What to Do With Your Old iPod
iPods have been around for almost 20 years, and with new music streaming services popping up every day, many older iPod owners are wondering what to do with their devices. If you have an older iPod model that’s collecting dust, don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to repurpose it or recycle it responsibly.
1. Donate it
Many people still love using iPods, especially those who enjoy listening to music when they exercise or commute. If you have a working iPod, consider donating it to a charity that distributes music players to low-income communities or healthcare facilities. Many organizations, such as Music & Memory, operate music donation programs that help improve the quality of life for people with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other conditions.
2. Sell it
If your iPod model is relatively new, you may be able to get some money for it through online marketplaces, such as eBay or Craigslist. Some older iPods versions are also considered collectibles, and their value can appreciate over time. It’s important to note, however, that you should only sell your iPod if you’ve wiped its memory clean and properly detached it from your iTunes account.
3. Turn it into a portable hard drive
iPods can also serve as an external hard drive for storing files, documents or photos. You can use a program such as Podware or iExplorer to make your iPod’s hard drive accessible on your computer. Once you’ve done that, just drag and drop files onto the iPod from your desktop. Keep in mind that this method may not work with newer iPod models that have a capacity of less than 128GB.
4. Turn it into a digital photo album
iPods can also be used as a digital photo album. Just upload your favorite images onto your iPod like you would your music files. You can use the iPod’s slideshow feature to view your pictures. Of course, this is best if you have an older iPod with a click wheel, as newer models may not have a proper interface for displaying photos.
5. Recycle it
If all else fails, don’t just throw your iPod in the trash. Recycling companies such as Apple and Best Buy offer programs that allow you to send them your old iPod, which they’ll then properly dispose of or refurbish for future use. This way, you can make sure your device is recycled efficiently and safely.
In conclusion, old iPods that are no longer useful for listening to music can be repurposed in many ways or responsibly recycled. Whether you donate your iPod, sell it, use it as a portable hard drive or digital photo album, or recycle it, you can make sure it’s better off than sitting unused in a drawer somewhere.