Q: maximum devices allowed one apple id
I have an older MBP (early 2011) and use it as my main computer. My iOS devices are all synced to this MBP. I believed I understand the concept about AUTHORIZED devices (the MBP). What I am unclear on is the ASSOCIATED devices and any limits for the single Apple ID I use.
The iOS devices are mine or my children's and we have no problems with this set up. In all, I have eleven iOS devices (iPad, iPod).
However, I want to buy a new iPad Pro and don't want to find that I've reached some limit and am unable to download apps and music. I do not download movies.
Is there a limit of devices which can be associated with my setup?
MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.4)
Posted on May 21, 2016 3:38 PM
Yes, there is a limit. You can have a total of 10 devices (with a maximum of 5 computers) associated with your Apple ID.
An associated device is a device that is signed on to a specific Apple ID and has been used for one or more of the following:
- Family Sharing
- Apple Music
- iTunes Match
- Downloading Past Purchases
- Automatic Downloads
When any of those actions are set up on a particular device or computer using your Apple ID, that computer or device becomes associated with your Apple ID. Once associated, the computer or device is locked for 90 days to that ID. Once the 90 days has passed, a different ID can be associated with it.
Here is the Support Article for Associated Devices:
View and remove associated devices in iTunes - Apple Support
And just to clarify - when you Authorize a particular Apple ID to an iTunes Library, you are basically giving "permission" for that Apple ID to be able to play the media in that Library.
Cheers,
GB
Posted on May 22, 2016 8:48 PM