How do I use the iPod as an external hard drive?
Your iPod (except iPod Touch) can double as a portable hard drive for your computer. Once you enable disk use, you can transfer files and applications from your computer to the iPod and take them with you wherever you go. If your iPod is formatted for a Mac, you can use it with other Macs. If your iPod is formatted for a Windows computer, you can use it with other Windows computers. The iPod is smart enough to keep your music and data files so that they will not be accidentally erased when you are updating your music.
To enable this feature, connect your iPod to your computer and wait for it to be recognized. Select the iPod from the left bar and click the Summary tab. Then select the checkbox labeled “Enable disk use.” For more details and instructions for the iPod shuffle, see Apple support article HT1478.
Published March 24, 2009 12:00 PM
Last modified on June 16, 2009 4:47 PM
Related Links
Which iPod model do I have?Can I use more than one iPod on the same computer?
iPod issues?
How do I set iTunes to import a whole series of CDs easily?
How can I transfer photos from my Mac to my iPod?
Can I use my iPod with multiple computers? Can I use my iPod with a Windows and a Mac computer?
How do I charge my iPod’s battery?
How can I make my iPod battery last longer?
Does Tekserve repair iPods?
Why is Apple charging me $30 for an in-warranty iPod repair?
If I decide to replace a broken iPod do I just throw it away?
Can I move my iTunes library to an external hard drive?
< Return to Mac FAQ Home