"This computer is already associated with an Apple ID" - meaning of "Transfer"?

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Level 4

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"This computer is already associated with an Apple ID" - meaning of "Transfer"?

Hello everybody

I have two iTunes accounts and Match connected to one of them. When I got my new Macbook I connected it to the iTunes account that does not have Match connected. Nevertheless, I am able to log in to the account with Match connected, but as soon as I try to play music I receive this message:

My question is what "Transfer" means and does in my context?

Also, I find it strange that I can have two iTunes accounts on my Apple TV 3 and switch between them without time penality.

Thank you for your help
philip

Mac Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.2), 2x3TB 2xSSD+Sonnet TempoPro ACD 23"

Posted on May 12, 2014 3:13 AM

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Answer 1

May 12, 2014 8:44 AM in response to pullman

A computer or iOS device may be associated with only one Apple ID every 90 days for the purposes of auto downloading, downloading past purchases or using iTunes Match. See this Apple KB article: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4627. Since an Apple TV has no internal storage nothing can be downloaded to it.

pullman wrote:

My question is what "Transfer" means and does in my context?

I'm afraid I don't understand the question. The word "transfer" does not appear in that alert window.

Why do you have two iTunes Store accounts? This is not recommended.

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Answer 2

pullman Author

Level 4

1,220 points

May 13, 2014 6:10 AM in response to Michael Allbritton

Thanks for the reply Michael. I understand now why the ATV would not have the same restriction.

Re "Transfer", I meant the button in the window - I am not sure what would happen if I were to click it.

Thanks again

P

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Answer 3

May 13, 2014 11:02 AM in response to pullman

Sometimes I miss the forest for the trees. I did miss that the button is labeled "transfer." What that means is you will "transfer" the association of the computer from the existing Apple ID to the new Apple ID that you will not be able to associate the computer another Apple ID for 90 days.

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Answer 4

pullman Author

Level 4

1,220 points

May 13, 2014 11:23 AM in response to Michael Allbritton

Thanks for replying againt and no worries, I know how it is 🙂

This is really helpful info. But how does it square with the 90 days? It's less than 90 days since I associated the computer with the account that doesn't have Match attached. Isn't that a bit strange?

Many thanks in advance

Philip

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Answer 5

May 13, 2014 11:43 AM in response to pullman

It's not telling you how many days since you first associated the computer with an Apple ID. It's telling you that if you transfer the association to another Apple ID you cannot associate it with another for 90 days. If you try, you'll be told how many days until you can do so.

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Answer 6

pullman Author

Level 4

1,220 points

May 14, 2014 5:53 AM in response to Michael Allbritton

Well this is interesting.

The iTunes store was inaccessible for me yesterday. When I logged in today with the account with Match all the music was loaded and not only that but I am also able to play it too. No warning message anywhere.

I'm a bit lost as to why this now suddenly works, and why the previous association with the non-Match account has disappeared, but happy that all appears well.

Cheers

Philip

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Answer 7

May 14, 2014 6:25 AM in response to pullman

I'm glad you got it sorted out.

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