iTunes | Why are my files grey?
The following information is based on Apple's "Using iPod with multiple computers" support page.
- iPod shuffle is intended for use with a single computer. You cannot load music from multiple computers or iTunes libraries onto iPod shuffle like you can with other iPods.
- the iPhone (and probably iPod Touch) does not appear to support iTunes sync'ing with more than one computer. It is highly unlikely that you will be able to use your iPhone (or iPod Touch) connected to an APNK computer, regardless of the version of iTunes installed, without wiping your iPhone contents. [Dec 2009] If you are aware of a free Windows application that supports using an iPhone as an external hard drive we would love to hear from you. Contact Us.
Be very careful when you plug your iPod into another computer as you could DELETE EVERY FILE, mp3, app, etc on your iPod if you do not read and understand the iTunes messages.
If you plug your iPod into an APNK computer and the files are grey in iTunes you may need to make a setting change to your iPod via iTunes.
NOTE if at any stage you are warned that the iPod's library is about to be ERASED - DO NOT APPLY CHANGES!
(Unless you want to delete the contents of your iPod)
To access MP3s etc on you iPod try this
- open iTunes
- select your iPod listed under devices in the Source pane
- click on the Summary (or General) Tab
- tick "Manually manage music and video"
- You should now be prompted "you have changed settings ... would you like to apply these changes?"
- Click APPLY
See also