For all the people who love bright, touch screens populated with bright icons, MP3 players can be unintuitive. Learning some basic procedures, such as synchronizing the device with the computer or extracting tracks from a CD and then turning them into an audio file, will allow you to master your MP3 player and make the most of all the potential it offers.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Using iPod touch, Nano and Shuffle with iTunes
All Apple devices share a very similar interface, so the recommendations given in this article also work for iPhones and iPads.
Step 1. Choose one of the many Apple-branded MP3 players
If you don't have such a device yet, you should know that iPod touch, iPod Nano, and iPod Shuffle are all players capable of playing audio files. Each of these products is distributed in several different models. Find the one that best suits your financial resources and your lifestyle. If you already own an iPod, you can go directly to the second step.
- iPod Shuffle: The smallest and cheapest MP3 player in the iPod product line. The Shuffle model is slightly larger than a postage stamp and can hold up to 2GB of music. To interact with the iPod Shuffle you need to press the physical buttons on the front of the device. An additional option is provided by the convenient rear clip that allows you to attach the iPod to clothing, making it perfect for use even when working or carrying out outdoor activities
- iPod Nano: The iPod Nano is the mid-range MP3 player manufactured by Apple. It is a 2.5-inch touch screen product that can store up to 16GB of music. The iPod Nano also comes with an FM radio tuner and other features useful for outdoor sports, such as the "Nike +" application that tracks your running progress.
- iPod touch: in size, shape and color range it is virtually identical to the first iPhone. It is distributed in three versions, with 16, 32 and 64 GB of capacity. Aside from making phone calls, with an iPod touch you can do everything an iPhone can do: download applications, browse the internet, check e-mail, and so on.
Step 2. Download iTunes
Apple has designed all of its MP3 players to be managed through iTunes, a software program available for both Windows and Mac systems. ITunes allows you to purchase and download music, videos, applications and transfer them directly to your device. To install the latest available version of iTunes, go to the following URL:
- By default, the iTunes web page for downloading the program offers the Windows version. If you are using a Mac, you must use the blue "Download iTunes for Macintosh" link below the "Download" button.
- If you have already installed iTunes on your computer, you can download the latest available updates directly from the program interface.
Step 3. Install iTunes
To do this, go to the folder where you saved the installation file, then double-click it to select it.
Step 4. Connect the iPod to the computer using the supplied Apple USB cable
Apple distributes all iPods that come with a special USB cable designed to connect the device to your computer. You can purchase a replacement at most electronics stores or online by searching for "Apple USB cable".
Step 5. Launch iTunes
The program may open automatically as soon as the MP3 player is connected to the computer. If this does not happen, double-click the iTunes icon, normally available on the desktop (on Windows systems) or in the "Applications" folder (on Mac).
Step 6. Select the icon for your iPod that appeared in the box on the left side of the iTunes interface
From version 12 onwards, the icon that plays your device will appear in the upper left of the program window, below the menu bar next to the music note and television icons. In previous versions of iTunes, however, you will find your MP3 player in the "Devices" section.
Step 7. To find out the options available to you, go to the tabs available in the "Settings" section
Among the tabs present you will also find the one relating to the "Summary", which shows a preview of the status of the device. In the "Music" tab you will find the list of music tracks and albums currently synchronized with the device.
Step 8. Go to the "Music" tab, then select the "Sync Music" checkbox at the top of the window
From this page, iTunes allows you to choose whether to synchronize all the music present or just a specific selection of playlists, songs or albums.
Your MP3 player can only store the number of songs allowed by the free space left. Check the bar at the bottom of the iTunes window for the device memory status. This tool shows the amount of free space left available
Step 9. After you have finished your selection, when you are ready, press the "Synchronize" button located in the lower right corner of the window
The synchronization process will proceed to copy the chosen songs into the MP3 player.
Step 10. When the sync process is complete, you can press the "Eject" button to safely disconnect your device from your computer
The "Eject" button is located in the upper left corner of the iTunes window, right next to your device name.
Method 2 of 4: Buy Music Songs for iPod touch, Nano or Shuffle
Step 1. Launch iTunes, then go to the iTunes Store
The methods of accessing and consulting the contents in the iTunes Store vary according to the version of the program in use.
- iTunes 12 and later: Press the music note button in the upper left corner of the window, under the "File" and "Edit" menus. Then select the "iTunes Store" tab located in the center of the screen.
- iTunes 11 and earlier versions: select the "iTunes Store" item in the "Store" section in the box on the left of the program window.
Step 2. Search for the song of your interest
Alternatively, you can use the tabs in the central part of the window to consult the available contents. The content can be organized into different categories, such as "Singles", "Albums" and "Artist". Alternatively, you can directly access what you are looking for using the search bar located in the upper right corner of the window.
Step 3. You can browse your music library by selecting the music note icon in the sidebar
Also in this case, the way you can consult your albums varies according to the version of iTunes in use.
- iTunes 12 and later: After selecting the music note icon, go to the "My Music" tab in the center of the screen. Alternatively, you can press the "Purchased" button in the sidebar.
- iTunes 11 and earlier: After selecting the music note icon, you can choose to organize the contents of your music library by different criteria, such as album or genre, by pressing the respective "Album" or "Type". To view all your music, press the "All artists" button located in the center of the screen.
Step 4. Synchronize the contents of your music library with iPod using iTunes
To do this, refer to the "Using iPod touch, Nano and Shuffle with iTunes" section of this article.
Method 3 of 4: Play Music on iPod touch, Nano or Shuffle
Step 1. Launch the "Music" application
Look for an orange icon with a musical note.
Step 2. To consult your playlists use the control bar at the bottom of the screen
The "Artists" button organizes the music by artist. The "Playlist" button, on the other hand, organizes them in the form of a list, based on the playlists created and so on.
By pressing the "More" button you will have other options with which to organize and sort your music tracks, such as "Album" and "Genre"
Step 3. Tap the song you want to hear
To pause playback, advance to the next song or replay the previous one, use the control bar at the bottom of the screen.
Method 4 of 4: Use Other MP3 Players
To copy music to MP3 players other than iPod, such as a Samsung Galaxy, follow these simple steps.
Step 1. Connect the MP3 player to your computer using a USB data cable
For connection, most MP3 players use a mini or micro-USB cable, both of which are popular and inexpensive. In any case, your player will most likely already come with a connecting cable.
Step 2. Locate the folder on your computer where all the music is stored
Select it with a double click of the mouse to access it.
Step 3. Prepare the files to be copied to the MP3 player
On Windows systems, access the "Start" menu, select the "Computer" item, then choose the icon for your MP3 player. On Mac, icons related to removable devices, such as MP3 players, automatically appear on the desktop. If you cannot find your device, select the "Finder" icon located at the bottom of the screen and look for the name of your MP3 player in the "Devices" section on the left of the window.
Step 4. Drag the desired songs into the folder of your MP3 player intended to contain the music
The name of the latter may vary depending on the make and model of the device. However in most cases it is called "Music" or "Music".
Step 5. Properly disconnect the MP3 player from your computer to avoid data corruption
After the data transfer process is complete, do not simply pull the USB cable out of its port.
- On Windows systems: right-click the green icon with a check mark in the lower right corner of the desktop, then choose the "Eject" option followed by the name of your device.
- On Mac: access the "Finder" window and press the "Eject" button next to the name of your MP3 player.
Advice
- Invest your money in buying a great pair of headphones. This way you can fully enjoy the sound of your music even in crowded and noisy public places without being disturbed.
- If you want a new MP3 player, you don't need to buy it new. The development of MP3 player technology evolves at a slower pace than other devices. A used player kept in excellent condition, with only a few years of age, will therefore have the same functions as a modern and very expensive device.
- Expand your music library by digitizing the songs contained in your CD collection. Later you can transfer them to your MP3 player.
