FireWire and USB 2.0.

However, with some work, you can use a Windows-compatible iPod with Windows 98. 98-Drivers provides a USB driver that makes it possible to use a number of iPod models — starting with the iPod (3rd Gen) — with Windows 98.

As using an iPod with Windows 98 effectively is a «hack», EveryiPod.com cannot recommend it, but readers have written to confirm that this method works.

Can I use the iPod with Linux?

Officially, Apple provides no support for Linux, and consequently, EveryiPod.com cannot recommend its use.

However, enthusiasts have released several programs that provide varying degrees of support for the iPod and Linux. Some of these include GNUpod, a series of scripts that provides some level of compatiblity between the iPod and Linux, along with other operating systems that support Perl 5 such as FreeBSD and Solaris 9; GUIPod, based on GNUpod, a Linux program that provides a graphical user interface for managing songs and playlists on an iPod; and GTKPod «a platform independent Graphical User Interface» using GTK2 (no longer online).

Top 10 iPod to iTunes Transfer Software for Mac and Windows

Although iTunes is the usual go to for transferring files to and from an iPod, there are some great bits of software out there than work as a middle man between your iPod and your iTunes account. We’ve scoured the internet to find ten of the best, so are bringing you five picks for Windows users, and five for Mac users. Best of all? Some of them are free!

Part 1. Top 5 iPod to iTunes Transfer Software for Windows

No.

Name

Information

PodTrans

PodTrans is a neatly designed free piece of iPod transfer software, which allows you to transfer the songs on your iPod to and from your computer.

Pros: PodTrans supports two-way transfer, so if either your computer or your iPod suffers a data crash, it’s easy to restore your audio files.
Cons: This does need to be connected to iTunes to work with your computer, so if you want to avoid iTunes totally this isn’t a good option for you.

SynciOS

Billed as ‘the best free alternative to iTunes’, SynciOS is a file transfer solution between your iPod and your PC.

Pros: It comes with a free audio converter, so any files in the wrong format can be converted before being copied across.
Cons: Any photos you copy across will have the quality compromised and be transferred as a much smaller version, so bear that in mind if you plan to transfer photos as well as audio.

CopyTrans Manager

Easily allows you to drag and drop your music files from your computer directly to your iPod.

Pros: Can be used on multiple PCs, the interface is easy to use and the built in Music Player is very handy.
Cons: However, The app itself doesn’t store anything, so once it’s disconnected all of your data is gone as well.

iTools for Windows

iTools for Windows allows users to manager their iPod and other Apple devices through a cleanly designed interface on their PC. As well as managing audio files, users can manager apps, photos and more.

Pros: Integrates with iTunes to access all of your iTunes backup files and the App Store. It also comes with a ringtone maker, allowing you to create ringtones from your own audio files. It also works with Windows 98, 2000 and XP, so is a great choice for anyone running an older operating system.
Cons: It is quite slow to load, particularly if you have a lot of data and apps on your iPod.

EphPod

This fully-featured piece of software is a Windows-specific application that connects with your iPod to transfer your music.

Pros: It runs quickly, able to transfer 1000 songs in 30 minutes, and supports .M3U playlists, as well as allowing you to create your own playlists. In addition to audio files, it also imports Microsoft Outlook contacts.
Cons: It has a basic interface and isn’t particularly attractive to look at. If aesthetics are your thing, you probably won’t be impressed.

Part 2. Top 5 iPod to iTunes Transfer Software for Mac

No.

Name

Information

dr.fone for Mac

dr.fone for Mac allows you to copy music (as well as purchased music) from your iPod to your Mac, as well as letting you copy music videos and podcasts.

Pros: Very versatile — allows you to transfer not only music but TV shows and audiobooks.
Cons: Doesn’t let you order files — so can be confusing to work out what’s been transferred and what hasn’t.

xPort for Mac

xPort for Mac allows you to easily copy music from your iPod back to your Mac with only a couple of clicks.

Pros: Simple to use, it detects your iPod when you plug it in and comes with an easy to use interface. Also transfers a huge amount of files very quickly, so great if you’re short on time.
Cons: Only works with iPods, no other Apple devices, so can be frustrating if you’re looking for an all in one solution.

YamiPod

YamiPof is a freeware app that helps you manage your iPod to Mac transfers. It comes without the need for installation and runs directly from your iPod.

Pros: It’s a standalone app, so no installation is required. It comes with playlist support, auto-downloads new versions and comes with two different restore features. It also has a built in music player and can be set to automatically remove duplicated tracks.
Cons: Doesn’t recognise the iPod Touch, so suited to other iPods only.

iMacsoft iPod to Mac Transfer

A powerful piece of software, iPod to Mac Transfer makes it easier for uses to manage their audio and video files on their iPod. Use the search and filter tools to find what you want, just as easily as you can with iTunes!

Pros: Supports being used with numerous iPods, which is great for families, and supports all series of iPods (and even iPhones). Copies music to your iTunes, without removing any files from your iPod.
Cons: Can only sync with one iTunes account. Only transfer from your iPod to your Mac; an additional piece of software is required to transfer from your Mac to your iPod.

Floola

Floola is a freeware application that facilitates file transfers between your iPod and Mac. It allows you to manage music, videos, podcasts and photos all in one go.

Pros: Install the app on your iPod and launch it immediately on your PC. It can sync with your Google Calendar and provides lyric support on your iPod. Also allows you to easily manage, import and export your playlists.
Cons: The conversion element is still a work in progress, so can be a little buggy. So there you have it — ten of the best! We hope you enjoyed our round up of ten of the best free pieces of iPod to iTunes transfer software.