iCloud ... - different IDs or same ID?

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Level 2

159 points

iCloud ... - different IDs or same ID?

Hi, I'm new to iCloud and haven't used it yet.

I've read that it's recommended by Apple (why?) to use the same Apple ID for Store purchases and iCloud, but that it's also possible to use one Apple ID for iCloud and a different Apple ID for Store Purchases.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative?

We are using 4 Macs at home and 2 iPod touchs and until now only ONE Apple ID.

Many thanks!

iMac (27-inch Mid 2011), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Feb 21, 2013 4:27 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 22, 2013 4:43 AM in response to coxorange

The advantage of using the same ID is that there is less to remember.

However in many family scenarios each person would likely want there own ID for iCloud (personal data) whilst using the family ID for iTunes (allowing them to share their purchases).

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Answer 2

ssschmidt

Level 5

5,460 points

Feb 22, 2013 4:46 AM in response to coxorange

This may be helpful:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4895

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Answer 3

coxorange Author

Level 2

159 points

Feb 22, 2013 6:08 AM in response to Winston Churchill

Thanks for your answer.

When using different IDs, in which cases/for which purposes will we have to log out/log in with the other ID? Is this often required? How is the normal routine?

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Answer 4

Feb 22, 2013 6:11 AM in response to coxorange

You won't have to log in and out of any accounts, what makes you think you might, iTunes and iCloud have different logins, you can be logged into both with different ID's at the same time.

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Answer 5

coxorange Author

Level 2

159 points

Feb 22, 2013 4:56 PM in response to Winston Churchill

So there are really no disadvantages? I mean, when our family would use different Apple IDs - could we do ALL the things which we could do when using just one ID? Many thanks again.

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Answer 6

coxorange Author

Level 2

159 points

Feb 23, 2013 2:02 PM in response to coxorange

I think I'll have to try this out... but I read: "Once a device or computer is associated with your Apple ID for your iTunes Store account, you cannot associate that device or computer with another Apple ID for 90 days."

Does this only concern the iTunes Store ID (which I'm using for years) or also these new, additional Apple IDs I might want to use/or stop using?

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Answer 7

Feb 23, 2013 2:10 PM in response to coxorange

Yes that's right you will be logged out for 90 days if you switch the Apple ID for iTunes, but you don't need to switch the Apple ID you use for iTunes.

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Answer 8

coxorange Author

Level 2

159 points

Feb 25, 2013 4:06 PM in response to Winston Churchill

In the meantime we've read more informatuon about this topic, for example the PDF guide http://www.macworld.com/premiumcontent/superguide/icloudstarter.html and the article

http://www.macstories.net/stories/ios-5-icloud-tips-sharing-an-apple-id-with-you r-family/ but still some things aren't clear.

Winston Churchill wrote:

The advantage of using the same ID is that there is less to remember.

However in many family scenarios each person would likely want there own ID for iCloud (personal data) whilst using the family ID for iTunes (allowing them to share their purchases).

OK we continued using the old Apple ID for iTunes/Apps purchases and set up new iCloud IDs for all family members.

One problem: We are using Clear (https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/clear/id504544917?mt=12) which stores data in iCloud's Documents & Data, and would love to access ALL family members' Clear lists on ALL Macs. How is this possible when each member has his/her own ID?

Same problem for accessing Pages documents or Preview files (in the iCloud) from all Macs.

We're afraid we'll all have to use the same ID for iCloud then...?

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Answer 9

Feb 25, 2013 4:19 PM in response to coxorange

One problem: We are using Clear (https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/clear/id504544917?mt=12) which stores data in iCloud's Documents & Data, and would love to access ALL family members' Clear lists on ALL Macs. How is this possible when each member has his/her own ID?

Same problem for accessing Pages documents or Preview files (in the iCloud) from all Macs.

We're afraid we'll all have to use the same ID for iCloud then...?

There is (or may be) a way around this.

You can log into more than one Apple ID for iCloud at once, you can have a primary account and any number of secondary accounts, secondary accounts cannot be used for document & data syncing, find my mac, back to my mac or photostream.

Providing you don't mind sharing documents and photostream, this is what you would do.... All use the same ID for a primary account but turn off mail, contacts, calendars and the other iCloud features you don't wish to share. Add a unique Apple ID for each person as a secondary account and turn on mail, contacts calendars etc.

There would need to be some trust for this system, since you could go into your settings and turn someonelses mail for example and see it on your device.

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Answer 10

coxorange Author

Level 2

159 points

Feb 26, 2013 6:06 PM in response to Winston Churchill

Thanks for your answer!

Winston Churchill wrote:

All use the same ID for a primary account but turn off mail, contacts, calendars and the other iCloud features you don't wish to share.

Done - and it works file.

Winston Churchill wrote:

Add a unique Apple ID for each person as a secondary account and turn on mail, contacts calendars etc.

It was a bit difficult to figure out how to set up the secondary accounts on the Macs.

It was via

System Preferences > Mail, Contacts & Calendars > [+]-button ...

Maybe this helps others too.

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