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Load WMA file to iPod

Load WMA file to iPod

I have a lot of WMA files and I am trying to load them into my iPod. However it fails with the error:

Asked by: Guest | Views: 219
Total answers/comments: 2
Guest [Entry]

"Part of the issue is that there is no such thing as a WMA file. A WMA file is a container... You may have OGG encoded files, or some other codec that itunes doesn't understand there...

Yes iTunes maybe able to play the file, but if the iPod doesn't natively recognize the audio format/codec, it won't be able to play it. iTunes is programmed to detect what the ipod can and can't play...

What codec's are the files in question?

Try converting through iTunes, because WMA doesn't appear to be supported... Evidently the WMA support I've read about is due to being converted through itunes...

Compatible codecs

iPod can play songs encoded with these codecs:


MP3 (from 32 Kbps to 320 Kbps)
MP3 Variable Bit Rate (VBR)
AIFF *
WAV (with no compression)


The following require iPod software 1.3 or later:


M4A AAC

  • M4P AAC (Protected)

  • M4B AAC (iTunes Store Spoken Word files)



  • The following require iPod software 2.2 or later or iPod mini 1.1 or later:


    Apple Lossless Encoder


  • Requires iTunes 4 or iTunes 4 for Windows. AAC files also require the most
    recent update to the iPod software.

    Compatible sample rates

    iPod can play songs with the these sample rates, and with all compatible codecs:


    8 kHz
    11.025 kHz
    16 kHz
    22.050 kHz
    32 kHz
    44.1 kHz


    Audible Spoken Word files

    iPod Software 1.2 and later can play Audible spoken word files in formats 2,
    3, and 4. These files have the filename extension, "".aa"".

    iTunes 4 and iTunes 4 for Windows work with Audible spoken word files.

    Incompatible codecs

    iPod cannot play songs that use these audio formats:


    snd
    QuickTime
    MP2
    MP1
    WAV with compression
    WMA and WMA Protected
    any other format not in the Compatible codecs list"
  • Guest [Entry]

    "iTunes will convert some WMA files automatically. You'll need to drag and drop them on to iTunes and not directly on to the iPod (although I'm guessing a little here). If they're protected - i.e. DRM'd - then iTunes won't be able to convert then.

    If you're running on Windows make sure you have a recent version of Windows Media Player installed for the WMA codecs. If you're running on a Mac apparently having flip4mac will add WMV support to QuickTime allowing iTunes to do the conversion."