HT1751: Back up your iTunes library by copying it to an external drive

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JCDIVER1

Q: How do I open multiple iTunes libraries from multiple devices on my Mac?

How do I open multiple iTunes libraries from multiple devices on my Mac?

Posted on Sep 13, 2014 1:11 PM

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Q: How do I open multiple iTunes libraries from multiple devices on my Mac?

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  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Sep 13, 2014 1:13 PM in response to JCDIVER1
    Level 10 (271,755 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 13, 2014 1:13 PM in response to JCDIVER1

    You can't do that simultaneously. You must create separate login accounts on the computer in order to have separate iTunes libraries.

  • by JCDIVER1,

    JCDIVER1 JCDIVER1 Sep 13, 2014 1:19 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPad
    Sep 13, 2014 1:19 PM in response to Kappy

    Thank you Kappy  Does that mean that I would have to create new iTunes accounts for each device? iPad iPhone iPod etc....

  • by Kappy,Solvedanswer

    Kappy Kappy Sep 13, 2014 1:45 PM in response to JCDIVER1
    Level 10 (271,755 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 13, 2014 1:45 PM in response to JCDIVER1

    Yes. For each separate device owner you want to create a new computer user account. To enable each user to keep their stuff apart from other users, they should each get their own Apple ID to use with their device and their user account.

     

    This will enable each user to have their own separate iTunes library, iTunes account, and Apple ID. For more on this matter see:

     

    Using More than One iDevice on the Same Computer

     

    This applies mainly to couples who are adding another device and do not want their email, messages, etc. being duplicated on both devices. To begin read: How to use multiple iPhone, iPad, or iPod devices with one computer. You need to establish a separate Apple ID and password for whomever will use the new iDevice. See Apple - My Apple ID and Frequently asked questions about Apple ID. The easiest way is to do this on the computer using iTunes: iTunes- How to set up an Apple ID within iTunes.

     

    On the computer create a new user account for the person with the new iDevice. This will be the user account that person will always use. He/She will no longer use the other user account. This way that person will have a separate iTunes Library

     

    Start by transferring the new device(s) to a new account along with all your data.  Save any photo stream photos that you want to keep to your camera roll (unless they are already in the camera roll) by opening your Photos app, tap on Albums icon at the bottom. Now, tap on My Photo Stream album; tap Select; tap on the photos you want to select;, tap the share icon (box with upward facing arrow) in the lower left corner; then tap Save to Camera Roll.

     

    If you are syncing notes with iCloud that you want to keep then you need to open each of your notes and email them to yourself. Later you can copy and paste the text into new notes created in your new account.

     

    Tap on Settings > iCloud > Delete Account (only deletes it from this device, not from iCloud; the person keeping the current account will not be affected,) provide the password to turn off Find My Phone and choose Keep on My iDevice when prompted.  Sign in with a different Apple ID to create your new account. Choose Merge to upload your data.

     

    Once you are on separate accounts, you can each go to icloud.com and delete the other person's data from your account.

     

    Note: The essence of the above was created by user, randers4. I

    have made substantial changes to improve readability and syntax.

  • by JCDIVER1,

    JCDIVER1 JCDIVER1 Sep 13, 2014 1:51 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPad
    Sep 13, 2014 1:51 PM in response to Kappy

    Thanks again Kappy. I will give it try. You have been very helpful.