How to Transfer MP3 to iPod with or without iTunes – 5 Solutions for Old iPod

Part 1. How to Copy MP3 to iPod with iTunes

iTunes is the default way that Apple provided to transfer files. Before transferring MP3 to iPod using iTunes, you need to update your iTunes to the latest version first. Check the detailed steps to copy MP3 to iPod with iTunes.

Limitation: The core limitations of using iTunes to copy MP3s to an iPod are its strict one-way syncing model, the difficulty in transferring music from the device, and the DRM restrictions on modern music subscriptions. Besides, this method can only work with PC and macOS Mojave & Earlier. These issues have led to the popularity of third-party software alternatives that offer more flexibility and control over your music collection.

Part 2. How to Transfer MP3 to iPod without iTunes

1. Best Method – Use a Professional iPod Tool to Put MP3 onto iPod

Though iTunes is a good music transfer tool, you can't sync all MP3 files to iPod in iTunes. Aiseesoft FoneTrans is a professional iPod music manager and transfer. It can not only transfer music from computer to iPod like iTunes does, but also manage iPod playlists like adding, deleting, or creating new playlists. This program is widely compatible with all iOS devices for file transfer. What’s more, iTunes’s bulk file transfer can have some mistakes, while Aiseesoft FoneTransfer can perform an efficient and safe bulk file transfer. You can also make ringtones easily with this iPod music transfer tool.

Besides transferring music from computer to iPod, Aiseesoft FoneTrans also enables you to transfer photos, contacts, movies, ringtones, Podcasts, voice memos and more between iOS devices, or between iPod and computer.

2. How to Load MP3 on iPod with MediaMonkey

MediaMonkey is a free and powerful music management software that integrates music management, playback, and tag editing. More than a media manager and player, MediaMonkey works well as an iPod file transfer. So when you want to transfer MP3 music file to iPod, you can try MediaMonkey instead.

Limitation: MediaMonkey offers more control and flexibility than iTunes, its main limitations are its reliance on the iTunes software for core device functions, occasional syncing issues with the iPod's proprietary database, and potential compatibility problems with newer Apple devices.

3. How to Transfer MP3 from iPod to PC via Finder

If you’re using macOS Catalina or a later version, iTunes has been replaced by the Apple Music app. You can sync your music library to your iPod using Finder. This process works for music you've purchased or ripped from CDs. If you have an Apple Music subscription, your music is automatically synced across all your devices, so you won't need to manually transfer songs to your iPod.

For Windows or Older macOS Versions, you'll still use iTunes to manage and sync music to your iPod. The process remains the same as it has for years.

• To sync everything, select “Entire music library”.

• To choose specific songs, select “Selected artists, albums, genres, and playlists” to manually add the music you want on your iPod.

Limitation: Finder, like iTunes, is designed for a one-way transfer. It does not provide a simple drag-and-drop method to copy music files from your iPod back to your Mac’s Music app. Meanwhile, Finder cannot be used to transfer music from an Apple Music subscription to older, non-iOS iPod models (like the iPod Classic, Nano, or Shuffle).

4. How to Add MP3 to iPod through Apple Music App

The Apple Music app can help you stream music to your iPod over the internet without any downloads.

• Long-press on a song or an album and tap Add to Library from the scroll-down list.

• From an album or a playlist interface, tap the + icon at the top or the Add to Library option from three horizontal dots.

• From the Now Playing screen, tap the three horizontal dots to choose Add to Library.

Limitation: The Apple Music app manages your library, but the actual process of syncing your iPod is done through the Finder when you connect the device to your Mac. Then, the biggest limitation is that the Apple Music app, or Finder, cannot transfer songs downloaded from an Apple Music subscription to older iPods. Besides, if your Apple Music is not working, it won’t finish your iPod transfer, obviously.

Part 3. FAQs of Transferring MP3 to iPod

Conclusion

We mainly talked about 3 solutions to transfer MP3 to iPod, and you can easily add your favorite music to iPod for listening in leisure time. If you prefer an 1-click transfer method, you can try Aiseesoft FoneTrans which will transfer all your music files to iPod touch, iPod Classic or iPod Shuffle without hassle. Still having problems while transferring MP3 to iPod? Please don't hesitate to leave your comment.