Do you have a lot of photos on your computer that you want to transfer to your iPod? If your iPod has a color screen (or if you have an iPod Touch), you can copy your photo library to your mobile device to view images anywhere. You can do this in many ways, for example by using iTunes or by emailing the images to you.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Using iTunes
Step 1. Make sure iTunes is up to date
While you shouldn't have a problem following these steps with most versions of iTunes, updating it will fix most of the problems you might encounter. Updates are especially important if you are using a very old version that may not offer you the same functionality.
- Windows - Help → Check for Updates
- OS X - iTunes → Check for Updates
Step 2. Connect your iPod to the computer
Use the USB cable to do this. Plug the device into a port on your computer. Connecting it to a hub will not get enough power. If you haven't already opened iTunes, it may open automatically.
Step 3. Select your iPod from the Devices menu
If you can't see the sidebar, click View → "Hide Sidebar".
- You can't sync photos to iPods that don't have a color screen.
- If your device doesn't appear, you may need to put it into recovery mode.
Step 4. Select the Photos tab
The image synchronization service will open.
Step 5. Check the "Sync photos from" box
This will allow you to choose images from different sources and sync them to your iPod.
Step 6. Choose the source
Use the drop-down menu to choose where to sync photos from. You can choose between the different image management programs installed on your computer, or a specific folder.
You can sync photos from multiple sources
Step 7. Choose which photos to sync
You can sync all photos from the source, or manually select photos and albums. Put the check mark next to each item to sync.
Step 8. Start the synchronization
Click Apply to copy the photos to your iPod. You will be able to check the progress of the operation at the top of the window.
Method 2 of 4: Using a Third Party File Management Program
Step 1. Download an iOS file manager to your computer
The most used program of this type is iFunBox. It allows you to import photos directly to your iPod. You will need to have iTunes installed as well, but you won't need to use it to sync. iTunes only allows iFunBox to recognize your iPod.
Step 2. Connect your iPod to the computer
You should see it appear in the iFunBox window. If it doesn't appear, make sure you have properly installed iTunes on your computer.
Step 3. Choose "Quick Toolbox"
In the "Import Files and Data" section, click on "Photo Library".
Step 4. Add the files to send
You can add photos by browsing your computer's folders and files, or you can drag and drop them into the iFunBox window. The images will be automatically added to your iPod as soon as you add them to iFunBox.
Step 5. Find the photos on your iPod
Open the Photos application on your iPod. Your photos will appear in the Photo Library album.
Method 3 of 4: Using Email (iPod Touch)
Step 1. Create a message to send to yourself
Use your favorite email program or site and write an email for your own email address. Make sure it's an address you've set up on your iPod Touch. Create a message on your computer to attach the images you want.
If you just want to transfer some images, email might be the easiest method
Step 2. Attach the photos to be copied
Your email service may limit you to 20-25MB, which means you may only be able to send a few images. You can attach files by clicking the "Attachments" button in your email program.
Step 3. Send the message
Depending on how many images you are sending, it may take some time for the message to be sent.
Step 4. Open the message on your iPod
Open the Mail application on your iPod Touch. You should see the message in your inbox. Press it to open it.
Step 5. Download the images
Press one of the images in the message to open it. Press and hold the image, then select the "Save Image" item that appears. The image will be saved to the Camera Roll, which you can access from the Images application.
Method 4 of 4: Using Disc Mode (Original iPod)
Step 1. Put your iPod into Disk Mode
This can only be done with an iPod with the wheel. You can put your iPod into Disc Mode from iTunes or manually.
- iTunes - Connect the iPod to the computer. Select your iPod from the Devices menu. In the Summary tab, click on "Skill use as disk".
- Manually - Press and hold the Menu and Select buttons for at least 6 seconds. Wait for the Apple logo to appear. As soon as the logo appears, release the buttons, then press and hold Select and Play. Press and hold these buttons until the Disc Mode screen appears.
Step 2. Connect your iPod to the computer
If you put the iPod into Disk Mode manually, connect it to your computer after doing so.
Step 3. Open the iPod on your computer
If you are using Windows, the iPod will appear as a disk in the Computer window (⊞ Win + E). If you are using a Mac, the iPod will appear as a drive on the desktop.
Step 4. Copy the photos to your iPod
Open the "Photos" folder on the iPod. Drag or copy the photos you want to the folder.
Step 5. Eject the iPod
Once the transfer is complete, eject the iPod to safely disconnect it. On Windows, right click on the iPod and then click Eject. If you are using OS X, drag the disk to the Trash.
