iPod: Importing Contacts and Appointments

Summary

Learn how to import contacts and calendar events to iPod manually.

Products Affected

iPod

If you don’t want to sync automatically using iTunes, you can transfer information to iPod manually. Note: iPod must be enabled as a hard disk (see "iPod: How to Put Into Disk Mode" if you don’t normally connect with Disk Mode active.

To import contact information manually:

1. Connect iPod to your computer and open your favorite email or contacts application. Importing contacts works with Palm Desktop, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Entourage, and Eudora, among others.
2. Export contacts as vCard (.vcf) files and copy the vCard files to the Contacts folder on the iPod. Tip: Refer to the application’s help or manual on how to export contacts as a vCard file. Contact the vendor for additional information.

To import appointments and other calendar events manually:

1. Export calendar events from any calendar application that uses the standard iCalendar format (filenames end in .ics) or vCal format (filenames end in .vcs). Tip: Refer to the application’s help or manual on how to export calendar events as a iCalendar or vCal file. Contact the vendor for additional information.
2. Drag the files to the Calendars folder on iPod. Note: You can only view to-do lists on iPod using iSync and iCal.

If you want to sync automatically instead, click here if you use Windows or click here if you use a Mac.

Related posts:

1. iTunes for Windows and Vista: Troubleshooting iPod contact and calendar syncing
2. Syncing contacts and calendars to iPod with iTunes for Windows
3. iPhone and iPod touch: Some Entourage-created calendar events may not properly sync to device
4. iPod touch: How to sync contacts and calendars
5. MobileMe, iPhone/iPod touch: Differences between Push and manually syncing calendars and contacts