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 or iTunes (Step 1).

Then, use either iTunes / Finder or the free Waveform app, to copy your songs from your computer to your new iOS device (Step 2).

Step 1: Copying music from iPod, iPhone or iPad

TouchCopy is a Windows and Mac app which can transfer music from your iPod or iOS device to your computer or straight to iTunes. This software is compatible with all iPods, including older click-wheel devices, as well as with iOS devices.

Here is how to transfer music from your device 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 a USB cable.
3. Click the Music section in TouchCopy to view all the music on your device.
4. Select the music on your device that you wish to transfer.
5. Choose where you'd like to transfer your music:
• On a Windows PC: Click "Copy to PC" to transfer your music to a folder on your PC.
• If using iTunes: Click "Copy to iTunes".
• On a Mac: Click "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 - For Windows 10 and 11 users who wish to transfer music to their iOS device without syncing.
• Option 2: iTunes - For iTunes users who are happy to erase and sync music to their device.
• Option 3: macOS Finder - For Mac users of macOS 10.15 (Catalina) and newer.

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

Waveform is a great alternative to iTunes as a modern music player and manager. It can even seamlessly transfer your music from your PC to your iPhone without syncing!

1. On your PC, get Waveform, it's free.
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!

Waveform User Guide

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 would rather not erase and sync, 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.