Auto sync iPod on one computer, manually manage on other?

I would like to be able to auto-sync my playlists to my iPod on one computer, but manually manage them on another.
I have my iPod set to auto-update with my music library at home, but when I use it on my G5 at work, all my songs are grayed out and I can't play them. I don't have any songs on the work computer itself; I just want to be able to use iTunes to play what's on my iPod.
It seems that the preference to auto vs manual update is for the iPod itself, not for iTunes on each computer.
Is there any way short of changing the preferences each time to do what I want to do? Am I missing something totally obvious?
Cheers!
Katy

It may be that both systems think they "own" your iPod. I don't know if this will help, but give this a try:
First, make sure that your home system is set to auto-sync and that it's synchronizing to your iPod correctly.
Then, on your work system:
1) locate the iTunes Library file (it normally will be in your users Home -> Music -> iTunes folder) and delete the folder.
2) While connecting the iPod to the computer, hold down the Command and Option keys. This should stop the iPod from auto synching with iTunes and the iPod will appear in the source list. Wait until you are sure the iPod has mounted, and that it will not auto sync and then you can let the keys go. This may take between 3 and 25 seconds depending on your computer.
3) Set the iPod preferences to manual synchronization. You should then, of course, be able to play tracks from your iPod.
Take the iPod home and connect it to your home system. If luck holds, it will then not switch it to manual.
Again, I don't know if this will help, but it's worth a try. Let us know if it works.
Good luck.

Similar Messages

Question on managing two iPods on one computer

Currently, I manage my iPod Nano on my laptop and manage my iPod Video on my desktop computer.
Im now thinking of managing both iPods on one computer. My plan would be to use the same iTunes library for both iPods and whenever the nano is connected, I would have iTunes set to sync only selected playlists and when the iPod Video is connected, have iTunes sync all songs and playlists.
My queston is; if I set it like this the first time each iPod is connected, does iTunes remember this setup the next time each iPod gets connected (i.e., the next time the nano gets connected, iTunes will automacically sync selected playlists and the next time the iPod video gets connected, iTunes will automatically sync all songs and playlists)?

When you use multiple iPods with one iTunes library each can have it's own setting and iTunes will recognise each iPod when it's connected and use the setting you have chosen. If any of your iPods are currently set to update automatically you need to take care connecting to a different iTunes. You can use a keyboard command to prevent your iPod auto-syncing with iTunes. While connecting the iPod to the computer on Windows with iTunes 7 installed hold down the Shift + Ctrl keys. This will stop the iPod from auto-syncing with iTunes and the iPod will appear in the source list. Wait until you are sure the iPod has mounted, and that it will not auto sync and then you can let the keys go. This may take between 20 to 30 seconds depending on your computer: iTunes 7.3 Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows
Once you have the iPod connected to the computer you intend to use you can set the update option accordingly. However just remember that if you did ever want to use the iPods on both computers again you would need to set them to manual update: Using iPod with Multiple computers

Managing Multiple iPods on One Computer

Can I manage three iPods on one computer? One is an iPod Mini and two are Fifth Generation 80 GB iPods, so I need to be able to have at least two different music libraries due to memory space. (Three would be preferable.) Does anyone know if this is possible? Thank you!
Dell Desktop Windows XP

If you are adding a second or more iPod for your own use, just connect the new iPod to your computer and follow the on screen instructions. It will update from your existing library. Depending on the size of your library and the type of iPod you choose you can have it update all songs and playlists, selected playlists only or you can manage it manually.
If the iPods belong to different people, there are basically two ways of using multiple iPods on a computer and these involve:
a) Sharing a single iTunes library and or user account.
b) Creating multiple user accounts and having separate libraries.
Sharing a Library and/or User Account
If you want to share the one library, you can set either or all of the iPods so that they only get updated with only certain playlists (you can update from more than one if you wish):
Loading songs onto iPod automatically - Windows
Choosing the update option "Sync Music - Selected playlists" allows you to create a playlist specifically for the iPod and drag the tracks you want into it. If you tire of the list and want to change it, you just add or remove the songs you don't want. The ones you take out out remain in the library to be used some other time if you choose. You can read more about playlists at these links:
iTunes: Creating playlists of your favorite songs
How to create a Smart Playlist with iTunes
Or you can choose to update any or all of the iPods manually and just drag whatever content you want to them: Managing content manually on iPod
Loading the iPod shuffle differs slightly but it can still be used with the others, for details have a look at this page:
Loading songs onto iPod shuffle - Windows
It's also possible to have multiple libraries in a single account. To create or access a second (or more) library, hold down the Option key (or Shift key in Windows) when launching iTunes 7. In the resulting dialogue you will get the option to create a new library or navigate to the other Library.
Note: You can only have one Library open at a time and iTunes will default to the last library opened if you don't use the keyboard command to choose one. This can prove tricky when using multiple iPods, if you don't use the keyboard command you can risk syncing to the wrong library:
Using multiple iTunes libraries -Windows
Separate User Accounts
Another option is to create a separate User account for each person on your PC or Mac. Different accounts by definition would give you completely separate libraries. Each account has it's own iTunes folder, Library and iTunes Music folder and you load it with CDs etc just as you did with your original one. The iPod can be set to update however the owner chooses, sync all, manual or sync specific playlists
I don't use Windows so I can't give you a step by step on that one, however I can point you to another web page which should help you out if you need it. You can read about Windows user accounts here:
Using Windows XP User Accounts

How do i synce two different ipods with one computer??

i recently purchased an ipod 5th generation for my other half which i have set up an account for and comes up when i plug in but the home page always comes up with my ipod stuff which is a 4th generation ipod. i have no problem with mine as it stores songs etc but when i plug the other one in it deletes whats on there and i have to manually tick all the songs again to sync back on to it. is this normal?? i am using a windows xp and have no issues with the computer and my ipod just the other one. i also have updated itunes to itunes 9 so the 5th generation ipod can download stuff. it seems to store songs and then when i go to download or update it takes them off and am back to square one!!!! please help!!

Is the following document of any help with that?
[How to use multiple iPods with one computer|http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1495]

Hi, I upgraded from iOS 5.1.1, to iOS 6, and it's ridiculously slow, I can't sync to my computer, (manually manage music), and all of my photos were gone. How can I get my photos back? It says restoring photos, but it's said that for two days now!

Hi, I upgraded from iOS 5.1.1, to iOS 6, and it's ridiculously slow, I can't sync to my computer, (manually manage music), and all of my photos were gone. How can I get my photos back? It says restoring photos, but it's said that for two days now!

It just does't sync. I connect it to itunes, but nothing happens. Where it says how much space I have, it's just on ebig bar that says other. I can play my music on itunes, but not when i unplug it.
All of my photos were gone, i took and saved them with my ipod.
The photo app is saying restoring.
What should i do?

How do I sync multiple ipods to one computer?

How do I sync multipleipods through one computer? I know it must be pretty basic but I cannot get it. I have my Itunes store account up, but my wifes ipod info is up on the left side of the screen. I do not want to sync to her info and the messages acknowledge that it is my ipod connected.

Connect each one separately. Sync it with your desired info using iTunes. Then do the same with each device. You may configure the desired info separately for each device as long as each device has a different name. You can change the name from the sidebar listing in iTunes.
Download the IPod Touch user guide

Trying to sync ipod with new computer and add music frrom my ipod to

my new desktop.
I apologize in advance if this question gets asked all the time. I am trying to move all the music on my ipod to my new desktop. I am currently using my ipod as a HD on my new computer. I would like to be able to add the new songs i've downloaded on my new computer to my ipod, but i'm not sure if i can do that without losing all of my old songs.
Can someone help me out?
Again, my apologies. I'm sure this gets asked all the time.

"I would like to be able to add the new songs i've downloaded on my new computer to my ipod, but i'm not sure if i can do that without losing all of my old songs"
If your iPod is set to update automatically take care when connecting back to your computer and a different iTunes. If it is set to automatically update you will get a message that your iPod is linked to a different library and asking if you want to link to this one and replace all your songs etc, press *No*. Pressing "Yes" will irretrievably remove all songs from your iPod. Your iPod should appear in the iTunes source list from where you can change the update setting to manual and use your iPod without the risk of accidentally erasing it.
You can also use a keyboard command to prevent your iPod auto-syncing with iTunes. While connecting the iPod to the computer on Windows hold down the Shift + Ctrl keys (on a Mac hold down the Option and Command (⌥ and ⌘) keys). This will stop the iPod from auto-syncing with iTunes and the iPod will appear in the source list. Wait until you are sure the iPod has mounted, and that it will not auto sync and then you can let the keys go. This may take between 20 to 30 seconds depending on your computer. Then go to Preferences>iPod and check the "Manually manage songs and playlists" box: Managing Your Songs Manually
You can't sync or drag your music back directly from an iPod to iTunes, the transfer of music is designed by default to be one way from iTunes to iPod. However there is a manual method of accessing the iPod's hard drive and copying songs but not playlists back to iTunes on Windows posted in this thread: MacMuse - iPod to iTunes
If you prefer something more automated then there are a number of third party utilities that you can use to retrieve the music files and playlists from your iPod, this is just a selection. Have a look at the web pages and documentation for these, they are generally quite straightforward.
iPod Access Mac and Windows Versions
YamiPod Mac and Windows Versions
PodUtil Mac and Windows Versions
iPodCopy Mac and Windows Versions
PodPlayer Windows Only
iGadget Windows Only
Whichever of these retrieval methods you choose, keep your iPod in manual mode until you have reloaded your iTunes and you are happy with your playlists etc then it will be safe to return it auto-sync again.

How can I use two Ipods on one computer.

I was wondering if it is possible to use 2 Ipods on one computer without having to reload all of the music to the new library.

If you are adding a second iPod for your own use, just connect the new iPod to your computer and follow the on screen instructions. It will update from your existing library. Depending on the size of your library and the type of iPod you choose you can have it update all songs and playlists, selected playlists only or you can manage it manually
If the iPods belong to different users then there are actually a few methods for using more than one iPod on a single computer: How To Use Multiple iPods with One Computer
Just to summarise what's in the link above which is a little out of date:
Method one is to have individual Mac or Windows user accounts which by definition would give you completely separate iTunes Music folders and libraries.
Method two is to set your preferences so that any or all of iPods get updated with only certain playlists within one library:
Loading songs onto iPod automatically - Windows
Choosing the update option "Sync Music - Selected playlists" allows you to create a playlist specifically for each iPod and drag the tracks you want into it. If you tire of the list and want to change it, you just add or remove the songs you don't want. The ones you take out out remain in the library to be used by the other iPod. You can read more about playlists at these links:
iTunes: Creating playlists of your favorite songs
How to create a Smart Playlist with iTunes
Another option when using a single library is to set any or all of the iPods to manual update: Managing content manually on iPod

Can you have two ipods on one computer?

Ok I have a mac computer and an ipod nano and everything works great, but my mom is now getting an ipod nano. Is there a way to have two ipods on my computer, where each ipod has it's own library and account so we don't have to share all of our music?

There are actually a few methods for using more than one iPod on a single computer: How To Use Multiple iPods with One Computer
Just to summarise what's in the link above which is a little out of date:
Method one is to have individual Mac or Windows user accounts which by definition would give you completely separate iTunes Music folders and libraries.
Method two is to set your preferences so that any or all of iPods get updated with only certain playlists within one library:
Loading songs onto iPod automatically - Mac
Choosing the update option "Sync Music - Selected playlists" allows you to create a playlist specifically for each iPod and drag the tracks you want into it. If you tire of the list and want to change it, you just add or remove the songs you don't want. The ones you take out out remain in the library to be used by the other iPod. You can read more about playlists at these links:
iTunes: Creating playlists of your favorite songs
How to create a Smart Playlist with iTunes
Another option when using a single library is to set any or all of the iPods to manual update: Managing content manually on iPod

2 ipod's one computer

Is it possible to use 2 ipods with one computer?

If you are adding a second iPod for your own use, just connect it to your computer and it will update from your existing library. Depending on the size of your library and the type of iPod you choose you can have it update the whole library, selected playlists or you can manage it manually.
If the iPods belong to two users, there are a couple of recommended methods for using more than one iPod on a single computer. Method one is to have two Mac or Windows user accounts which by definition would give you two completely separate libraries. Each account has it's own iTunes folder, Library and iTunes Music folder and you load it with CDs etc just as you did with your original one.
Method two is to set your preferences so that either one or both iPods get updated with only certain playlists within one library. Have a look at this article and see what you think and go for whichever you feel suits your needs best: How To Use Multiple iPods with One Computer
Another option when using a single library is to set one or both of the iPods to manual update: Managing content manually on iPod
Choosing the update option "automatically update selected playlists only" (called Sync Music - Selected playlists in iTunes 7) allows you to create a playlist specifically for each iPod and drag the tracks you want into it. If you tire of the list and want to change it, you just add or remove the songs you don't want. The ones you take out out remain in the library to be used by the other iPod. Make your playlist a Smart playlist and limit the size to just below the advertised capacity of your iPod ( for example, around 3700MB for a 4GB or 1800MB for a 2GB Mini or Nano). You can read more about playlists at these links:
iTunes: Creating playlists of your favorite songs
How to create a Smart Playlist with iTunes

Two 80GTB ipod's one computer

Please help! My husband and I both got ipod's for our birthdays. I can't figure out how to download music to mine without getting all his stuff and visa versa. Please help.

Here's my take.
See these articles about using more than one iPod on one computer, and with either one or more iTunes libraries.
Multiple iPod installations.
How to use multiple iPods with one computer.
If you have the latest iTunes, an easy way to create a new library is to hold down the 'alt' key whilst opening iTunes (for Macs), or hold down the 'shift' key (for Windows).
This will give you the option of either using the current iTunes library or creating a new one.
There are various methods of transferring different songs to different iPods with a single iTunes library.
One is to manage the songs manually.
With this setting, you can drag and drop songs/playlists etc onto the iPod from iTunes, and also delete and/or edit songs which are currently on the iPod without affecting the iTunes library.
If you wish to keep the convenience of automatic sync, then you could set the iPods to sync with "selected playlists". This setting can be found in the iPod summary screen under the 'music' tab. With this setting, different playlists can be transferred and later deleted from each iPod without affecting any playlists stored in iTunes or the playlists on the other iPods.
Also, on the 'summary' main page you will see the option to "only sync checked items". With this setting selected, if you remove the check marks from any songs in iTunes, they will not be transferred to the iPod. You can restore the check mark if you want to put the songs back on the iPod at a later date.
Be aware that when playing songs in iTunes, any songs that do not have a check mark against them will be skipped over and will not be played.

Having more than one ipod on one computer

Is there any way to have more than one ipod on one computer? If so how do you make it work without having to have the same songs on the same ipod? Doyou make separate playlists or what? I am clueless as to what to do and I need someone to tell me how to do it without confusing me!!!
Thanks!

If you are adding a second iPod for your own use, just connect the new iPod to your computer and follow the on screen instructions. It will update from your existing library. Depending on the size of your library and the type of iPod you choose you can have it update all songs and playlists, selected playlists only or you can manage it manually. The links in the section below explain the various methods.
If the iPod belong to two people the there are basically two ways of using multiple iPods on a computer and these involve:
a) Sharing a single iTunes library and user account.
b) Creating multiple user accounts and having separate libraries.
Sharing a Library
If you want to share the one library, you can set either or all of the iPods so that they only get updated with only certain playlists (you can update from more than one if you wish):
Loading songs onto iPod automatically - Windows
Choosing the update option "Sync Music - Selected playlists" allows you to create a playlist specifically for the iPod and drag the tracks you want into it. If you tire of the list and want to change it, you just add or remove the songs you don't want. The ones you take out out remain in the library to be used some other time if you choose. You can read more about playlists at these links:
iTunes: Creating playlists of your favorite songs
How to create a Smart Playlist with iTunes
Or you can choose to update any or all of the iPods manually and just drag whatever content you want to them: Managing content manually on iPod
Loading the iPod shuffle differs slightly but it can still be used with the others, for details have a look at this page:
Loading songs onto iPod shuffle - Windows
Separate User Accounts
Another option is to create a separate User account for each person on your PC or Mac. Different accounts by definition would give you completely separate libraries. Each account has it's own iTunes folder, Library and iTunes Music folder and you load it with CDs etc just as you did with your original one. The iPod can be set to update however the owner chooses, sync all, manual or sync specific playlists

Can I use 2 iPods in one computer?

I have an iPod Nano and my brother has an iPod Mini. We only have one computer in the house. Can we plug and use both iPods in one computer without affecting the contents of each of our iPods? Because it might delete my songs when he plugs in his iPod and vice versa.

There are a couple of methods for using more than one iPod on a single computer. Method one is to have two Mac or Windows user accounts which by definition would give you two completely separate libraries. Method two is to set your preferences so that either one or both iPods get updated with only certain playlists within one library. Have a look at this article and see what you think and go for whichever you feel suits your needs best: How To Use Multiple iPods with One Computer
Method two, "automatically update selected playlists only" would allow you to create a playlist specifically for each iPod and drag the tracks you want into it. If you tire of the list and want to change it, you just add or remove the songs you don't want. The ones you take out out remain in the library to be used by the other iPod. Make your playlist a Smart playlist and limit the size to just below the advertised capacity of your iPod Mini or Nano (around 3700MB for a 4GB or 1800MB for a 2GB). You can read more about playlists at these links:
iTunes: Creating playlists of your favorite songs
How to create a Smart Playlist with iTunes
A third option is to set one or both iPods to "manually manage songs and playlists" and drag whatever you like to them.

CAN YOU RUN 2 IPODS ON ONE COMPUTER

HI. I HAVE JUST BOUGHT A SECOND IPOD NANO 2ND GENERATION. I ALREADY HAVE ITUNES SET UP WITH MUSIC FOR ANOTHER IPOD, BUT MY HUSBAND LIKES TOTALLY DIFFERENT MUSIC TO ME. CAN I HAVE TWO VERSIONS OF ITUNES - OR HOW DO I SEPERATE OUR MUSIC SO IT UPDATES TO THE RIGHT IPOD. TOTAL TECHNOPHOBE HERE - SO ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED!!!

Hi Canning0508,
Yes, you can do this.
Probably the easiest method in separating your music to go onto each iPod specifically would be to manage the iPods with their own playlist to sync from in iTunes.
For more information on how to manage multiple iPods on one computer, see this article:
How to manage multiple iPods using one computer
-Kylene

Two Ipods for one computer

i just set up my ipod on my computer and everything is working. how do i set up a family members on a different account and different itunes?

There are actually a few methods for using more than one iPod on a single computer: How To Use Multiple iPods with One Computer
Just to summarise what's in the link above which is a little out of date:
Method one is to have individual Mac or Windows user accounts which by definition would give you completely separate iTunes Music folders and libraries.
Method two is to set your preferences so that any or all of iPods get updated with only certain playlists within one library:
Loading songs onto iPod automatically - Windows
Another option when using a single library is to set any or all of the iPods to manual update: Managing content manually on iPod

Auto sync iPod on one computer, manually manage on other?

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