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Set up the 5th generation iPod nano
Learn how to set up the 5th generation Apple iPod nano for the first time
For folks who have owned other iPods, setting up the 5th generation iPod nano will seem pretty familiar – though there are a couple of new twists. For those who are enjoying the iPod for the first time with this nano, take heart: it's pretty easy to set up. Just follow these steps and you'll be using your iPod nano to listen to music or take videos in no time.
Watch the video version of my iPod Nano setup guide:
To begin, take the nano out of its box and click anywhere on the clickwheel to turn it on. Use the clickwheel to select the language you want to use and click the middle button to proceed.
With that done, you need to register the nano and begin adding content to it. To start that, connect it to your computer. Make sure that your computer has iTunes installed and that you've got some music or other content to add to the nano.
A message will appear on screen saying that iTunes is "optimizing your iPod for your OS" and will then restart it. The iPod nano will show up in the Devices menu at the left in iTunes and you'll be ready to begin.
The initial phase of setting up your nano includes a lot agreeing to Apple's terms of service and creating an Apple ID to register the iPod. Do that, or, if you’ve already got an Apple ID, use it.
Follow this by filling out the product registration form and submitting it.
Next you're able to give your iPod a name. Do that or use the default name.
Then choose from the three options:
- Automatically sync song to my iPod will add your iTunes library to the iPod right away. If your library is too big, iTunes will add a random selection of songs until it is full.
- Automatically add photos to this iPod will add the photo albums you have in whatever photo management program you use to the iPod for mobile viewing.
- Enable VoiceOver will add the VoiceOver feature to your nano, which will allow it to speak menu items and the names of songs and artists to you. If you choose to install the VoiceOver kit, it will be installed via pop-up window. Simply follow the onscreen instructions to complete that additional step.
You can select any or all of these options, but none are required. You'll be able set syncing options for music, photos, and other content next.
At this point, you'll be presented with the standard iPod management screen. This is where you control the settings that determine what content goes onto your iPod.
If you selected "automatically sync songs" in the last step, iTunes will begin to auto-fill your iPod with music (you may not want this if you’re planning to save space for photos, video, etc.). You can stop this by clicking the X in the status area at the top of the iTunes window.
If you've stopped that, or didn't choose it in the first place, it's time to edit your settings. Most people begin with music.
In the Music tab, you'll find a number of options:
- Sync Entire Library is just what it sounds like.
- Sync Selected playlists, artists, and genres allows you to choose what music goes on your nano.
- Include music videos syncs them to your iPod if you have any.
- Automatically fill free space with songs has already been discussed.
If you plan to sync only certain music to your iPod you choose to sync playlists by checking the boxes on the left or all music by particular artists by checking the boxes on the right. Sync all music in a particular genre by clicking the boxes at the bottom.
To change other sync Settings, click another tab.
When you've changed all the settings in the tabs, click "apply" at the bottom right of iTunes and it will begin syncing content to your nano.
When that's done, remember to eject the iPod by clicking on the arrow button next to the iPod icon in the left-hand tray in iTunes. With the iPod ejected, you're ready to rock.
If you want to rip DVD or convert video to your iPod, you may download free trial version of iPod Video Converter for Mac
or DVD to iPod Converter for Mac.
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