Best way to manage 2 iPods on one computer

I know there are similar threads, but I didn't see my specific question answered, so here goes.
I have an iMac that my wife and I share using separate user accounts (trust me, it's better that way). I already have an iPod nano that I use on my account exclusively. Now, I bought my wife a nano for Christmas and without thinking about it too much today I logged onto her account, plugged in her new nano and set up a new iTunes account under her name, thinking it would be best for her to control and manage her own music from the store. However, now I'm realizing that she can't copy any of the music from my Library into hers (even songs ripped from my CD's) to sync to her iPod. I was able to share my Library with her so she can play the songs in my Library, but I can't copy them into hers. Even if she re-rips songs from our CD's into her Library this seems like a waste of space to have duplicate copies of certain songs, and if she wanted to have certain songs I've already purchased it seems like she should have permission to use them under the "5-computer authorization" rules without having to purchase them again. Is that true, or just wishful thinking in today's DRM world?
I've read some threads that discuss creating a "shared" iTunes folder that both accounts could point to and create separate playlists for each. I guess that would work, but now I've already associated her iPod to her independent iTunes account. Is there a way to "undo" that and associate it with my existing account. When I set it up earlier I had the option to log into my existing account and I chose to set up a new one. Was that a mistake?
I apologize for the rambling, but I'd appreciate some advice on the best way to set up our system with 2 iPods and 2 user accounts. If I set it up to have 2 iPods under one iTunes account, accessed from 2 different user accounts on my iMac, would I then be able to copy music files freely between the two Libraries? If so, that's probably what I would want to do - but I need to somehow establish her iPod with my existing account. If not, I guess I should just keep it the way it is now since I can't share the music anyway.
Sorry for the rambling...Merry Christmas to all!
Allen

Syncing is generally referred to as the "automatic transfer of songs and playlists" to the iPod from iTunes, and manual means you do it manually by dragging and dropping individual songs/albums/artists etc from iTunes to iPod.
Which setting is better for your iPod(s) depends on many things. You could set both to manual and drag different playlists to different iPods.
Or, you could keep the convenience of auto sync and choose to transfer "selected playlists" to each iPod. This setting can be found by connecting the iPod and when the summary screen appears, click on the 'music' tab, you will see the options to:
"sync music" with either "all songs and playlists" or "selected playlists". Choose "selected playlists".
Select the playlist(s) that you want to go to the iPod, and that's it. Then do the same with the other iPod.

Similar Messages

What is the best way to manage multiple ipods using the same itunes?

Hi Everyone
i am trying to manage three different ipods through the one Itunes, all with very different tastes, not sure if I am doing it the best or easiest way so does anybody have a simple solution on what you're supposed to do, to keep it all simple!
Cheers
Liv

If you have created a new Windows user account you need to log out and then log back in with your original user name. By default each Windows profile will have an independent iTunes library.
If instead you managed to create a new library within the same profile. click the icon to start iTunes and immediately press and hold down the shift key, keep holding until asked to create or choose a library. Click Choose and navigte back to your original which should be at <User's Music>\iTunes.
Your question as posed was:
What is the best way to manage multiple iPods using the same iTunes {library}?
in which case Selected Playlists is probably the best approach. Simply create a playlist for each device, Alice's iPod, Bob's iPhone etc. and sync the device with the appropriate list.
tt2

How do I manage two iPods on one computer please?

I have an iPod (early 40G model, and it's fine). I installed iTunes, and all fine. A year goes by. Another member of the household gets an iPod (mini), and we load the software into a different subdirectory in Program Files. This erases my iTunes, but all still works fine for some reason. i.e. when I attach my iPod, it is recognised, and my iTunes music is shown on the screen. When the other iPod is attached, same thing (i.e. it is recognised and her iTunes are shown on the screen). Our different music folders are stored in different subdirectories.
This is all fine, until her iPod erases itself, and is now no longer recognised by iTunes. In the processes advised for solving this situation (restore and reset etc) we erase my iPod (but have managed to restore music to if after re-installing the original software that came with it.)
So now we are back to the stage of having her iPod not being recognised by iTunes. Please suggest solutions! Please also advise if there is a more sensible way of managing two iPods on one PC. Is it really as basic as having different playlists?
Thanks in advance for your help.

Yep. Playlists will do it.
If you want other options, see this:
Natalie Beresford: Multiple iPods/iTunes Installations

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

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

What is the best way to manage multiple devices with one iMac - different users with seperate itunes accounts or one mac user with different itune logons and libraries?

Hello
I have just purchased an imac which I am very happy with. In our household we also have two iphones (one mine and one husbands) and one ipod (my sons). We all have individual itunes accounts set up on our previous computer (not a mac). We have sepereate apps and music, although there may be the odd occasion where we would like to share a song (if this is possible) across devices.
I am just wondering the best way to manage these devices using the new imac. Should I create individual accounts to logon to the imac, then from within these launch our own itunes accounts and sync our devices with these. Or should I be using one version of itunes, logging on to this with our different itunes usernames and storing things in libraries.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

I am presuming that we cannot share downloaded apps and music between accounts because of the copyright issue,
Though I'm no copyright lawyer, as long as it's within a household, you can share content among users. Such sharing is, absent specific language preventing it not present in the iTunes Store terms of use, generally considered to be "personal use". So you can share apps and music amongst your users on your computer and with their devices. You just can't give any of that content to friends or relatives who don't live with you.
What I am not clear on, it making sure that this appears in each itunes account - is it easy to find the file storage folders that match the itunes accounts and what would these be?
The iTunes library and files are by default in a user's Home/Music folder. But you don't have to find the folder; in fact putting a file into the folder yourself won't add the file to iTunes. Just drag the file into the iTunes window. iTunes will copy it to the correct location.
Regards.

What is the best way to move my itunes from one computer to another and retain all files?

what is the best way to move my itunes from one comupter to another?

I assume you mean the media and playlists, not the iTunes application.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527

Is there a way to use multiple ipods on one computer without them overwriting each other?

i have in total 3 ipods.
One is an the square ipod. (the one with the moving screen on the right)
the second is an ipod shuffle (the touch screen one)
and i just got an ipod touch. (the colorful one)
i still use all my ipods but on my first two i use the same itunes for it. so for example, i use one ipod to download all of my music library.
then i connect my second ipod only to download selected songs.
but now that i have an ipod touch, one of the ipods is going to be overwritten.
So is there a way for that not to happen?
having a flash drive for a seperate itunes for one ipod is to much of a hassle.
but if anyone has the answers, i would greatly appriaciate it.
thanks! : D

Why do you think that one will be over written?
You can sync as many ipods/iphones/ipads as you like to one computer. Each is different and will only sync what you select.

Managing multiple iPods from one computer

The existing posts re: managing multiple iPods/iTunes accounts from one computer don't seem to address my question. I have been sharing my iPod with the family, and want to get my son his own for his birthday. Can I manage both iPods from the same computer? Does the iTunes software have the ability to "recognize" which iPod unit is attached? I'm dying to get his music out of my iPod ...

Can I manage both iPods from the same computer?
Yes.
I'm dying to get his music out of my iPod ...
Create new playlist and put the music you want in it.
Open iTunes prefs -> iPod and select Automatically update only selected playlists and pick this new playlist.

How to best handle 2 ipods on one computer?

Hi there,
After having my "own" itunes set up on my PC (running XP), my son is now getting his own ipod.
What's the best way to run 2 ipods off of a single computer? Create a separate Library for my son, or set up a wholly new instance of itunes under my son's login?
TIA,
Menop

If your son has a seperate CPU account, all he has to do is log into his side of the CPU and open iTunes. That will take it to a blank iTunes screen, where he can put in his music, and not have to worry about your music (and vice versa).
Different user accounts are the easiest way to manage 2 iPods on one CPU.

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.

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

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

2 ipods to one computer?

Ok, this is a very stupid question, but I'm curious. I have an ipod, but my dad and I want to get one for my mom for Christmas. The thing is, I'm not sure if you can have two ipods for one computer. I asked my friend once a long time ago and she said if you plug another ipod in, it automatically gets discombobulated, and erases all of the memory of anything you ever had...but she's kinda stupid.
I don't want to have to get another computer just for her ipod. Can iTunes be arranged to accommodate 2 ipods? Is there a way to create playlists and separate them into different folders, so on and so forth?
If it helps, I have 2 usb ports.
Please help! Thank you in advance!
-Brit

There are a few different ways to use two iPods with one computer, have a look at this help page for suggestions: How to use multiple iPods with one computer

Best way to setup 2 iPods, 1 MacBook, 1 iTunes store account?

I just got a iPod Nano (2nd Gen) for Christmas. My wife has a MacBook and a 30GB iPod Video as well as the iTunes account. We've been sharing her iPod but now she says I've got to get my stuff off since I've got my own. We have alot of CDs loaded into iTunes that we both like and also some stuff that only one of us likes (CDs, podcast, etc.). I want to just use her MacBook and iTunes Store account to manage my iPod (until we can afford to me a mac) but I'm not sure how's the best way to do that. I have my own user setup on the Macbook but don't have any access to the music at this time.
Suggestions?

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
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
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

Best way to manage 2 iPods on one computer

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