How to Fix iPod Support Service is Not Installed

"I wanted to transfer music to my iPod via iTunes and connect iPod to iTunes. Still, it doesn't bother to recognize and says 'iPod support service is not installed' instead. How can I fix this issue?"

When you install iTunes on your PC, several additional components are also installed. These components help iTunes function properly by managing services and handling essential data. One of the key components is the iPod Support Service. Without it, iTunes won't be able to recognize your iPod.

In this article, we'll explain what the iPod Support Service is and show you how to fix the "iPod Support Service is not installed" error on Windows 10/11.

Part 1: What is iPod support service?

iPod Support Service is a background service installed along with iTunes on Windows computers. It plays a critical role in allowing your computer to detect, communicate with, and sync Apple devices such as:

• iPods
• iPhones
• iPads

Even though it's called "iPod" Support Service, it also supports other iOS devices.

What Does It Do?

Here are the main functions of iPod Support Service:

1. Device Detection: It helps Windows and iTunes recognize when an Apple device is connected via USB.

2. Data Synchronization: It enables the transfer of music, videos, playlists, and other data between iTunes and your device.

3. Driver Communication: It works with Apple Mobile Device Service (AMDS) and related drivers to establish a connection between your device and the iTunes software.

What Happens If It's Missing or Not Working?

If the iPod Support Service is not installed or isn't running properly, you may experience issues such as:

• iTunes not recognizing your iPod, iPhone, or iPad
• Unable to sync media or backup data
• Error messages like "iPod Support Service is not installed"

In Summary:

iPod Support Service is a necessary component for iTunes to interact with Apple devices on Windows. If it's missing or malfunctioning, your device might not show up in iTunes or sync properly.

Part 2: How to fix Windows 10 iPod support service is not installed on Windows 10/11

Sometimes, a simple restart can refresh background services and fix the issue. You can either restart your computer or restart your iPod to see if iPod support service is not installed issue can be fixed.

To restart your Windows computer

You can click the Start menu, select the Power icon, then choose Restart. You can also press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, click the power icon in the corner, and select Restart.

To restart your iPod Touch

Press and hold the Power and Home buttons at the same time until the Apple logo appears. On newer models without a Home button, hold the Power and Volume Down buttons instead.

Then the second reasons why this issue happen is that you haven't installed the support service on your PC. After installing the support service, you can easily make a PC to detect the iPod.

Before heading into the installation process, we'd like to reveal the important things you must look at before installing the iPod service.

• First, you'll need to ensure that the iPod is on the Home screen.
• Unlocking iPod is also pretty important before installing a support service.
• Don't forget to install the new version of iTunes, as this thing matters a lot in determining how things go about the business.

Now, you can proceed ahead to install an iPod support service to get rid of the issue you're facing. However, the process of downloading the support service depends upon whether you've installed iTunes through Apple or Microsoft, as both the processes are a bit different.

Here's the step-by-step guide to putting things in order.

2.1 iTunes downloaded from Microsoft:

Step 1: Navigate to the Home screen after unlocking iPod. Next, all you need to do is connect the iPod to your PC.

Note: You need to turn iTunes off in this process.

Step 2: After reaching the Start button, you'll need to click on it and select Device Manager.

Step 3: Now, you'll be able to see your device name under Portable Devices. Select Update driver.

Step 4: In this phase, all to need to do is press Search automatically for updated driver software.

Step 5: After installing the software, you'll need to navigate to Settings and then select the Update & Security option from there.

Next, you'll need to hit Windows Update to check the possibility of any other updates. Now, you'll need to start your PC and check whether iTunes detect the iPod or not.

It is most likely that you'll be able to transfer files through iPod after installing the iPod support service.

2.2 iTunes downloaded from Apple

Step 1: First, you need to unlock your iPhone and navigate the Home screen. Next, you'll need to connect your device to a PC and make sure iTunes is turned off.

Step 2: Launch the Run Command option after hitting the R key and Windows.

Step 3: After navigating to the Run window, you'll need to tap Program files and then hit the Common files option. Next, you'll need to select Drivers after hitting Apple and Mobile Device Support option. Later, you'll only need to tap OK to put the things in order.

Step 4: Select Install after hitting the usbaap1.inf or usbaap164 file.

Note: You'll need to make sure the files you've installed end in inf. However, if you don't know whether you've installed the correct file, you can navigate File Explorer Window. Next, you'll need to tap Details after hitting view to access the correct file type.

Step 5: Restart the computer after disconnecting your iPod. Later, you need to check if iTunes recognizes your iPod.

Once everything is reinstalled and updated, restart your PC and reconnect your device. iTunes should now recognize your iPod or iPhone without any error.

Part 3: Recommended iOS fixing tool - TunesKit iOS System Recovery

If the above methods can't solve the iPod support service is not installed issue, you've got an unbelievable tool in the shape of the TunesKit iOS System Recovery. It is monumental third-party software that can help you fix more than 150 issues with minimal effort. Moreover, it doesn't cause data loss courtesy of its Standard Repair Mode. It is now fully compatible with most iOS devices including the latest models. If you encounter any iPod issue like iPod stuck on Apple logo, iPod touch white screen, iPod stuck in boot loop, etc., TunesKit iOS System Recovery can help you fix it within several steps.

How to repair your iOS device using TunesKit iOS System Recovery? Follow these 4 steps.

Step 1 Launch TunesKit iOS System Recovery

After launching TunesKit iOS System Recovery, you'll need to tap Enter Recovery Mode top put your iPod into Recovery mode and select Start.

Step 2 Hit Standard Repair Mode

Now, you need to press the Standard Repair option if you don't want to loss any iPod content.

Step 3 Download Firmware Package

All you need to do is clicking the Download button to download the appropriate firmware package in this phase. Before downloading, please check if all the given information is corresponding to your iPod.

Step 4Repair iOS device

Tap on the Repair option, and it will begin repairing your device. This process will take several minutes.

Part 4: Conclusion

If your screen shows iPod support service is not installed while connecting iPod to iTunes, you can read this guide. We've listed the precise ways to get your issue solved, as you'll only need to download the iPod support service to get the thing sorted. On the other hand, if you find any issue in your iOS device, you can acquire the services of TunesKit iOS System Recovery. Apart from being user-friendly, TunesKit iOS System is good at removing any iPhone issue with minimal effort.