How do I share one itunes account between two users on the same computer

How do I share one itunes account between two users on the same computer without taking up twice as much space on my hard drive?

You would need to move the itunes folder to a location that both users have permissions to access such as the Shared folder or any folder on the root level of the macintosh HD.
You can find instructions here http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1203 This method allows you to share the content without sharing the same library.

Similar Messages

  • Hello there - how can I share my iTunes library between two users on the same computer? I put the library in a shared folder between both and have selected this library on both as well, but when I update iTunes with music etc it only appears on one?

    Hello there - how can I share my iTunes library between two users on the same computer? I put the library in a shared folder between both and have selected this library on both as well, but when I update iTunes with music etc it only appears on one?

    Thank you Joe - I tried this but it's only showing a teensy amount of music - the stuff on the second users account as opposed to the giagntic library on the 'main' account. I actually went to a Genius Bar and they said that apple doesn't really want you to share music between accounts - parents don't want to hear their kids music etc. Which seemed strange, but it might be the case sadly   Thanks anyway!

  • What is the best way to share a iTunes library between 5 users on the same computer?

    What is the best way to share a iTunes library between 5 users on the same computer?
    Currently I have a common itunes library in a shared folder that each user is linked to.  The problem is that when one user adds music to the shared file, it does not automaticaly appear to other users when they open their iTunes.  They have to go to the shared library and select the new music in order to make it visable in their iTunes.
    Would iTunes file shareing fix this problem?
    Thanks

    aapl.up wrote:
    Rick, are you saying that if you try to share a folder outside of home and use sharepoints, then the other mac wont prompt you to log in? Have you tried that? It is hard to believe that is the case
    I am sort of saying that. Have you tried it? I know it's hard to believe, but you really need to help us out by trying some steps that you don't believe.
    We can't see what your exact situation is. We sort of know what's worked for us out here. Just trying to help you get this going in less than 24 hours!
    Sharepoints manages the samba configuration file. It's free software that puts a pretty face on an otherwise cumbersome config file.
    Give it a shot.
    windows will not prompt for passwords, I have tried this with multiple computer at home for both vista and xp
    As I stated. You will not get prompted on windows, if you have set up sharing in an insecure fashion. You are not using a secured sharing situation.
    No argument with your statement.

  • How do I share my iTunes library with another user on the same computer?

    I trired to follow the instructions provided by I-Tunes which was to move the ITunes media library to the shared section, however, the computer will not allow me to do this.  When I drag the file to the shared section, it will only allow me to drop it into the Airport.  I tried hovering it over the "shared" title but it's not working.
    Is there another solution?

    Hello Kathy,
    Thank you for the details of the issue you are experiencing when trying to move your iTunes Library. 
    It sounds like you may be trying to move it to the "Shared" titled on the Finder Sidebar.  When you see "Shared" in the Finder Sidebar, this is just a title and not an actual folder. 
    I recommend moving your iTunes Library to either the "Public" folder in your user accoung to the "Shared" folder listed in the Users folder.  You can access the Shared folder by clicking Go at the top of the screen with Finder open, and selecting Computer>Macintosh HD>Users>Shared:
    Drag the iTunes Media folder to a public location. For example, you could move it to the Public folder in your Home folder (~/Public) or to a location outside your Home folder that other users can access (/Users/Shared).
    Important: Don't move the iTunes folder, the iTunes library file, or the iTunes library.xml file.
    iTunes: How to share music between different user accounts on a single computer
    http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1203
    Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
    Best,
    Sheila M.

  • HT3819 How do I share my itunes library with my mother on the same computer, but different accounts?

    How do I share my itunes library with my mother on the same computer, but different accounts?
    My mother and I share a desktop computer (apple) and we have seperate itunes accounts. How do we share accounts?

    iTunes Home Sharing now works between users on same computer - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3865597
    You could set up two completely separate libraries and share music via Home Sharing.
    iTunes: How to share music between different accounts on a single computer - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1203 - relocating iTunes' media folder to a shared area but leaving separate library files - extra tip at https://discussions.apple.com/message/17331189
    Chris CA's instructions on sharing one iTunes music library between multiple user accounts - https://discussions.apple.com/message/8974074 - Multiple users using a single library file - similar post at: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3753008
    Suggestion by Turingtest for multiple users and one library - http://discussions.apple.com/message/9117622 - use smart playlists and tags to isolate groupings.
    Discussions on using purchases from multiple AppleIDs in one iTunes library - https://discussions.apple.com/message/19543804

  • How can I share applications and softwares with different users of the same computer?

    First question: How can I share applications and softwares with different users of the same computer?
    Second : Can I use 2 different I cloud accounts to synt 2 iphones with one computer?

    Applications installed on the admin account are available to all user accounts unless Parental Controls are enabled.
    Yes.   Separate user accounts, help here >   How to use multiple iPods, iPads, or iPhones with one computer

  • TS2972 is it possible to use home sharing between two users on the same computer?

    My wife and I have itunes accounts and want to be able to share music we have each bought on our accounts. We have tried setting up the home sharing on our PC but it doesn't show up on the screen. Can anyone please help?

    "Is it possible to use home sharing between two users on the same computer?"
    No. Home sharing is used to connect two running instances of iTunes across a network. When you switch users on the computer all applications running on the other profile are suspended.
    You can however share your respective media folders so that they are visible in either profile and then copy over any content that you want, or you could create a single joint library which you use when either user is logged in.
    tt2

  • Sync a folder between two users on the same computer.

    I would like to sync a folder between two users on the same computer so that they are always the same when I access them from either user.

    then place this folder somewhere where both users have access to like in /Users/Shared. then there is only one folder to deal with and you don't need to sync anything.

  • How do i share my itunes library with other users on the same mac

    I'm trying to share my itunes library with other users on the same mac.  I have tried moving my library to a public folder but when the other user logs in they can't see it in the public folder?

    Presuming you moved the entire iTunes folder to the shared folder the other users need to start their iTunes while holding down the option/alt key and select the iTunes Library.itl file in the shared folder.  Only once should be necessary.  Note that any changes anybody makes will be seen by everybody, so you have to trust each other a lot.
    If all you moved are media files each user will have to add those files to their iTunes library. 
    iTunes: How to share music between different accounts on a single computer - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1203 - relocating iTunes' media folder to a shared area but leaving separate library files - extra tip at https://discussions.apple.com/message/17331189 Chris CA's instructions on sharing one iTunes music library between multiple user accounts - https://discussions.apple.com/message/8974074 - Multiple users using a single library file - similar post at: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3753008 Suggestion by Turingtest for multiple users and one library - http://discussions.apple.com/message/9117622 - use smart playlists and tags to isolate groupings.

  • Can i share music and photos between two users on the same machine?

    How can I share my music and photos between two users on the same machine?

    Thank you Joe - I tried this but it's only showing a teensy amount of music - the stuff on the second users account as opposed to the giagntic library on the 'main' account. I actually went to a Genius Bar and they said that apple doesn't really want you to share music between accounts - parents don't want to hear their kids music etc. Which seemed strange, but it might be the case sadly   Thanks anyway!

  • How can I sync/import/export bookmarks between different users on the same computer

    To save time, I want to sync/import bookmarks between/from another user on the same computer.

    Many thanks twalker for your prompt and simplified explanation for resolving my problem which is much appreciated by this tarnished silver surfer. I will now arrange to download FX4 and follow your instructions.

  • Sharing iTunes Library with two users on the same computer

    I have all of my music stored on a external hard drive.
    Both users on the same computer have the iTunes music location folder as the external hard drive. How do I see music added in one persons log-in? For example: I just purchased two albums under one log-in. The second log in can not see that music unless I manually add it.
    Both Libraries point to the same file location.
    I have over 40GB of music and I am looking for a way to manage my music files more effectively and I want to make sure that both log-ins have the same music.
    I followed the instructions in article HT1203 from the apple support site.

    lafdengine9 wrote:
    Both users on the same computer have the iTunes music location folder as the external hard drive. How do I see music added in one persons log-in? For example: I just purchased two albums under one log-in. The second log in can not see that music unless I manually add it.
    The reason you are having this issue is because you have a shared library but private databases. What you have on the external drive is the collection of media files (library) that each account is set up to access as the source for media. What you have not done is set up a shared iTunes database, so each user accesses the same library differently.
    When each user opens iTunes, iTunes access the database on their account (~/Music/iTunes/iTunes Library). Therefore, their settings, views, playlists, etc., are private. When they add songs to their library only their database file is updated to reflect those additions; simply having files in the music folder does not mean that iTunes will recognize them, hence the reason iTunes asked you if you want to move the file to the trash when you delete it from your library.
    The confusion here is the double use of the term library. The contents of you music folder most definitely constitutes your media library, as it is the collection of your media files. What you see as your library in iTunes is not your library but, for the most part, the content stored in a database table maintained by iTunes in the iTunes Library file in your iTunes folder. iTunes does not access your actual media files unless it is absolutely necessary. The general assumption is that what is shown in your iTunes “library” will actually mirror what is in your music folder.
    So the missing step in your setup would be to switch to the account that has the most current iTunes library—that is the one reflects the actual contents of your music folder as of now—and follow this procedure.
    1. Quit iTunes.
    2. Move the iTunes folder to the Shared folder (./Users/Shared).
    3. Launch iTunes, but immediately hold the option key to invoke the Choose Library window.
    4. Select the database (iTunes Library file) now located in the shared folder.
    5. If you do not see your content, go to iTunes’ preferences and reset the location of the music folder to the external drive.
    6. In the other accounts, re-launch iTunes and change the library according to steps 3 and 4.
    Now all users will have access to the same iTunes database as well as the shared library. The downside of this is that each user will have full access privileges. If you have iTunes 8, then to avoid the disadvantages that come with this type of set up, see [this thread|http://forums.macworld.com/thread/105366?tstart=0] over at Macworld.

  • How can I share my itunes libraries between two users on different log ins on the same PC?

    Ive recently bought my wife and iPhone 4, and we have a shared library. But she clearly downloads her own apps and music choices direct from the store to her phone, so wants to maintain her own log in etc. How can I share the library in my iTunes on my log in on the same PC to her iTunes on her log I'm on the same PC. its windows Xp machine with latest itunes version.
    Ive followed the online instructions for sharing thus far, and the share library does not appear in either iTunes. ie It aint working!
    Thanks in advance

    When you say you have a shared library... you mean you have a networked external hard drive that you are sharing?
    In iTunes, generally...when the term Shared Library is used, it's speaking to sharing a specific computer's library over the network with different computer.
    I would think it would be better to do what ya'll have been doing (one log in acct/one computer) and have her create her own Apple acct and each of you log in and out whenever purchasing music apps etc. and then setup individual playlists and pick specific playlists to sync with each individual iPhone.
    If you don't want each other to know what you're buying then...disregard what I just said

  • How to share iTunes library between two users on the same Mac

    We have recently bought a Macbook Pro and have successfully transferred the old PC information onto the Mac.  But, the iTunes library from the PC has now just gone into the old user acct.  I am now confused as to which iTunes user name I connect my devices?  Is there a way to merge these two iTunes through the user accts?
    Thanks,
    I feel like I learning about computers all over again!

    It's doable. As it's been pointed out Aperture has no provisions for file locking so you can't have two users accessing the library at the same time. This includes having one user having the library open only for browsing. Aperture doesn't have a +Read Only+ mode, when it opens the library, even if you make no changes to any images, the library will be written to.
    This also means you can't have one user open the library and then stop using Aperture but still have the library open and then have another copy of Aperture open on the library.
    Of course if you have two copies of Aperture running even they are on different libraries you'll be in violation of the license and you'll have bigger problems to worry about then a toasted library.

  • Using the same itunes account for two users on the same macbook pro

    Hi all.  I purchased a macbook pro in september (which I have absolutely adore), but because my semester was so jam packed with work, I wasn't able to take it in for my data transfer until the Christmas season.  Everything was transferred correctly, but for some reason the transfer leaves me with two different users on the same macbook.  I don't really have any problem with this, except I want to access the music from the "old user" with the new user that I have been using since I purchased the macbook.  Is there any way that I can move my music from one user to another?  Bear in mind that I only have one itunes account, and almost all of this music was purchased legally through itunes (I had some old cd's that I transferred back when I first bought the original macbook back in 07).  Thank you!

    I'm assuming that you want to get both your purchased music AND your ripped CD's back into the New iTunes Library.  If you use iCloud to re-download all your purchased music, TV, apps and books you wont get your CD's or movies back; and you'll use up a lot of internet bandwidth and time to re-download everything.  So, I'm going to give you a way to get the music and everything else off the hard drive into your new iTunes Library.
    But, I need some clarification here.  I'm assuming that you recently used Migration Assistant to move your old Mac's user account to the new Mac, so when you turn on the new Mac you have a choice to log in as either the "Old_User" or the "New_User", or something like that.  And both user acounts are using the same iTunes music store Apple ID, right?
    And, I'm assuming that you have both accounts set up with your iCloud or MobileMe information, so they have the same info in the contacts, calandars, bookmarks, and notes.  If you didn't use iCloud to load this info to the new user, then importing your old contacts, calendars, bookmarks and such will require an extra few steps, and is a different process entirely (composed of exporting the data from each of those apps while logged in as the Old User, and then importing them while logged in as the New User). 
    I'm assuming that the main differences in the two accounts will be that your old documents, old downloads, old email, old iPhoto and old iTunes library are not merged with the new ones, right? Apples Migration Assistant would have merged the Mac Apps folder and copied over all the Shared Users documents if it was done right. I'm also assuming that you kept your old iTunes Library in your Old User account and not in the Shared Users folder, right?
    If that's the case, first decide which account will become the primary account that you you will use all the time from this point forward.  You may want to choose the account that has the most recent work that you have done with the computer over the past semester since it's set up the way you like it, or the account that has the largest amount of data and history that you don't want to move.  The next step will be done by first logging into whichever account you wont be using in the future (except to access old info that can't be moved).
    If you are happy with how it's working now and just want to move your old documents, photos, and music over to the new account, then it seems to me that it would help things if you first log in as your "Old User" name" and move (or copy) your old documents, downloads, iPhoto Library, and iTunes library to the Shared Users folder. 
    I would basically move everything important in the Old User's home folder to the Shared Users folder, keeping the files in the proper subfolders like "Music" "iTunes" "Pictures" "Movies" "Documents" "Downloads" etc...  However, if your New iTunes Library or New iPhoto Library and such are already in the Shared User's folder, make sure you don't replace them with the old ones, by renaming the old ones first (maybe add the word "old" to the name.
    Mind you, when you have moved everything, and you log out of the Old User acount, and then log in as the New User, you will usually have to enter any administrator's User name and password whenever you want to make changes to those old documents while logged in as the New User.  Before going forward you should first change the User Permissions of those files to let the New User "own" them, so it will stop asking you for a name and password every time you want to access them in the future. 
    EVERYTHING from this point forward assumes that you are now logged in as the New User, and you should not ever need to log in as the Old User, except to access your old email archives or old Keychain Access to find stored passwords (which I think are stored in the Old User's "Library" folder which is invisible and inaccessable in Lion).  I don't know how to merge old saved emails or keychain passwords into the new account (mobile me can sync the keychains or mail rules/accounts, but iCloud can't, and mobile me doesn't sync the actual emails that were downloaded since 2007).
    First, to change the "Sharing & Permissions" to the New User just select "Get Info" for any old document or enclosing folder that need their permissions changed to the New User, click on the little lock icon at the bottom right of the Get Info Window, authenticate with any Administrator's Name and Password, and click okay.  If it shows your New User name as "Read Only" change that to "Read and Write".  If your New User name is not in the list, click the "+" icon on the bottom left and select the New User name, and set it for Read and Write.  Sometimes you have to do this "+" user step more than once to get it to stick. 
    Then, after your New User name shows it's set for "Read & Write", with your New User name still selected, click on the little "cog-wheel" icon next to the +/- buttons, and choose "Apply to Enclosed Items".  The computer could take a long while to finish changing the permissions if there are a lot of files in the folder you changed, so be patient.  When it's done you should "own" all the files in that old folder as the new user.  You are now ready to proceed with importing the old music into the New iTunes library.
    First launch iTunes (still as the New User), and go to File > Preferences > Advanced.  Make sure iTunes is set to "keep itunes media folder organized" and "copy filkes to itunes media folder".  Click okay.  It may open a small window showing that things are being moved and organized, with a progress bar, and then it's done.  It wont do that if you are already organized and copied. 
    At this point, you could simply locate your old iTunes music folder in the Finder and drag the Finder folder onto the open iTunes app window and let go of the trackpad button when the cursor changes to a green "+" sign, and it will import and copy everything into the new iTunes Library.  When it's done you can delete the old Music folder in the Finder (not in iTunes).  However, you may not have enough hard drive space to make the copies, and it will be much slower than if you move the files in the finder before you import them.  You may still have duplicates of your ripped music that you added to the new iTunes Library, and can delete those from within iTunes.
    My step to get the old music to show up in the New iTunes Library by moving them instead of copying them will be done in a particular way, that will avoid having the entire old music folder left behind to take up space on your hard drive, and it will make the import process significantly faster.  You are basically going to use the Finder to move the old music folder into the New iTunes Media folder, but you need to do it in such a ways as to not overwrite the new stuff.
    So, before you move your old iTunes Music folder into the new iTunes media folder, rename the old Music folder with the word "old" in it, then move that folder into your current iTunes Media folder.  Move it, don't copy it.  If the Mac forces you to copy it, once it's done you can delete the old music's original folder, after you confirm it's all there in the copied folder.  This sometimes happens when you move files from Shared Users that you haven't changed the ownership properly before the move.  Now when you drag the old music folder onto the iTunes App window, since the files are already in the iTunes Media Folder it will not copy the files but will simply move them around and organize them inside the new iTunes Music folder.
    You can repeat these steps with the old Movies, TV shows, Apps and Books, or whatever you want to move to the new iTunes Music Library.
    I don't know how to "merge" the old iPhoto Library with the new one, but when you click on iPhoto in the dock while holding down the option key while you click, it will let you choose which iPhoto Library to open.  From a dialog box you can choose the old one, which you copied to the Shared Users folder earlier.  It's possible that a similar technique of dragging the old iPhoto library older on top of the iPhoto App window would import things, but you'd need to research that first.
    I wish I had more time to proof-read this answer, but I have to go to a meeting, but can check back later for questions.

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