how do i add a device to my itunes account

This answer is one of two things either it is just wrong, or its too vague. I have downloaded using my account on all of my separate devices yet when trying to download past purchases or purchases from other devices on my computer it tells me that i have to add this device... According to the directions by simply downloading onto my computer the device should be active and associated with the account. Yet again when i try to download it tells me to add the device... Its just one big circle probably designed to get me to call Apple for help... So apple is telling me that i have to download a song onto my computer in order for the computer to be registered to the id but its telling me that i must first register the computer to download a song. How could a company that prides it self on performance and efficiency be so illogical in this particular case?

My iPad mini won't let turn on iTunes match, family sharing, or automatic downloads. What should I do next to add this device because I can't make any purchases on it?

Hey there Becca,

It sounds like you are trying to add one of your devices to your Apple ID in iTunes. There are a couple of ways to do that as outlined in the following article:

Manage your associated devices in iTunes

When you turn on iTunes Match, Family Sharing, or Automatic Downloads, or when you download past purchases on your computer, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, that device becomes associated with your Apple ID. You can associate your Apple ID with up to 10 devices, with a maximum of 5 computers at any time. Each computer must also be authorized using the same Apple ID. You don't need to authorize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

After you associate a device with your Apple ID, you can't associate that device with another Apple ID for 90 days.

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

All the best,

Sterling

I have done all the above, but I still cannot get my iPhone 6 to show up. I used to have an iPhone 5 but it doesn't show up either. Please help. This is most confusing!!!

GJ