Best Method to Play Tidal Music on iPod

Despite the ubiquity of smartphones, the iPod remains beloved for its focused listening experience. However, integrating modern streaming services with legacy hardware is challenging. Since most iPod models lack Wi-Fi and older iOS versions cannot run the Tidal app, subscribers are often unable to take their high-fidelity playlists on the go.

The solution involves converting Tidal streams into standard audio files. This guide demonstrates how to use TunesKit Audio Capture to download and convert Tidal music to MP3 or AAC formats. By doing so, you can bypass compatibility restrictions and sync your favorite tracks to any iPod model for unlimited offline listening.

Part 1. Why the Native App Doesn't Work

Before fixing the problem, it helps to understand why it's happening so you stop wasting time looking for older versions of the app.

• iPod Touch: Even the latest 7th Gen model is stuck on iOS 15. Tidal's security updates now demand iOS 17+.
• iPod Nano/Shuffle/Classic: These devices do not have Wi-Fi or an operating system capable of running streaming apps. They only play local file formats like MP3, AAC, or ALAC.

Part 2. How to Download Music from Tidal to MP3

iPod gives you the right to access music from Apple Music or iTunes store. That means that you can only listen to music purchased from Apple Music or iTunes store on the iPod. However, there is 256GB of storage on board leaving enough room for storing thousands of tracks so you can download Tidal music to iPod via a third-party tool like TunesKit Audio Capture.

iPod is able to play files in AAC, MP3, PCM, Apple Lossless, FLAC, and Dolby Digital formats, while TunesKit Audio Capture can help you convert Tidal music to plain audio formats. With the help of TunesKit, you can not only download your favorite tracks from the streaming music services like Tidal but also customize your personal music tracks.

Just follow the steps below to convert Tidal music to MP3 or other formats compatible with your iPod by using TunesKit Audio Capture.

Step 1Fire up TunesKit Audio Capture

After downloading and installing TunesKit Tidal Music Downloader to your computer, open TunesKit and check the dropdown list of TunesKit Audio Capture. If you don't see the Tidal app listed on the program list, you need to add the Tidal app to TunesKit by clicking the + button to add it.

Step 2Set the output audio parameter

Then you need to configure the output audio parameters by clicking on the Format button. There are various audio formats including MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, M4A, and M4B, and you should pick the format of MP3 files among them and continue to configure the value of channel, bit rate, and sample rate for getting better audio quality.

Step 3Begin to record music from Tidal

Once all the setting is done, you can launch the Tidal app from TunesKit by clicking the Start button and log into your Tidal account. Then choose to play a playlist or album from Tidal and TunesKit will record those music tracks from Tidal after several seconds. You can stop recording music from Tidal by clicking the Stop button.

Step 4Save Tidal music to the local folder

Now you could go to customize those recorded Tidal music tracks by clicking the Edit button at the rear of each track to open the service of audio customization. With the service, you could trim and merge all Tidal music tracks and edit the ID3 tags and other audio information. Then save all your edited music tracks to your computer.

Part 3. How to Transfer Tidal Music to iPod for Playing

All the music you want has been recorded from Tidal by TunesKit and you could prepare to add Tidal music to the iPod by using the iTunes on your computer. To sync Tidal music to your iPod, follow these simple steps:

Phase 1. Add Tidal music to iTunes library from your computer

Step 1. Open iTunes on your computer.

Step 2. Click the File menu on the upper left corner and then choose the Add File to Library or Add Folder to Library option for uploading Tidal music.

Step 3. Add Tidal music from the local folder where you save the converted Tidal music.

Phase 2. Sync Tidal music from iTunes library to your iPod

Step 1. Connect your iPod to your computer via a USB cable and iPod will be detected by iTunes automatically.

Step 2. Tap the Music option at the left panel and check the Sync Music box.

Step 3. To start to transfer Tidal music to your iPod, select the Entire music library option.

Step 4. Hit on the Apply button, then all the selected Tidal music will be transferred to your iPod immediately.

Part 4. FAQ: Playing Tidal on iPods

Part 5. Conclusion

Breathing new life into your old iPod is easy once you break free from the restrictions of streaming protections. By using TunesKit Audio Capture, you successfully bridge the gap between Tidal's massive high-fidelity library and the portability of your iPod.

Whether you are using a vintage iPod Classic, a compact Nano, or an iPod Touch, this method ensures your favorite tracks are always with you—no internet connection required. Don't let compatibility issues stop the music; download TunesKit Audio Capture today and start building your ultimate offline library.