How can I set up two iTunes accounts (and two user accounts) on a single computer?

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Level 1

11 points

How can I set up two iTunes accounts (and two user accounts) on a single computer?

My wife and I are sharing a Mac and we each have our own user log-in.

When I am logged in, I've set up iTunes using my Apple ID. All good.

But when my wife logs into the computer and tries to set up iTunes using HER Apple ID, it says iTunes is already associated with another account on that computer. It gives me the option to "transfer" the computer to the new Apple ID, but it says that if I do so, I will not be able to switch it back for 90 days.

I understand that it's easy enough to set up two iTunes accounts with the SAME LOG-IN ACCOUNT on the computer. The issue seems to be when you have SEPARATE LOG-IN ACCOUNTS.

Is it not possible for two people with separate log-in accounts to use different Apple IDs with iTunes? If so, why would Apple do that? It doesn't make any sense.

iMac Pro

Posted on Apr 18, 2019 10:33 AM

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Answer 1

turingtest2

Level 10

278,745 points

Apr 18, 2019 11:23 AM in response to drewincanada

From View and remove your associated devices in iTunes - Apple Support:

More about associated devices

Your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, PC, or Android phone automatically associate with your Apple ID and iTunes when you:

Sign in to Apple Music with your Apple ID.
Download music to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch in the Music app to listen to when you're offline.
Turn on iCloud Music Library.
Download past purchases that you made in the iTunes Store, App Store, or iBooks Store.
Turn on Automatic Downloads for iTunes Store, App Store, or iBooks Store purchases.
Turn on Family Sharing.
Subscribe to iTunes Match.

When you try to associate another Apple ID with a device that was already associated, you might see a message that says, "This device is associated with another Apple ID. You cannot associate this device with another Apple ID for [number] days." Depending on when you associated your device with your Apple ID, you might need to wait up to 90 days to associate the device with another Apple ID.

Look like Apple really want you to stick to one computer, one iTunes user.

tt2

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Answer 2

turingtest2

Level 10

278,745 points

Apr 18, 2019 10:40 AM in response to drewincanada

See Authorization vs. association - Apple Community for more on this. You can use iTunes with two separate Apple IDs in two users accounts, but only one of them will be able to download past purchases, use Apple Music, etc.

tt2

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Answer 3

drewincanada Author

Level 1

11 points

Apr 18, 2019 10:46 AM in response to turingtest2

Thanks. That doesn't solve the problem. I would like to use Apple Music, and so would my wife. We pay for a Family plan. So when she logs into the computer with her user account, she should be able to use her Apple ID to log into iTunes and access Apple Music, just like she does on her other computer. But if I understand you correctly, Apple will allow you to do everything else that's related to your Apple ID (access calendar, keychain, contacts, etc.), but NOT iTunes and Apple Music.

If that's the case, it's a serious (and frustrating) limitation.

Can I sign out of my Apple ID before I log out of the computer, and if I do so, will my wife be able to log into iTunes with her Apple ID and use Apple Music?

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How can I set up two iTunes accounts (and two user accounts) on a single computer?

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