switching between 2 Apple IDs for facetime and iMessage on same device iOS 11?

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Level 1

5 points

switching between 2 Apple IDs for facetime and iMessage on same device iOS 11?

Just bought a new iPad Pro iOS 11 which is a present for OH and hasn't been set up yet.

I have an iPhone (iOS 11), old iPad (iOS 10) and 2 macbook pros (2013 and 2015) which we share as a couple. All have the same original Apple ID.

The new iPad has been bought for OH for when he travels, when we want to Facetime and iMessage.

Obviously we can't call the same Apple ID and phone no.

Q: does he (1): set up his new iPad with his own Apple ID, then we use Family sharing to share content (apps and their content, photos, iCloud, iTunes content purchases), which means FT and iM are linked to his own ID and phone number only;

OR (this is what someone at the Apple hesitantly suggested - don't think they've tried it)

(2:) Set it up as normal with the existing original Apple ID, then only when he is going away, sign out of the old Apple ID just in Face Time and iMessage and switch to his own new one? (Bit like skype with 2 IDs on one device and switching between them)?

However presume FT and iM will auto select the Apple ID used to set up the iPad, so which is the best and simplest solution please?

on google, someone mentioned it's only possible on iOS 11 to switch between Face time IDs if the old ID signs out of iCloud first (?). I can't see how to sign out of iCloud on either my iPhone or old iPad.

Please advise if you know. If it's a nightmare, we are going to stick with the old iPad and return the new one.

iPad Pro Wi-Fi, iOS 11.2.1, null

Posted on Dec 22, 2017 2:29 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

chuck_3rd

Community Specialist

Dec 23, 2017 3:34 AM in response to Katuak

Hi Katuak,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities. I understand that you'd like to know the most efficient way to use FaceTime and iMessage on different devices with either one or multiple Apple ID's. I can understand reaching out for guidance with this and I'd like to help. The best way to accomplish what you'd like with being able to use FaceTime on different devices at the same time is to use the first method you described in your post. You'll want to have him create an Apple ID when you set up the iPhone: Create and start using an Apple ID

Then, use the steps here to start Family Sharing under the primary Apple ID and invite him to be a family member: Set up Family Sharing
This guide will also walk you through enabling shared purchases and iCloud Storage.

Once you've set up his devices with his own Apple ID you'll be able to successfully FaceTime using Apple ID or phone number on his devices.

Best Regards.

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Answer 2

Katuak Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 23, 2017 3:38 AM in response to chuck_3rd

Thanks Alex. That's what I thought as sounds more intuitive despite Apple support on the phone favouring the 2nd option. That involves signing in and out of iCloud and FT Apple ID accounts which is fiddly.

As long as it's possible not to lose 3rd party app content by creating a new Apple ID for him on the new iPad I'm ok with that and hope it works. Family sharing is not just for Apple native apps though?

I guess if it's a problem, we can always do a reset and start again (or I can: himself would lose patience by then!).

I admit that I was hoping for a "skype" solution though where you can just switch between one ID and another on the same device without any hassle at all.

Merry Christmas!

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Answer 3

Dec 23, 2017 5:49 AM in response to Katuak

Hi

Yes everyone 13 years or over need to have own apple I'd & password.

Cheers

Brian

🇬-1F1E7;

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