Saving On-the-Go playlists

Q: I’ve created an on-the-go playlist that I’ve become rather attached too. Can I copy this from my iPod back into iTunes and rename it so that I can create another On-the-Go playlist without losing my old (by now renamed) one?

– Stephen

A: Since iPod Software Updater 2.1 and iTunes 4.1 (both released 10-16-2003), this has been a standard feature on 3G, 4G, 5G, mini, and nano iPods, when using an automatic synchronization mode. That is, there are a few possible problems (and solutions) to your problem:

You’re using a first- or second-generation iPod. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to do what you’d like.

You’re using a third-generation iPod, with an old version of the iPod’s internal software (Less than 2.1) or iTunes (less than 4.1). Update to the latest versions of both the iPod Software and iTunes.

You’re using a more recent iPod in manual synchronization mode. You’ll need to switch to either “Automatically update all songs and playlists” or “Automatically update selected playlists only” modes, using iTunes’ iPod Preferences window.

To see make sure which iPod model you’re using, check our guide here, or Apple’s support webpage here.

To see which version of the iPod software you’re using, navigate the iPod’s interface as “Main Menu → Settings → About,” and look next to the Version: label.

It should be noted that on recent iPods (again, properly updated), iTunes is not required to save an On-the-Go playlist. Instead, you can simply scroll to the bottom of your On-the-Go playlist on the iPod, and choose “Save Playlist.”