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Multiple devices on one computer.

Sorry if this is confusing, I'm trying to word it correctly. I currently own an iPod touch 6G and today I ordered an iPhone 7. When I receive my iPhone and set it up, I would like to create a brand new account separate from the one I use for my iPod. So a new email, new username, password, all that. Now, will it be possible for me to connect both my iPod and my iPhone to my iTunes on my computer without them meshing together and syncing? For instance, if I have my iPod plugged in to my computer on iTunes, it will be under one account. And when I want to connect my phone, I will sign out of my iPod account, enter my iPhone account info, and then I can connect it to the computer. Basically, can I connect two different devices under different unrelated accounts to iTunes on a computer, and how do I do that without them meshing together?

Posted on Jul 22, 2017 9:02 PM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Jul 27, 2017 12:50 PM

This is generally a bad idea. Although you can create multiple libraries in iTunes and switch between them it isn't as simple as choosing which of two icons to click on. Purchases are permanently tied to one account and can only be updated when you are signed into that account. Various activities in iTunes can lock you into using one Apple ID for 90 days.


iTunes can happily manage multiple devices under one Apple ID. Personal information is unique to each device unless shared via iCloud. Each can sync with a different selection of playlists in your library.




More info.


Authorization vs. association

Up to 5 computers can be simultaneously authorized for each Apple ID. There is no direct record of which machines are authorized. It is up to you to keep track. iPods & iOS devices are limited to DRM protected content from up to 5 different accounts. There is no limit to the number of devices that you can load up with content using iTunes. You can deauthorize computers that you no longer wish to use to access protected content so that you can authorize others. You either do this on the specific machine or deauthorize all and then reauthorize as needed. Having used deathorize all you cannot use it again for a year, though Apple Support may be able to perform a reset if you can explain why you need to use the feature again before it becomes available to you.

HT201251: Authorize your computer in iTunes - Apple Support


A mix of up to 10 computers and iOS devices (no more than 5 computers) can be associated with your Apple ID for iTunes Match/Apple Music or automatic downloads of past purchases. There is a 90 day limit before a computer or device can be switched to another ID or the association removed. The list of associated devices is the one you can see within your account details in iTunes. You associate a device or computer by using certain features, typically downloading past purchases. You don't necessarily need to associate a computer or device with your Apple ID to use it with your content.

HT204074: View and remove associated devices in iTunes - Apple Support


You can happily remove any and all associations that are not within the 90 day limit. Those that you actually use will be recreated as when you make use of a service that triggers association.


tt2

2 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Jul 27, 2017 12:50 PM in response to Anniee5677

This is generally a bad idea. Although you can create multiple libraries in iTunes and switch between them it isn't as simple as choosing which of two icons to click on. Purchases are permanently tied to one account and can only be updated when you are signed into that account. Various activities in iTunes can lock you into using one Apple ID for 90 days.


iTunes can happily manage multiple devices under one Apple ID. Personal information is unique to each device unless shared via iCloud. Each can sync with a different selection of playlists in your library.




More info.


Authorization vs. association

Up to 5 computers can be simultaneously authorized for each Apple ID. There is no direct record of which machines are authorized. It is up to you to keep track. iPods & iOS devices are limited to DRM protected content from up to 5 different accounts. There is no limit to the number of devices that you can load up with content using iTunes. You can deauthorize computers that you no longer wish to use to access protected content so that you can authorize others. You either do this on the specific machine or deauthorize all and then reauthorize as needed. Having used deathorize all you cannot use it again for a year, though Apple Support may be able to perform a reset if you can explain why you need to use the feature again before it becomes available to you.

HT201251: Authorize your computer in iTunes - Apple Support


A mix of up to 10 computers and iOS devices (no more than 5 computers) can be associated with your Apple ID for iTunes Match/Apple Music or automatic downloads of past purchases. There is a 90 day limit before a computer or device can be switched to another ID or the association removed. The list of associated devices is the one you can see within your account details in iTunes. You associate a device or computer by using certain features, typically downloading past purchases. You don't necessarily need to associate a computer or device with your Apple ID to use it with your content.

HT204074: View and remove associated devices in iTunes - Apple Support


You can happily remove any and all associations that are not within the 90 day limit. Those that you actually use will be recreated as when you make use of a service that triggers association.


tt2

Multiple devices on one computer.

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