2nd Gen Ipod nano won't show up as a device

[aliensriracha]

Hi y'all! I recently moved from windows to kubuntu.This is a very niche problem, but I figured it can't hurt to ask for help. I have a hand-me-down IPod nano 2nd gen (the 4gb model) that I've been trying to connect to my laptop to manage songs. Running lsusb does not show any device connected, save for my mouse reciever and built in devices. I know it's rather silly to try to get apple products to play nice with other operating systems, but i'd really love to keep using the stuff I have if I can. The IPod was formatted for windows, synced using an older version of ITunes, and says the version is 1.1.3. I am running Kubuntu 25.10 and KDE 6.4.5. (and, if anyone knows about this stuff- is there anything I need to know to get my old SuperDrive working on my laptop too? I haven't tried yet, just haven't had the time.)

[Snowhog]

From my Google search:

AI Overview

To get a 2nd generation iPod Nano to be recognized in Ubuntu, you will need to
install specific software packages that provide support for its proprietary database format. The older iPods do not appear as simple USB storage devices, and Apple's changes have made them incompatible with modern plug-and-play. The most reliable method involves installing the libgpod library and a compatible music management application.

Step 1: Install required software packages

Open a terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T and run the following commands to install the necessary tools.

• Install the music player: For a graphical interface, Rhythmbox is the default in many Ubuntu installations and supports iPods. gtkpod is another reliable alternative. sh

• sudo apt update sudo apt install rhythmbox gtkpod
• Install filesystem tools: For older iPods, you may need tools to handle the HFS+ filesystem. sh

sudo apt install hfsprogs

Step 2: Connect and mount the iPod

• Plug your iPod Nano into your computer. In many cases, the graphical music application (like Rhythmbox) will now be able to detect and manage your device.
• If the device does not show up automatically, you may need to manually mount it using the command line.
  • Find the iPod's device name: Use the lsblk command to list all block devices and find your iPod's partition. It will likely appear as /dev/sdX, where X is a letter. sh

• lsblk
• Manually mount the partition: Create a mount point and then manually mount the iPod's partition. Replace /dev/sdX1 with your iPod's correct partition name. sh

mkdir ~/ipod sudo mount -t hfsplus -o force,rw /dev/sdX1 ~/ipod

Step 3: Configure the iPod database

For older iPods, libgpod needs specific identification information to modify the music database.

• Find the iPod's serial number: With the iPod plugged in, run this command in your terminal. sh

• lsusb -v | grep -i 'Serial.*[0-9A-Z]\{16\}'
  
  This should output a line containing the 16-digit serial number.
• Add the serial number to the config file: The iPod's database needs a Firewire ID. The serial number can be used for this purpose.
  • Navigate to the correct directory on your mounted iPod. sh
• cd ~/ipod/iPod_Control/Device
• Edit or create the SysInfo file and add the serial number. Be sure to replace 00A1234567891231 with the serial number you found. sh

echo "FirewireGuid: 0x00A1234567891231" | sudo tee SysInfo

Step 4: Use a music manager

With the iPod mounted and the serial number added, you can now manage your music.

• Launch Rhythmbox or gtkpod:
  • rhythmbox
  • gtkpod
• Use the music manager: The application should detect your iPod and allow you to transfer music to and from the device.

Step 5: Safely unmount the iPod

When you are finished, it is important to unmount the iPod properly before physically disconnecting it.

• Unmount the device: Use the umount command. sh

• sudo umount ~/ipod
• Wait for the iPod to display the "OK to disconnect" message on its screen before unplugging the cable.