You can set up iTunes to automatically update the music on your iPod shuffle when you connect it to your computer.

If you want to use your iPod shuffle with more than one computer, or if you want more precise control over the music you add, you can choose to manage your music manually.

Note:  These instructions are for iPod shuffle (3rd generation or later) only. See iPod shuffle (1st or 2nd generation) for more information about that device.

To sync music to your iPod shuffle automatically:

  1. Connect your iPod shuffle to your computer, and select your device in iTunes (below Devices):

    iPod shuffle (3rd generation) in Devices list

  2. Click the Music button, and then select “Sync music.”

  3. Choose “Entire music library,” or choose “Selected playlists, artists, genres, and albums,” and then select the playlists, artists, genres, and albums you want to sync.

    To have iTunes fill any remaining space on your iPod shuffle, select “Automatically fill free space with songs.”

    If you have Genius Mixes and an iPod shuffle (4th generation), iTunes uses the Genius Mixes to fill the space first. If there’s no room for another Genius Mix, iTunes fills the remaining space on iPod shuffle with other songs.

  4. Click the Sync button.

To add songs to your iPod shuffle manually:

  1. Connect your iPod shuffle to your computer, and select your device in iTunes (below Devices).

  2. Click the Summary button, and then select “Manually manage music.”

  3. Click Apply.

  4. Select Music (below Library) or select a playlist:

    Library/Music

    Playlists

  5. Drag the songs you want to add to your iPod shuffle in the list of devices.

  6. Click the Eject button before you disconnect your iPod shuffle.

If you manage your music manually, you can also fill your device with a single click by using Autofill.

See also
Enable VoiceOver for iPod
Sync podcasts, audiobooks, iTunes U, and other content automatically