How to set up an iPod in 2026 (macOS Tahoe)

Here is how to connect an iPod to a new Mac computer, retrieve files from the device, and sync new music onto it! I've worked with pretty much all types of iPods at this point, and this seems to be the best way to do this IMO.

iPod Classic 6th gen connecting to Mac Mini 2024 running macOS Tahoe 26.2.

background music by me and Charlie O'Neill!
@realwaao
https://realwaao.bandcamp.com/
https://bitcrushwebsite.bandcamp.com/

me:
https://www.instagram.com/atticusdeeny/
https://linktr.ee/waao

CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:37 Finding old songs
02:47 Syncing the iPod
03:54 Adding more music
05:01 Other possible problems
05:58 Outro