Can multiple iTunes Store accounts be linked to one iTunes Library

Question

Level 1

0 points

Can multiple iTunes Store accounts be linked to one iTunes Library

Hi there! I'm having trouble getting a clear answer to this question. If I'm being confusing, forgive me. We are a family of three with two iPod Touches and one older iPod. We recently purchased a new iMac and I migrated our common iTunes Library to the Mac. We won't be using to PC anymore. There are three separate accounts on the Mac but all of them point to the same iTunes Library.

Up until now, we have been using my Apple ID/iTunes Store account for all purchases. I would like to set up a separate iTunes store account for my daughter so she can use all the gift cards she gets to make her own purchases. *If I give her a separate iTunes Store account, can whatever she purchases go into our common library?* I don't want to her to lose access to all the apps and music we have already accumulated.

If both accounts can download content to the same library, can I expect any problems when I sync the different iPods? All of them are set up to sync manually so that we can choose which music playlists, movies and apps go to which device. Will my daughter have to sync her iPod twice -- logging each iTunes store account once -- to get all her content? Are there problems with updating apps?

Sorry this is so long! I keep getting the same answer from an Apple tech via e-mail but it doesn't address the exact points of my concerns! Thanks for any help you can provide.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Nov 2, 2010 4:10 PM

Reply

Answer 1

ed2345

Level 9

63,608 points

Nov 2, 2010 4:16 PM in response to Cathcuc

Cathcuc wrote:

*If I give her a separate iTunes Store account, can whatever she purchases go into our common library?*

Yes. You can purchase music from multiple iTunes Store accounts, or at any online source and add it to any of the libraries.

If both accounts can download content to the same library, can I expect any problems when I sync the different iPods?

When you sync, you are syncing to a library, and can set options (such as sync selected playlists) per device. If the library happens to contain music from multiple iTunes Store accounts, or even content from other online music download stores, it does not matter.

Reply

Answer 2

Cathcuc Author

Level 1

0 points

Nov 2, 2010 5:41 PM in response to ed2345

Thanks Ed. What about apps? I've seen a couple of posts mentioning conflicts with apps and updating depending on what iTunes account they came from. Would there be any problems with the situation I'm proposing? Or, because everything is going to the same library, the iTunes store account isn't an issue?

Reply

Answer 3

ed2345

Level 9

63,608 points

Nov 2, 2010 6:01 PM in response to Cathcuc

Correct, to update an app you have to log in to the account from which it was originally purchased.

Not sure of your daughter's age, but probably the best thing is for her to have her own Store account. She can then buy her own apps, but you can all share music within the household.

Reply

Answer 4

Cathcuc Author

Level 1

0 points

Nov 2, 2010 6:56 PM in response to ed2345

Ok. Last question/clarification, I swear. Although I have to be in the right iTunes Store account to update the apps (some are already in mine, new ones will go in hers), does it matter what account you're logged into when you sync the ipod with the common Library? Will she have to sync her iPod Touch twice -- once while logged into my iTunes store account and then again while logged into her iTunes store account? Does syncing have anything to do with the iTunes store account? If I've taken care of updating all the apps in both iTunes store accounts before I plug in her iPod Touch to sync, should there be any issues?

Sorry if I'm discussing minutiae. I don't want to create a separate account for her and have it be more hassle. I was just trying to give her the freedom to spend her gift certificates on her own purchases. Thanks for your help and patience!!!

Reply

Answer 5

ed2345

Level 9

63,608 points

Nov 2, 2010 7:06 PM in response to Cathcuc

The paradigm is that you put stuff into your library, and then you sync the iPod/iPhone to the library. The Store has nothing to do with it!

Not sure about the age of your daughter, but in general it is better to have her own account. Sooner or later she may have her own computer, and then her own dorm room, and then her own household, and sharing an account with her will be really inconvenient. 😉

Reply

Answer 6

Cathcuc Author

Level 1

0 points

Nov 2, 2010 7:18 PM in response to ed2345

Thank you SO MUCH!! I will set up her account tomorrow! She will be very happy! There are two post-its of music and apps hanging off the computer that she wants to buy. I've been forcing her to hold off until I sorted this out. Thanks again! You were much more helpful then the tech I was emailing.

Reply

Answer 7

dknightd

Level 3

705 points

Nov 2, 2010 7:30 PM in response to Cathcuc

We have several macs, several ipods, a couple of iphones, several itunes store accounts. So far no problem. You might have to share passwords if you want to share content. I think iStore accounts can only be used on up to 5 computers. We have 7, so have to be a little careful about that. I don't think there is a limit on how many iDevices can be used with one account. I also don't think there is a limit on how many accounts can be used on a single computer (might be wrong about that). You have to be logged into the iStore to download content, and your computer has to be registered with the account to use the content, but once it is on, and registered, syncing to an iPod is not a problem (you do not have to login in again for each account the content was purchased from). I'm just glad I only have two kids, and one wife - things could get trickier in a big family with . . .

Reply

Answer 8

ed2345

Level 9

63,608 points

Nov 2, 2010 7:40 PM in response to Cathcuc

Cathcuc wrote:
Thank you SO MUCH!! I will set up her account tomorrow! She will be very happy! There are two post-its of music and apps hanging off the computer that she wants to buy. I've been forcing her to hold off until I sorted this out. Thanks again! You were much more helpful then the tech I was emailing.

Glad it is sorted. Enjoy the music!

Reply