New iPod Touch Guide: Setup, Features & Tips

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

The new iPod touch is a portable media player and gaming device that runs iOS, and this guide walks you through setup, key features, hidden settings, and common troubleshooting. You’ll learn how to transfer music, use the headphone jack, manage storage, and decide if it still makes sense in the iPhone era.

Background: Why the iPod Touch Still Exists

Apple introduced the iPod touch in 2007 as an iPhone without cellular. It has been updated sporadically, with the current (7th generation) model released in May 2019. It uses the A10 Fusion chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 7, which supports iOS 15 and most modern apps. Unlike the iPhone, it has no GPS, no cellular modem, and no ability to make traditional phone calls, but it can make FaceTime and iMessage calls over Wi‑Fi.

The device comes in 32 GB and 128 GB storage variants, with a 4-inch Retina display and a 8 MP rear camera. It still has the 3.5 mm headphone jack, which Apple removed from iPhones in 2016. The iPod touch is often bought for kids, as a dedicated music player, or as a low-cost iOS device for testing apps.

How to Set Up a New iPod Touch

Setting up a new iPod touch is nearly identical to setting up an iPhone. Follow these steps:

Press and hold the top (side) button to turn it on. You’ll see a “Hello� screen.
Choose your language and region, then connect to a Wi‑Fi network (required for activation).
Select “Set Up Manually� or use Quick Start (if you have another iOS device nearby).
Create a Face ID or Touch ID? The iPod touch uses Touch ID (the Home button) for unlocking and purchases.
Enter your Apple ID password or create a new one. This is essential for downloading apps, music, and iCloud backups.
Set up FaceTime, iMessage, and Screen Time (parental controls) if desired.
Choose to restore from an iCloud or iTunes backup, or set up as new.

After setup, you’ll land on the home screen. If you encounter an “Activation Lock� screen, it means the device is still linked to someone else’s Apple ID—you’ll need that person’s password to proceed.

Transferring Music and Media

The iPod touch is designed for media, but it no longer syncs via iTunes the way older iPods did. Here’s how to get content onto it:

Apple Music: Subscribe to the service and stream or download songs directly on the device.
iTunes Store: Buy individual songs or albums from the Music app.
Sync from a computer: Connect the iPod touch to a Mac or PC, open Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (Windows or older macOS), and drag music, movies, or podcasts into the device’s sidebar.
AirDrop: Send files from a nearby iPhone or Mac wirelessly.
Cloud services: Use Dropbox, Google Drive, or iCloud Drive to access files on the go.

Note that the iPod touch does not support Apple’s Lossless (ALAC) files in high-resolution (above 48 kHz) due to hardware limitations, but it plays standard AAC, MP3, and FLAC (via third-party apps) fine.

Hidden Features and Tips

The iPod touch has several lesser-known features that improve daily use:

Back Tap: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. Double-tap or triple-tap the back of the device to trigger actions like screenshot, mute, or control center.
Reachability: Double-tap the Home button (not press) to pull the top of the screen down for one-handed use.
Battery percentage: The 4-inch screen doesn’t show it in the status bar by default. Swipe down from the top-right to see it in Control Center, or add a Batteries widget.
Volume button shortcuts: In Settings > Camera, you can set the volume up button to take a burst of photos (hold it) or to record video.
Magnifier: Triple-click the Home button to turn the camera into a magnifying glass (enable in Accessibility > Magnifier).

These features are often missed because they’re buried in Accessibility settings, but they work exactly as they do on iPhones.

Common Problems and Fixes

Even though the iPod touch is reliable, you might run into a few issues:

Battery drains quickly: Check Settings > Battery to see which apps use the most power. Disable Background App Refresh for apps you don’t need, and reduce screen brightness.
Can’t connect to Wi‑Fi: Forget the network (Settings > Wi‑Fi, tap the “i� icon, then Forget), restart the device, and try again. If that fails, reset network settings (Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings).
App won’t download: Ensure you’re signed in to the App Store with the correct Apple ID, and that the device has enough free storage (Settings > General > iPhone Storage).
No sound: Check the mute switch (above the volume buttons) and the volume level. If sound works in some apps but not others, the app may have its own volume settings.
Slow performance: Close unused apps (swipe up from the bottom and swipe apps away), restart the device, or update to the latest iOS version.

If the screen freezes, force-restart by pressing and holding both the top button and the Home button for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.

How to Choose: iPod Touch vs. iPhone vs. Refurbished

Deciding whether to buy an iPod touch depends on your needs:

iPod touch (new, $199–$299): Best for kids, as a dedicated music player, or as a secondary device. It’s the cheapest way to access the App Store and iMessage.
iPhone SE (new, $429): Offers cellular, GPS, better camera, and longer software support. If you need a phone anyway, the extra cost is worth it.
Refurbished iPhone: Older models (like the iPhone 8) can be cheaper than a new iPod touch, but they have worse battery life and may not support future iOS versions.
Android media players: Devices like the Sony Walkman or dedicated DAPs offer better audio quality but lack the full iOS ecosystem.

For most adults, an iPod touch is a luxury, not a necessity. For children, it’s a safe way to introduce them to Apple’s ecosystem without a phone plan.

Costs and Storage Considerations

The iPod touch is sold in two storage tiers:

32 GB: $199. Enough for about 4,000 songs (at 128 kbps AAC) or 10 hours of 1080p video. If you plan to store photos and apps, this fills up fast.
128 GB: $299. Holds roughly 16,000 songs or 40 hours of video. This is the better choice for most users, as you can’t expand storage later.

There is no 64 GB model. Apple dropped it in 2019 to simplify the lineup. If you buy a 32 GB model, you’ll likely rely on cloud streaming (Apple Music, Netflix) rather than storing everything locally.

Safety and Parental Controls

Because the iPod touch is often given to children, Apple includes robust parental controls:

Screen Time: Set app limits, schedule downtime, and block explicit content (Settings > Screen Time).
Content & Privacy Restrictions: Restrict app installs, purchases, and website content (Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions).
Ask to Buy: If you’re in a Family Sharing group, you can approve every download from your own device.
Find My: Enable Find My to locate the device if lost. You can also set it to “Lost Mode� to lock it remotely.

These features work identically to iPhones, so you can hand a fully controlled device to a child without worrying about them accessing inappropriate content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an iPod touch as a phone?

Not for traditional calls, but you can use FaceTime (video and audio) and iMessage over Wi‑Fi. If you’re on a Wi‑Fi network, you can also use VoIP apps like Skype or WhatsApp to call regular phone numbers.

Does the iPod touch support Apple Pay?

No. It lacks the NFC chip required for contactless payments. You can still use Apple Pay in apps and on the web (with Touch ID), but not in physical stores.

Can I use AirPods with an iPod touch?

Yes, all AirPods models work. The iPod touch supports Bluetooth 4.1, which is fine for audio, but it does not support the wireless charging case or the U1 chip features found on newer iPhones.

How long does the battery last?

Apple rates it for up to 40 hours of music playback and 8 hours of video. In real-world mixed use, expect a full day of light usage. Battery life degrades over time, and the battery is not user-replaceable.

Will the iPod touch get iOS 16?

No. The 7th generation iPod touch is stuck on iOS 15. Apple’s iOS 16 compatibility list does not include it, likely due to the A10 chip’s age and the device’s limited RAM (2 GB).

Is the iPod touch still worth buying in 2024?

Only if you specifically want a compact, Wi‑Fi-only iOS device. For most people, an iPhone SE or a used iPhone offers better value. The iPod touch remains a niche product for kids, collectors, or those who want a distraction-free music player.

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