When Apple first introduced its iPod, the device played MP3s and did not do much else. Today, iPods come equipped with a plethora of features, from video playback to Wi-Fi capability and even games. In fact, Apple's App Store contains thousands of games ranging from sports to classic arcade favorites, and older iPods have games of their own. But what do you do when your games refuse to transfer to your iPod? There are several steps you can take to find the source of the problem.
Step 1
Check to make sure that your game works with your iPod model. Games downloaded from the App Store will only work with the iPod touch. You cannot use them on an iPod classic or nano. The original model iPods (generations 1 through 4) cannot play games at all, nor can first- and second-generation nanos.
Step 2
Check to see if your iPod software requires an update. To do so, plug your iPod into your computer, open iTunes, click the iPod icon in the left column, and then click the "Check for Update" button in the middle of the main window. If your software needs updating, click "OK" to update and try your transfer again. Some games require updated software in order to work correctly.
Step 3
Check to see that iTunes has the authorization to download games to your iPod. Click any song or video downloaded from iTunes. If it plays, your iTunes has the correct authorization. If it does not play, it will prompt you to authorize the computer to allow it to do so, which you can do by entering your Apple ID and password. If you do not have an Apple ID and password, you can sign up at myinfo.apple.com.
Step 4
Check to make sure that your iPod has enough memory available for your game. With the iPod plugged into your computer, open iTunes, click the iPod icon and look for the horizontal Capacity bar at the bottom of the screen. It will tell you how much space you have available. If you have insufficient space remaining, you can delete songs, videos and other media to make room.
Step 5
Check to make sure that your games sync in iTunes. With the iPod plugged into your computer, click the iPod icon and select the "Games" tab on the far-right side of the window. See that the "Sync games" box is checked, as well as the individual games that appear below.
