How to Play Movies From an iPod to a Desk Computer

by Mario Calhoun
View your movies while your iPod is connected to your computer.

View your movies while your iPod is connected to your computer.

Earphones on Pink image by JJAVA from Fotolia.com

Movies stored on your iPod can also be played on your desktop computer through the iTunes program. To access and play media on your iPod you must first enable manual managing on your iPod, which allows you to access your iPod. In automatic mode your files are unavailable since the iTunes program restricts access as it automatically syncs your iPod's content to your computer. Once manual manage mode is enabled, you can play music, movies and audiobooks while the device remains plugged into your computer.

Step 1

Open iTunes by clicking the iTunes button on your Mac's dock, or click "Start, All Programs, iTunes" on your Windows PC to run the program.

Step 2

Connect the iPod to your computer by inserting the iPod USB cable into both the iPod and your computer's USB port.

Step 3

Select the iPod icon in the iTunes sidebar, and select the "Summary" tab near the top of the iTunes window. Check the box next "Manually manage music and videos" and click the "Apply" button.

Step 4

Click the arrow next to the iPod icon in the iTunes sidebar, and click the "Movies" tab underneath the iPod icon.

Step 5

Double-click the movie you wish to view in the main iTunes window to begin video playback.

About the Author

A Chicago-based writer, Mario Calhoun has been writing professionally since 2007, with work appearing in local publications such as "Mint Magazine" and "Echo Magazine," Columbia College Chicago's student magazine. Calhoun currently works at Murder Mystery Maniacs, an event planning company. Calhoun graduated from Columbia College Chicago in May 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in magazine journalism.

Photo Credits