iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Neither Apple nor Samsung documents a direct iPod-to-Galaxy transfer. The workable method for local music is to go through a computer: sync or access the iPod on the computer, then copy eligible music files to the Galaxy. Samsung states that unencrypted iTunes music can be copied as M4A files from a PC with an iTunes library. Protected, subscription, and cloud-only content follows different rules, covered below.
What “connecting” means here
People use “connect” for two different things: a cable between the two devices, and moving songs from one to the other. Apple’s documentation covers connecting an iPod to a computer over USB for syncing, as described in Apple Support’s iTunes sync guide. Samsung’s documentation covers copying music files from a computer to a Galaxy phone. Neither describes a cable that links an iPod straight to a Galaxy, so a cable bought on that assumption will not create the transfer.
Check four details before you start
- iPod model and connector. Older iPod classic and nano models use a 30-pin dock connector, while newer models use Lightning. On an iPod touch, the model name appears under Settings > General > About.
- Computer operating system. On a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, Apple’s instructions use Finder. On Windows, use iTunes or the Apple Devices app, depending on the version installed. Apple’s Finder and iTunes guidance by operating system gives the specifics.
- Galaxy model and USB behaviour. Confirm your phone’s charging cable works for data and that you can choose a file transfer option when connected.
- Type of content. Local, unencrypted music can be copied. Protected files, subscription tracks, and cloud-only items generally cannot be copied this way.
Method 1: Copy local music through a computer
This route works only for songs that already exist as accessible files in the computer’s music library.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- Confirm the songs are in the computer’s iTunes library (or the Music library, if that is where your files sit). Samsung’s documented example is unencrypted iTunes music stored as M4A files. If a track is protected, it will not copy to the phone.
- Before connecting the iPod, turn off automatic sync. A sync can replace the iPod’s music with the computer’s library, so do not start one unless the library is complete.
- Connect the iPod to the computer with its matching USB cable. On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder and select the iPod in the sidebar. On Windows, open iTunes or the Apple Devices app and select the iPod.
- Confirm the computer detects the iPod and that the songs you want appear in the library. Apple’s iPod touch User Guide covers model-specific connection steps.
- Connect the Galaxy to the computer with its USB cable, unlock the phone, and tap the USB notification. Choose the file transfer option.
- On the computer, open the phone’s storage and copy the M4A files into a folder such as Music on the phone’s internal storage. On a Mac, you may need Google’s Android File Transfer app to see the phone’s storage.
- Safely disconnect the phone, open the Samsung Music app, and refresh the library if the songs do not appear.
Expected result: the copied tracks play in the phone’s music app. If they do not, check the file format and whether the song was protected on the computer.
#1 Best Overall
- Universal for 30-Pin Devices: Bring you old devices back to life and let you feel again the precious memories from the past, 30 pin to usb compatible with iPhone 4/4s/3Gs/3G/1, iPad 1/2/3, iPod Touch 1/2/3/4, iPod Nano 2/3/4/5/6, iPod Classic 3/4/5/6/7 (not for 1st & 2nd as they used Firewire instead of 30 pin), A-Universal Dock (2005), Bose SoundDock (2004/2006/2009), JBL On Stage III (2007).
- Original Functions & Better Quality: Herfair ipod charger cable is the same function as your original cable which all supported both charging and data transfering at high speed, but we upgraded the ipod classic charging cord into high-density braided cable, which can last much more longer time for you. (not support audio function)
- Fast Charging & Data: Herfair iphone 4 charger supports 2.4A fast charging that can fully charged your 30 pin device in a short time, no more worry about running out of power! 480Mbps high speed data sync also supported, a 1gb movie or 1000 songs can be transfered in just 2 minutes, saving your times and let you enjoy lossless music on ipod immediately!
- Superior Material & Quality: Herfair ipod charger old generation with high-density braided wire and reinforced interface, extraordinarily solid quality, exllecnt in toughness and elasticity, bend at will and never worry about breakage, tangle-free and easy to store, put it into your bag when go out and won't get tangled at all when take it out to use.
- Excellent Services & Warranty: We have full absolute confidence in our old iphone charger, but we insist to offer 18 months warranty to every 30 pin charger of ours, any problem with your order just a word to Herfair and you will get full re-fu-nd or re-pla-ce-ment (as you choosed) immediately!
Samsung Smart Switch: what it does and does not cover
Samsung’s Smart Switch instructions for iOS describe moving content from an iPhone or iPad to a Galaxy device, as set out in Samsung Support’s iOS transfer page. They do not list an iPod as a source device. Samsung’s general migration guide, Transfer content with Samsung Smart Switch, also lists methods and model caveats that should be checked for your exact devices. The PC-to-phone copy of iTunes M4A files described on that iOS page is a file-copy method, not evidence that Smart Switch reads an iPod.
Cloud music: a separate route
Apple points users to Apple Music and similar cloud services for listening away from a computer. This gives you access through an account rather than copying the iPod’s files. Whether your songs, purchases, or playlists appear depends on your account and library, so check your library before assuming a track will be there. Apple Music is available as an Android app, so you can sign in on the Galaxy directly.
Comparing the three routes
| Route | What it does | Main limit |
|---|---|---|
| Computer-mediated file copy | Moves accessible music files from a computer to Galaxy storage | Needs a computer, compatible cables, and transferable files. Samsung’s documented example covers unencrypted iTunes M4A files. |
| Samsung Smart Switch from iOS | Moves supported content from an iPhone or iPad to a Galaxy | The cited instructions cover iOS phones, not iPods as source devices. |
| Cloud music access | Plays music through a service account on the Galaxy | It is streaming access, not a copy of the iPod’s local files. Availability depends on your account and library. |
What Samsung says about iTunes music
Samsung Support’s page “Transfer content from an iOS device with Samsung Smart Switch” states: “Unencrypted iTunes music can be transferred to your phone or tablet by simply copying the M4A files from a PC with your iTunes library.” This is Samsung’s own wording for the local-file route and applies to unencrypted files only.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Buying a cable
The only accessory that fits this workflow is a USB sync cable that matches your iPod’s connector and your computer’s port. It does not connect the iPod to the Galaxy. You will still need the computer, and the Galaxy will still use its own USB cable. Confirm the connector on your iPod and the port on your computer before buying.
Rank #3
- Apple 30-pin connector to USB Type A cable.
- 【Convenient Design】Slim dock connector design that allow it to be used with devices without removing case.
- 【2 in 1 function】The 30-pin cable is made of pure copper core and TPE material, help to charge and transfer data at the same time.
- 【Wide Compatibility】Apple 30-pin to USB Type A cable Compatible with iPhone 3G/3GS/4/4S, iPad 1/2/3, iPod nano 5th/6th generations and iPod Touch 3rd/4th generations.
- 【Durable & Reliable Cord】4.0 feet (1.2 meters) durable cable completely meet your needs，can plug pull out more than 2000 times， high charging efficiency, ultra data transmission, reduction, small power loss, improve the conversion rate of charging.
Apple’s May 2022 announcement said the iPod touch would remain available through Apple and authorized resellers while supplies lasted. That describes availability at the time, not current stock, so check Apple or a retailer before buying.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshooting
- The iPod does not appear on the computer. Try another USB port and a known-good cable, update iTunes or the Apple Devices app, and then recheck the model-specific steps in Apple’s guide.
- The Galaxy does not appear as a drive. Unlock the phone, change the USB option to file transfer, and on a Mac install Android File Transfer.
- Songs are missing from the phone. The tracks may be protected, subscription-only, or cloud-only. Check the file type and whether the song plays on the computer.
- Music was removed from the iPod. This usually follows a sync that replaced the iPod’s content. Keep automatic sync off until the computer library is confirmed complete.
Model names, menu labels, and Samsung and Apple support pages change over time. Confirm the steps against the current instructions for your exact devices before relying on them.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Compatible】 Paired with USB 2.0 charger, 30-pin iPod connector for Data Synch and charging, compatible with iPhone 4/4S, iPhone 3G/3GS, iPad 1/2/3, iPod, iPod Nanos.
- 【2 in 1 function】 Pure copper wire core and nylon material, to ensure high data effective transmission, the maximum support 2.1A current output, to ensure data the charge of the rapid transmission.
- 【Compact】 Heat-resistant stainless steel connector heads slot in easily and fit most cases, durable nylon material cable completely meet your needs, not easily coiled.
- 【Reliability】 Antioxidant metal plug, durable can plug pull out more than 3000 times, high charging efficiency, ultra data transmission, reduction, small power loss, improve the conversion rate of charging.
- 【Service】PZOZ offer 1 Year limited warranty. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly.
Rank #4
- Works with iPhone 4/4S/3G/3GS,iPad 1/2/3, iPod touch 1/2/3/4, and iPod nano 6
- Apple MFi certified 30 pin dock cable and uses original connector from Apple
- Slim dock connector design that allow it to be used with devices without removing case
- Use the optimum length 4 feet(1.2m) dock to USB cable to charge and sync your iPhone iPod iPad to your Mac or Windows PC
- Lightweight and easily coiled, Super durable with reliability quality
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems
