My iPod won't show up as a drive anymore

Question

Level 1

9 points

My iPod won't show up as a drive anymore

So annoying to have a device that will not connect. Wanted to set it up with kids playlists for the grand kids. They always want to play my music and I would like songs to be more appropriate and fun for their young ages.

Haven't tried to update this square 4 GB ipod in quite a few years and a couple of OS past. But it should still at least show as a DRIVE? Why not?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Square Ipod no longer connecting

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 14.6

Posted on Jun 20, 2025 11:55 AM

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Answer 1

Carol B.

Level 6

17,489 points

Jun 20, 2025 12:05 PM in response to ReaderMac

The square iPod was the iPod Shuffle. Depending on the version, it is 15 to 20 years old! And you have not even used it or updated it in years. It is obsolete. The battery is likely dead. And it it likely unusable. You can contact Apple Support or even try to make an appointment at your local Apple Store Genius Bar. But I am not sure they can help you.

Official Apple Support

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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Answer 2

the fiend

Level 7

23,436 points

Jun 21, 2025 3:32 AM in response to ReaderMac

If your Mac uses Finder (rather than iTunes) there are a coup[le of steps required in order that your iPod can be seen in Finder. To do that you need to:

open the Finder menu, go to General and make sure that CDs, DVDs and iPods is ticked (checked)
in the Sidebar, make sure that CDs, DVDs and iOS Devices is ticked (checked).

The iPod should now be seen in Finder.

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Answer 3

the fiend

Level 7

23,436 points

Jun 22, 2025 10:57 AM in response to d56alpine

Have a look at these two Apple support articles to see whether they help:

If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Locate and view your iPhone or iPad on your computer - Apple Support

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Answer 4

ReaderMac Author

Level 1

9 points

Jun 20, 2025 1:19 PM in response to Carol B.

Indeed it may be 20 years old but I have played music off it quite frequently on an older ipod/Cd player I use in my office. It has great battery power if I wanted to take it on a trip but I generally use my phone and listen to audiobooks.

Just cause it is old doesn't mean it is dead. Works beautifully. Just can't access the drive to add to it or to delete. Obsolete doesn't mean someone out there can't advise on the problem. Think outside the box Carol.

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Answer 5

Jun 22, 2025 7:13 AM in response to the fiend

Have all the settings as listed above and not showing up in finder. I have a 80g Classic and a 8g ipod touch and battery life is actually not bad as they have been on charging bases on and off for years

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Answer 6

ReaderMac Author

Level 1

9 points

Jun 22, 2025 1:12 PM in response to the fiend

But if those setting are already there, and device does not show… any more advice?

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My iPod won't show up as a drive anymore

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