How to Use the iTouch as a Data Drive

While the iPod touch is frequently used to listen to music, watch videos and play games, the device can also be used as a portable data drive. Use the iPod touch as a storage drive by setting the device to disk mode in iTunes or using the Flash Drive app. The Flash Drive app lets you open transferred files, such as PDFs, Microsoft Word documents and photos, on the iPod touch. Alternatively, using "Disk Mode" in iTunes only lets you store files on the iPod touch -- you won't be able to open files on the device.

Disk Mode

Step 1

Connect your iPod touch to the computer using the USB cable that came with the device.

Step 2

Open iTunes.

Step 3

Select your iPod touch beneath "Devices" on the left side of the iTunes program window.

Step 4

Click the "Summary" tab above the contents of the iPod touch on the right side of the program window and then click to check the box to the left of "Enable Disk Mode" beneath "Options" on the bottom of the program window.

Step 5

Click the "Start" icon and then click "Computer."

Step 6

Click the icon for the iPod touch displayed beneath "Portable Devices."

Step 7

Select the folders or files you want transfer from your computer to the iPod touch.

Step 8

Drag the selected folders or files into the iPod touch folder to copy them.

Step 9

Return to iTunes and click the "Eject" button to the right of the device displayed beneath "Devices."

Flash Drive App

Step 1

Connect the iPod touch to the computer using the USB cable that came with the device.

Step 2

Open iTunes.

Step 3

Sign in to the iTunes Store and tap the "Apps Store" icon.

Step 4

Type "Flash Drive" (see Resources) in the Search box.

Step 5

Select the Flash Drive app that is developed by Readdle.

Step 6

Tap the "Buy App" button and download Flash Drive to the iPod touch.

Step 7

Select iPod touch beneath "Devices" on the left side of the iTunes program window.

Step 8

Select the "Applications" tab and click to check the box to the left of "Sync Applications."

Step 9

Click "Apply" to sync the Flash Drive app to the iPod touch. A progress bar will be displayed at the top of the iTunes program window displaying the status of the sync. When the device is successfully synced, a message will appear in place of the progress bar stating the sync is complete.

Step 10

Select iPod touch beneath "Devices" on the left side of the program window and select the "App" tab on the right side of the program window.

Step 11

Scroll to the file sharing section and select the Flash Drive app.

Step 12

Click the "Add" button and select the files or folder you want to transfer from your computer to your iPod touch.

Step 13

Click the "Sync" button in the lower-right corner of iTunes to transfer the selected files to the iPod touch.

References

• Apple Support; Using your iPod as a Storage Drive; September 2010

Resources

• Apple: Flash Drive for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad

About the Author

Christina Shaffer is a freelance writer based in New Jersey and has been writing arts and entertainment articles since 2005. Her articles have appeared in "Philadelphia City Paper." Shaffer received a B.A. in journalism and gender studies at Rutgers University.

Photo Credits

• Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images