How to Set Up an iPod Shuffle

The iPod Shuffle is one of the smallest MP3 players available. But with no screen and no buttons it is easy to see why you may find it difficult to use and, indeed, set up. In order to set the iPod Shuffle up, the first and most important thing that you should have is the latest version of iTunes running on your computer. Once you have this, and have followed a few steps, setting up the iPod Shuffle is really not too challenging.

Instructions to Set Up an iPod Shuffle

1: Connect to the Internet and download the latest version of iTunes from the iTunes website. Plug your iPod into your computer's USB port using the USB lead provided with your iPod Shuffle.

2: Create a name for your iPod and type it into the "Name" box in the iPod setup window that appears on your screen. Check, or leave blank depending on how you wish to manage your iPod, the check boxes next to "Automatically sync songs to my iPod" and "Enable VoiceOver" below the "Name" box on the screen. Click on the "Done" tab in the bottom right of the screen when you have finished.

3: Leave "Automatically sync songs to my iPod" unchecked and import songs manually by clicking on the "Music" header in the left-hand column and dragging the songs you want on your iPod into your named iPod file in the left hand-column, underneath "Devices." Alternatively, click in the "Music" tab and sync your songs by checking the boxes by specific artists, playlists and genres.

4: Click on the "Apply" button in the bottom right-hand corner once you have chosen your settings. Click on the "Sync" tab in the bottom right corner when you have selected the music you wish to add if you have decided to add songs manually.

5: Eject your iPod by clicking on the upward-pointing arrow to the right of your iPod's symbol underneath the "Devices" header on the left-hand side of the screen once it has finished syncing. Unplug your USB lead when the "OK to Disconnect" bar has finished loading at the top of the screen.