I tried to buy a song in the iTunes store today and received a message telling me I need to switch from my AOL account to an Apple ID.
Can anyone tell my why this is? I've been using this account on iTunes for 5 years now (and see no reason to change now unless it's just a bunch of crap from Apple) so I am somewhat annoyed, especially since I didn't get an email or anything warning me of this switch.
Also, can I use my existing Apple ID instead of creating a new one?
I've been using an AIM ID since 2004 for my iTunes purchases. This was long before I ever had a Mac. So when I was prompted by iTunes to choose an Apple ID to switch to, I typed in the info for my existing Apple ID that I've had for a year or two. No dice. It won't let me switch. I can log-in with that Apple ID, but what's going to happen with all that stuff I bought, both songs and iPhone apps, with my old AIM account? When I get a new Mac and try to pay all that protected music on it, it'll ask me to login with the account that purchased it, but it won't let me. This is a potentially serious issue and I'm not going to do anything until the dust settles.
The solution should be simple: let me switch from my existing AIM ID to my existing Apple ID. This is something I've wanted to do for a while anyway, since I only use the AIM ID for iTunes. Hopefully it'll get fixed ASAP. I have some iPhone apps I need to update but I'm not going to be able to until this problem is solved.
Maybe we should call Apple Support and ask for help from them?
We're all going to have the problem you mentioned with protected music.
I don't have a credit card and I never use my debit card to buy anything online, so I use gift cards to purchase music. I have $12 in credit - have any idea what's going to happen to that?
I've got $12 of credit in the account I can no longer access, too. I'm betting we're going to lose it and be forced to complain to get it back. Not that I'm pessimistic! 🙂
If I lose that money I'm going to be on the phone complaining to every single person who will listen until they either accept/transfer that credit or write me a check! (I'm not pessimistic at all either! 🙂 )
I sent an email to iTunes support - I'll include both my email and the response I got.
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My email:
I attempted to purchase a song from the iTunes store last night using my AOL/AIM account but received an error message saying, "You need to change your account to use an Apple ID. To continue using the iTunes store, you must update your iTunes account by choosing a free Apple ID." (I don't see a place to provide you with a screenshot but this is a direct quote of the message.)
I would very much like to know what is going on, as I have been using my AOL account in the iTunes store for 5 years with no trouble. I also have a friend who received the same message on her Windows computer and somehow messed with the date and time and the message disappeared.
If something has happened where AOL accounts are no longer useable with the iTunes store I would like to know why, and I would like to be able to speak with someone who can answer some questions I have about that.
Thanks.
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The Response, without all the "Thank you for using iTunes" junk at the beginning:
I understand you're concerned about your not being able to use your AOL account. You maybe unaware of this change, but AOL accounts are no longer supported by the iTunes Store. I'm unable to specify why you're no longer to use AOL accounts anymore. In order to continue using your account, all you would need to do is simply convert your account over to an Apple ID.
I can do this conversion for you, but you can do it yourself quickly and easily. If you'd like to try to do it yourself, just attempt to sign in to the iTunes Store using your AOL account. After your sign-in attempt, you will be prompted to convert the account to an Apple ID.
During the conversion process, you will be prompted to enter credit card information since your purchases will no longer be able to be charged to your AOL account. Please note: for a successful conversion, it's important to use the same credit card you used on your AOL account when entering your billing information.
If you're having trouble converting your AOL ID to an Apple ID iTunes Store account after following these steps, I can convert your account for you. Before I can do this, however, Apple requires that you provide the following for security reasons:
- The billing address listed on the account
- Your permission to reset the password
...as well as one of the following:
- the last four digits of the credit card used for your iTunes Store account
- or the order number of your most recent purchase
- or the name of any item you've purchased using this account
Upon receiving your response, Apple will verify your information, convert your account, reset your password, and send you an email with your new password.
I look forward to your reply.
Thanks again for using iTunes. We appreciate your business.
I'm sending another email back with a few questions. I'll let you know how it goes.
I would suggest emailing iTunes tech support. I kept getting the same error so I emailed them and they converted my account for me. I'll post the link to the form for you.
I emailed iTunes tech support and they converted my account for me. I still have my gift card credits, and they carried my purchased music over to my new account. If you're having trouble, or would like Apple to convert your account for you, here's the link where you can contact iTunes support.
Meh, they have no idea what I'm asking anymore. Heres another email with my comments:
Hi,
Thanks for the reply, this is Hurmath again.
I understand that you are having issues with making purchases using your AOL account "(my account)". I know your concern.
Your AOL iTunes Store account can be converted to an Apple ID account if your account with AOL has expired (uh, dont think so, i can sign into the webmail just fine). This would be necessary if you want to continue to use the account on the iTunes Store.
I can do this conversion for you, but you can do it yourself quickly and easily. If you'd like to try to do it yourself, just attempt to sign in to the iTunes Store using your AOL account (Yeah, about that...). You will be prompted to convert the account to an Apple ID. (Cant login!)
During the conversion process, you will be prompted to enter credit card information since your purchases will no longer be able to be charged to your AOL account.
Please note: for a successful conversion, it's important to use the same credit card you used on your AOL account (I didnt use a credit card, I only used AIM. Thats why I used AOL accounts int he first place, I was 15 and didnt need a credit card!) when entering your billing information.
If you're having trouble converting your AOL ID to an Apple ID iTunes Store account after following these steps, I can convert your account for you. Before I can do this, however, Apple requires that you provide the following for security reasons:
- The billing address listed on the account (which there is none)
- Your permission to reset the password (sure!)
...as well as one of the following:
- the last four digits of the credit card used for your iTunes Store account (none)
- or the order number of your most recent purchase (cant login)
- or the name of any item you've purchased using this account (sure?)
Upon receiving your response, Apple will verify your information, reset your password, and send you an email with your new password.
If you have any queries,please write back to us. We will be happy to help you. Have a great day!
