How to use old iphone as a music player only without music getting mixed up on multiple devices

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Level 1

14 points

How to use old iphone as a music player only without music getting mixed up on multiple devices

I would like to use an old iphone to download music for my 8 year old to listen to. I don't need the phone to be able to do anything else - just want it as a music player. I've taken the old iphone, reset it and deleted all content and settings. Then tried downloading a track to it, but when the track downloads, A. all of my music (which is on my newer iphone) shows up on the old iphone again, and B. my son's music shows up on my iphone. I think it must have to do with apple ID, which I'm using the same one for both phones...? I'm also now worried about my notes and contacts on my phone being deleted or disappearing as I 'signed out' of icloud on the old device to see if that was the problem (I don't need to back up the old phone really, even with the music on it), then pressed 'deleted from phone' for everything. I'm very confused and frustrated, please help!

MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2012), OS X El Capitan (10.11.1)

Posted on Jun 2, 2016 5:21 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

AppleJoe

Community Manager

Jun 3, 2016 4:21 PM in response to Vickoid

Hi Vickoid,

Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities! I'm sorry to hear that you are having these issues with your iPhone. I think you are correct in noting that it most likely has to do with the shared Apple ID. Generally, it is not recommended that an Apple ID be shared between people, even in families or with children:

Can I share an Apple ID with someone else?

Your Apple ID should not be shared with anyone else. It provides access to personal information including contacts, photos, device backups, and more. Sharing your Apple ID with someone else means you are giving them access to all your personal content and may lead to confusion over who actually owns the account. To share iTunes & App Store purchases, photos, a calendar, and more with someone else, try Family Sharing, iCloud Photo Sharing, or other easy-to-use sharing features.

Apple ID FAQ - Apple (US)

Given the age of your son, you may want to consider creating him his own Apple ID via Family Sharing. This will allow you to keep his setting and data seperate from your own, while still allowing access to previous purchases under your current Apple ID. You may find the information and steps outlined in the following article helpful:

Family Sharing - Apple Support

Family Sharing and Apple ID for your child - Apple Support

Sign in with a different Apple ID on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Regards

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Answer 2

Vickoid Author

Level 1

14 points

Jun 5, 2016 6:09 AM in response to AppleJoe

Hi Joe

Thank you for responding. Yes, family sharing might be an idea, as otherwise - also - I'd be buying things twice, I've realised, say if we both wanted the same album and I set up a separate apple ID for him. But if I did family sharing, would I have to have his music on my phone? I dont' really want 'Gangnam Style' and 'What does the fox say' in my music library! ;-)

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Answer 3

elcpu

Level 7

31,506 points

Jun 5, 2016 8:46 AM in response to Vickoid

Vickoid wrote:

But if I did family sharing, would I have to have his music on my phone? I dont' really want 'Gangnam Style' and 'What does the fox say' in my music library! ;-)

Hi Vickoid, the answer is no, you can select what you want for your own phone independently of his.

And btw, I understand why you don't want the above.... 🙂

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