How to Transfer MP3 to iPod with or without iTunes?

Daisy Raines

Feb 26, 2025 • Filed to: Manage Device Data • Proven solutions

I have 1500 MP3 songs on my Sansa. For some reason, only 959 songs were transferred to iTunes and only 741 made it to the iPod. How can I do this again and make sure all MP3 songs are transferred to iTunes, and then to my iPod? Also, is there a quicker way to add MP3 to iPod, possibly without iTunes or without dragging 4 at a time?

iPod is an ideal music player for people who love to listen to the music while working, studying, or traveling. However, sometimes, it's cumbersome to put MP3 songs on iPod. Like the above user mentioned, sometimes you can't transfer all MP3 songs to your iPod with iTunes. And sometimes, it takes a long time for you to put MP3 to iPod when your iTunes Library is baggy. In this article, methods for transferring MP3 to iPod with or without iTunes are covered. Choose the one your need:

how to transfer mp3 to ipod

Solution 1. Easily Transfer MP3 to iPod without iTunes
Solution 2. How to Sync MP3 to iPod with iTunes
Solution 3. How to Copy MP3 to iPod with MediaMonkey
Video Tutorial: How to Transfer MP3 to iPod without iTunes

Solution 1. Easily Transfer MP3 to iPod without iTunes

The best way for transferring MP3 to iPod without iTunes is to find a professional iPod transfer tool for help. Instead of suggesting you search for this kind of tool by trial and error, we’d like to recommend you one of the best iPod transfer tools – Wondershare Dr.Fone. It’s specially designed for iPod users to transfer files between computer and iPods.

Supported: iPod Touch, iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano, iPod Classic

Wondershare Dr.Fone

Transfer Music from Computer to iPod/iPhone/iPad without iTunes

Transfer, manage, export/import your music, photos, videos, contacts, SMS, Apps etc.
Backup your music, photos, videos, contacts, SMS, Apps etc. to computer and restore them easily.
Transfer music, photos, videos, contacts, messages, etc from one smartphone to another.
Transfer media files between iOS devices and iTunes.
Support all iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models with any iOS versions.

Available on: Windows Mac

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3981454 people have downloaded it

You can now transer music, videos, playlist and more between iPod and PC/Mac without iTunes.

Steps to transfer MP3 to iPod with Dr.Fone

Step 1 Install Wondershare Dr.Fone

Download and install the right version of Dr.Fone according to your computer operating system. Use the USB cable to connect your iPod with your computer. When Dr.Fone detects your iPod, it will display your iPod in its main window.

how to transfer mp3 to ipod without itunes

Step 2 Select Appropriate Transfer Option

Select the option of Export iTunes media to device on the next window since you are to transfer data from iTunes to iPod.

transfer mp3 music to ipod touch without itunes

Step 3 Transfer MP3 to iPod without iTunes

If you've collected all MP3 songs which you're going to put to iPod, by clicking Transfer, all songs will be added to your iPod in a second.

transfer mp3 music to ipod touch without itunes

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Advantage:

1. Simple operation.
2. Transfer all music: Dr.Fone can convert the music formats(that iTunes doesn't support) to mp3 (iTunes supports) automatically.
3. Fix ID3 tags and Album Arts.
4. Transfer Music from iPod to iTunes.
5. Transfer MP3 to iPod without iTunes.

Tags: Transfer MP3 to iPod Touch | Transfer MP3 to iPod Shuffle | Transfer MP3 to iPod Nano | Transfer MP3 to iPod Classic

Solution 2. How to Sync MP3 to iPod with iTunes

iTunes is the default tool that Apple has provided to copy MP3 to iPod. If you want to transfer MP3 to iPod with your iTunes, you should update your iTunes to the latest version first. You can either check the new version in your iTunes or download the latest version from Apple official site. Next, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Run iTunes on your computer. Click the File menu in iTunes > select Add File to Library or Add Folder to Library to add your MP3 songs to iTunes Library.

how to transfer mp3 music to iPod with itunes

Step 2: Click the View menuin iTunes > select Show Sidebar. Connect your iPod with your computer via a USB cable. When connected, your iPod will apear in DEVICES in the sidebar.

transfer mp3 to ipod with itunes

Step 3: Click your iPod in the sidebar. Then click Music tab in the right side window. From here, check Sync Music. Next, you should select songs and click Apply to put MP3 to your iPod.

sync mp3 music to ipod with itunes

Disadvantages: 1. Complex operation 2. Can't transfer some music formats(iTunes doesn't support some formats)

Solution 3. Copy MP3 to iPod with MediaMonkey (Windows)

I find that many iPod users don't use iTunes to manage songs, but other famous media players. One of the moste widely used media player is MediaMonkey. Actually, it functions more than a media manager and player, but a iPod transfer. It enables users to copy MP3 songs to iPod. When you connect your iPod with your computer via a USB cable, MediaMonkey will read data on your iPod. You just need to go to Tools and select Sync Devices. From the drop-down list, select your iPod to put MP3 to your iPod. Learn more about MediaMonkey>>

Transfer MP3 to iPod with mediamonkey put MP3 to iPod

Video Tutorial: How to Transfer MP3 to iPod without iTunes

Dr.Fone - Phone Manager (iOS) could help you transfer MP3 music files to iPod Touch, iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano, iPod Classic easily without iTunes. This iPod Transfer tool could also help you transfer music from iTunes to iPod easily. Simply download and have a try! If this guide helps, don't forget to share it with your friends.

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