Use an old iPod Nano

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BobMadison Author

Level 1

4 points

Use an old iPod Nano

I just received an old iPod Nano MA978LL running 1.1.3 Mac. I have an M1 MBP.

Can anyone tell me how to put music on this very old Nano?

Thanks,

Bob

iPod Nano

Posted on Feb 18, 2023 5:34 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 20, 2023 1:47 PM in response to BobMadison

Hi BobMadison,

For help with identifying the type of iPod nano you have, the article here can assist: Identify your iPod model

Once identified you can view details regarding vintage and obsolete products here: Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty

With macOS Catalina and later versions you'll need Finder to sync content to iOS devices. The article here has steps to help: Use the Finder to sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod with your computer - Apple Support

If you see an error code when attempting to sync, check out the information here: Find an iTunes or Finder error code

However, if the device doesn't appear the article here will help: If your device doesn’t appear in the sidebar when connected to Mac, as well as the information here: If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad

Cheers.

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Answer 2

ColleenD1

Community Specialist

Feb 21, 2023 10:02 AM in response to BobMadison

Hey BobMadison,

Thanks for the additional information. Just to confirm, you mention that Apple Music doesn't see the iPod nano. Can you tell us if the iPod is seen in Finder? We're going to reshare this just to you can see where this would show up:Use the Finder to sync your iPhone, iPad or iPod with your computer

In the meantime, let us which macOS is running on your Mac. You can find that by clicking the Apple Menu  > System Settings > General > Software update. If there is an update available, we would recommend that you update: Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support

Use Software Update

Before following these steps, it's a good idea to back up your Mac.

1. From the Apple menu  in the corner of your screen, choose System Settings or System Preferences.

* If you chose System Settings, click General on the left side of the window. Then click Software Update on the right.

* If you chose System Preferences, click Software Update in the window.

2. Software Update then checks for new software.

* If Software Update finds new software, click the button to install it. The button might be named Update Now, Upgrade Now, Install Now, or Restart Now, for example. You might then be asked to enter your administrator password.

* If Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, then no new software is currently available for your Mac model. Software Update shows only software that is compatible with your Mac.

Let us know how that goes.

Take care!

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Answer 3

BobMadison Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 20, 2023 9:12 PM in response to OrigamiFan1

Thanks for your response. It's a 3rd generation iPod Nano, released September 2007.

I restored it, but today's Apple Music would not recognize it. I tried to put music in the hidden folder ostensibly for that purpose, could not get the Nano to see the files. No error codes generated at any point. I can do no better than to use it as a 4GB external hard drive.

I visited each of your links, but couldn't get anything further with it, based on hits offered. So my next step might be to get a slightly less ancient iPod Touch, and hope Apple Music recognizes it.

If anyone else can identify other folders in these old Nano to hold and control music, it might be a better work around.

Thanks, again, for answering! Bob

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Answer 4

BobMadison Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 28, 2023 5:34 PM in response to ColleenD1

Thank you ColleenD1.

I tried restoring it, only to have it (iPod Nano 3d ed.) appear in finder as a 4GB drive. It was never seen by Music at any point. I was unable to restore a second time. No way was found to make it an iPod again, which makes me think the first reset did not happen correctly.

My MBP was already on Ventura 13.2.1, before starting, so that probably wasn't an issue.

I did see some visible and hidden folders in the iPod. The iPod still started up. It had several folders in it and a few hidden ones. However, I was unable to find a folder and file layout that allowed me to copy content to the iPod that would show up in the iPod's screens. Despite a few attempts, it always showed no content. There were probably additional datafile that functioned as content directories. I could not find a mapping to tell me how to regenerate those.

But it seems you answered an important threshold question--that if I happen upon another ancient iPod, I should be able to use it with MBP Music, subject to limitations of its ancient OS. As long as the reset completes without a hitch.

I'll try again if I find another old iPod. After all, I invested $3 in a new 30-pin sync cable that should not go to waste.

Thanks, again.

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Use an old iPod Nano

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