Want to use old iTunes account with new ID

Question

Want to use old iTunes account with new ID

I've had iTunes for many years running on a PC, syncing to an iPod. Haven't used the iTunes or iPod in a while. I've never owned a Mac and just purchased a new Mac Book. When the salesperson asked if I had an Apple ID, I said no - not thinking of my iTunes account. So I get the system home, setup everything using my new Apple ID - login, drive encryption, iCloud, Time Machine, etc. Then it hits me - I can run iTunes on the Mac Book (I know, duh...), but I've setup everything on the Mac Book using my new Apple ID.

My iTunes ID uses an old e-mail address that I would really like to get rid of. So ideally, I'd like to migrate my iTunes to the new ID. I've read where that's not possible, though some seem to have some "workarounds". My questions are:

Can I migrate my iTunes songs to the new Apple ID?
Should I abandon my new Apple ID and used the old iTunes one? (Suffering all the changes I would have to make on my Mac Book now that it's setup.)
Should I save my iTunes songs in another format - MP3?, make a CD and rip tracks to new iTunes?

On that last option, I assume that is within the rules. I respect music and digital rights, I just need to fix a problem having two accounts.

This is my first post here, so if anyone is reading and can help, it would be much appreciated!

John

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X El Capitan (10.11.4), 15", 500GB disk drive

Posted on Apr 11, 2016 10:09 AM

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Answer 1

ssschmidt

Level 5

5,450 points

Apr 11, 2016 10:15 AM in response to John from Cleveland

1. Welcome to Apple Support Communities.

2. There is no way to "merge" two existing iTunes accounts. The best option is to pick one, and use it exclusively.

3. If you already have content that is purchased using one ID, it is linked forever with that ID. So if you have a lot of content, it would be better to use the existing ID.

4. If the old ID is using an email address that you no longer have, or wish to change, you can change the email address. It would have to be one that is not associated with an existing Apple ID (Main, alternate or rescue). If you intend on editing (changing) that Apple ID email address, sign out of iTunes & App stores, your iCloud account, and iMessage and FaceTime prior to making the change. When you sign out, Sign out on EVERYTHING. iPod, iPhone, computer, etc.

Good Luck.

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Answer 2

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Apr 11, 2016 6:48 PM in response to John from Cleveland

John from Cleveland wrote:

So is burning to CD or MP3 and then re-importing to iTunes with the new ID even an option?

You don’t need to do anything.

You can use the items purchased with both iTunes accounts in your iTunes library.

Burning them to a CD and reripping them will simply reduce the quality.

It won’t transfer them to the other iTunes account.

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Answer 3

Oct 5, 2016 7:13 PM in response to Debmen71

Go to: FORGOT APPLE ID to find Apple ID

Go to: Apple - My Apple ID and click on Reset Password if you forgot the password

If you forgot the answers to your Security Questions, contact Apple Support to get a reset link: ACCOUNT SECURITY SUPPORT

Cheers,

GB

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Answer 4

Limnos

Level 10

427,067 points

Apr 11, 2016 10:15 AM in response to John from Cleveland

Purchases are permanently associated with the Apple ID used. You are better off going back to your old ID and updating the email address. I do not use many of the features you mention but it surprises me that some such as Time Machine use an Apple ID. Do not confuse your Apple ID which is what you use when interfacing with Apple and your user ID which is what you use when you log into your computer (and should probably not be the same).

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Answer 5

Apr 11, 2016 1:58 PM in response to John from Cleveland

So is burning to CD or MP3 and then re-importing to iTunes with the new ID even an option?

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Answer 6

Debmen71

Level 1

4 points

Oct 5, 2016 7:10 PM in response to John from Cleveland

yes I do but I forgot my old accounts

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