I purchased my iMac used. When I try to update my apps the computer automatically fills in the previous owner's Apple ID and I can't change it. Any ideas?
I purchased my iMac used. When I try to update apps in AppStore, the computer automatically fills in the previous owner's email address and it won't let me delete it to enter mine. I have been using my own apple ID and password on this computer for other things without a problem. Any ideas?
Before buying a second-hand computer, you should have run Apple Diagnostics or the Apple Hardware Test, whichever is applicable.
The first thing to do after buying the computer is to erase the internal drive and install a clean copy of OS X. You—not the original owner—must do that. Changes made by Apple over the years have made this seemingly straightforward task very complex.
How you go about it depends on the model, and on whether you already own another Mac. If you're not sure of the model, enter the serial number on this page. Then find the model on this page to see what OS version was originally installed.
It's unsafe, and may be unlawful, to use a computer with software installed by a previous owner.
1. If you don't own another Mac
a. If the machine shipped with OS X 10.4 or 10.5, you need a boxed and shrink-wrapped retail Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) installation disc from the Apple Store or a reputable reseller—not from eBay or anything of the kind. If the machine is very old and has less than 1 GB of memory, you'll need to add more in order to install 10.6. Preferably, install as much memory as it can take, according to the technical specifications.
b. If the machine shipped with OS X 10.6, you need the installation media that came with it: gray installation discs, or a USB flash drive for a MacBook Air. You should have received the media from the original owner, but if you didn't, order replacements from Apple. A retail disc, or the gray discs from another model, will not work.
To start up from an optical disc or a flash drive, insert it, then restart the computer and hold down the C key at the startup chime. Release the key when you see the gray Apple logo on the screen.
c. If the machine shipped with OS X 10.7 or later, you don't need media. It should start up in Internet Recovery mode when you hold down the key combination option-command-R at the startup chime. Release the keys when you see a spinning globe.
d. Some 2010-2011 models shipped with OS X 10.6 and received a firmware update after 10.7 was released, enabling them to use Internet Recovery. If you have one of those models, you can't reinstall 10.6 even from the original media, and Internet Recovery will not work either without the original owner's Apple ID. In that case, contact Apple Support, or take the machine to an Apple Store or another authorized service provider to have the OS installed.
2. If you do own another Mac
If you already own another Mac that was upgraded in the App Store to the version of OS X that you want to install, and if the new Mac is compatible with it, then you can install it. Use Recovery Disk Assistant to prepare a USB device, then start up the new Mac from it by holding down the C key at the startup chime. Alternatively, if you have a Time Machine backup of OS X 10.7.3 or later on an external hard drive (not a Time Capsule or other network device), you can start from that by holding down the option key and selecting it from the row of icons that appears. Note that if your other Mac was never upgraded in the App Store, you can't use this method.
3. Partition and install OS X
a. If you see a lock screen when trying to start up from installation media or in Recovery mode, then a firmware password was set by the previous owner, or the machine was remotely locked via iCloud. You'll either have to contact the owner or take the machine to an Apple Store or another service provider to be unlocked. You may be asked for proof of ownership.
b. Launch Disk Utility and select the icon of the internal drive—not any of the volume icons nested beneath it. In the Partition tab, select the default options: a GUID partition table with one data volume in Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format. This operation will permanently remove all existing data on the drive.
c. An unusual problem may arise if all the following conditions apply:
OS X 10.7 or later was installed by the previous owner
The startup volume was encrypted with FileVault
You're booted in Recovery mode (that is, not from a 10.6 installation disc)
In that case, you won't be able to unlock the volume or partition the drive without the FileVault password. Ask for guidance or see this discussion.
d. After partitioning, quit Disk Utility and run the OS X Installer. If you're installing a version of OS X acquired from the App Store, you will need the Apple ID and password that you used. When the installation is done, the system will automatically restart into the Setup Assistant, which will prompt you to transfer the data from another Mac, its backups, or from a Windows computer. If you have any data to transfer, this is usually the best time to do it.
e. Run Software Update and install all available system updates from Apple. To upgrade to a major version of OS X newer than 10.6, get it from the Mac App Store. Note that you can't keep an upgraded version that was installed by the original owner. He or she can't legally transfer it to you, and without the Apple ID you won't be able to update it in Software Update or reinstall, if that becomes necessary. The same goes for any App Store products that the previous owner installed—you have to repurchase them.
4. Other issues
a. If the original owner "accepted" the bundled iLife applications (iPhoto, iMovie, and Garage Band) in the App Store so that he or she could update them, then they're irrevocably linked to that Apple ID and you won't be able to download them without buying them. Reportedly, Mac App Store Customer Service has sometimes issued redemption codes for these apps to second owners who asked.
b. If the previous owner didn't deauthorize the computer in the iTunes Store under his Apple ID, you wont be able to authorize it immediately under your ID. In that case, you'll either have to wait up to 90 days or contact iTunes Support.
c. When trying to create a new iCloud account, you might get a failure message: "Account limit reached." Apple imposes a lifetime limit of three iCloud account setups per device. Erasing the device does not reset the limit. You can still use an iCloud account that was created on another device, but you won't be able to create a new one. Contact iCloud Support for more information. The setup limit doesn't apply to Apple ID accounts used for other services, such as the iTunes and Mac App Stores, or iMessage. You can create as many of those accounts as you like.
Similar Messages
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I have tried to changed my Apple ID and every time I try to use the new Apple ID it won't let me because when i try to update an app the old ID comes up to sign in. I deleted that account so it will not let me use my new one.
Content and Apple IDs -
Content is forever tied to the Apple ID that bought it. Apple does not transfer content from one Apple Id to another. Apple does not merge Apple IDs. You will never be able to access your content bought with another Apple ID with a new ID. -
When I try to update an App I am getting my old email address (which no longer works) and when I put in its password it says password or username is wrong. but it does not give me an option to put in my new user name. How can I correct this.
What you are getting is the AppleID (AppleID can be an email adress) used at the time of the purchase of this app. It is an identifiant allowing Apple to link your purchase to your account.
If you want to manage associated email, you can go at https://appleid.apple.com but the AppleID could never be modified.
I do not know if in your case, it is just that you no longer use your old email address or that you actually a 2 AppleID. In any case, you will have to remember the password related to the account used for your purchase. If you don't, just use the link above to try to retreive your password. -
i updated my iphone4 when i updated it require the previous owner of iclouds email and password but i didn't know him because i purchased it as second hand plz help me how i can rid from it :((((((((((((((((((((
Welcome to the Apple community Fazypk.
Unfortunately, you cannot do very much with your phone unless you get assistance from the previous owner, they should either provide you with the password to unlock it or remove their account from the phone entirely remotely through iCloud.com > Find My Phone. -
When I try to update the apps the email address is not correct n it's not my apple I.D I don't know how it got there in the first place. I want to delete it and have mine on there hoe can I solve this problem?
It's because the app was purchased under a different Apple ID and is being updated using a different ID. Try using the same Apple ID which was used to download the app and retry. If not, delete the app completely and re-download using YOUR Apple ID.
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Hello. I have tried to use my visa gift card to purchase something from apple. However, the security code is not present, which I am aware of. When I typed in the correct security code, I discovered that there was not enough money in the card to complete the purchase anyway. Now, whenever I attempt to update my applications on my iPhone 3Gs, I am directed to the billing information from the previous purchase that did not work. How do I cancel the purchase and continue to update my applications?
This happens for some apps. If you have a computer try to buy on it. Otherwise you will have to enter a credit card or some from of billing.
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Why is my old apple id being used when I try to update on app store?
My original apple id was an old email account which I didn't often use and because of my lack of usage the email address expired without me knowing, so I changed my apple id and password etc in "manage my account" and when purchasing new app's all is fine, I'm able to purchase and log in using my new email addy, however when I'm prompted I have updates waiting and I press update, my old apple id (email addy) is brought up which I can no longer access as the email verification is going to the old email addy which no longer exsists!
My Iphone and Ipad all show apple id as new email etc the problem only arises when I try updating.
Please help this is driving me insane and my updates are stuck!
thanksHi DashyEdge,
When you say you "changed my apple id", does that mean you renamed it to your new email address?
See "How to change the name you use for your Apple ID"
That is what you want to do so you still only have one Apple ID and it now has the new name and email.
It sounds like you may have created a new Apple ID instead and started purchasing stuff with that. Just because an old email address expires, doesn't mean the Apple ID it is based on goes away. Apple IDs can't be deleted. The only way for them to change is to rename them to a new "ID" (name/email).
It is best to stay with only one Apple ID for purchases. As you are seeing, Apps need to be updated with the ID they were purchased with. If you don't have many purchases with your new Apple ID, you might want to rename it to something else so you can rename your old ID to this new name (email). Then stick with your old, but renamed ID.
You don't remember the password for your old Apple ID? Can you access your old Apple ID using the security questions instead of the email verification?
See also http://www.apple.com/support/appleid/
ivan -
When I try to play one of the games my ipod classic freezes and I can not do anything what do I do
Can anyone help as to either why my iPod freezes when I try to play the games or how to sort it out when it freezes
You could try to reset your iPod. Here is how:
1. Toggle the Hold switch on and off. (Slide it to Hold, then turn it off again.)
2. Press and hold the Menu and Center (Select) buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears, about 6 to 8 seconds. You may need to repeat this step.
Tip: If you are having difficulty resetting your iPod, set it on a flat surface. Make sure the finger pressing the Select button is not touching any part of the click wheel. Also make sure that you are pressing the Menu button toward the outside of the click wheel, and not near the center.
If the above steps did not work, try connecting iPod to a power adapter and plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet, or connect iPod to your computer. Make sure the computer is turned on and isn't set to go to sleep. Try resetting the iPod while it is connected to power.
Source: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1320 -
When I try to update my apps the wrong apple ID shows up how do I change it
I am trying to update my apps and the wrong apple ID username comes up for a password . How do I change it to be mine?
Go into the Settings app and select Store. The account displayed should be the one you are being prompted to supply the password for. You can press that button and it should give you the option to sign out of that account. Once you do that you will be able sign in with another account or create a new one. As noted by the previous poster, changing accounts will not change the ownership of the apps already purchased.
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When i try to update my apps the wrong apple id name comes up
I just had to restore my iPhone and when I unplugged it I went to update all my apps and the apple ID was my husbnads and not mine so I can't update any apps. I looked at my account and all my info is correct. How would my husbands apple ID even be in my phone? We use the same computer to sync our phones but I have my own user account on the computer. Never had ths problem before. Anyone?
Can I go to app store, delete apps then add them again with new primary appid? I have only purchased 2 or 3 apps but, one is a movie. Will I have to buy that again or, should I just watch it first?
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When I try to update my apps, the prompt that comes up uses an old Apple ID, so I can't put in the password doe my current ID. How canI get it to prompt with my current ID?
Go to Settings>iTunes & App Store
Click on the Apple ID that appears and select Sign Out
Regards,
Steve -
The App Store says I have updates for I-Photo and Garage Band. When I try to update I get the following message: You have updates available for other accounts To update this application, sign in to the account you used to purchase it." Both apps came with my computer and as far as I know I only have one Apple account. Any thoughts? Thanks.
KarenThanks for you reply. I'm 99% positive that I'm using the user id and password that I used to set up my computer. That's why I'm stumped. I read the solution someone else suggested (type your user name without @gmail and create a new password. When I tried it, I was asked for my birthday. It didn't recognize it. I know I got my birthday correct. Oh well...
Karen -
When I try to update my apps, I keep getting the message that there is a problem with my billing information even though this is the billing information I have always used in purchasing my apps. What do I do?
You probably need to confirm the security code of your CC. Log into your account an input this, even if it's already there.
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I keep getting notified I have an update available but when I try to update I get the following msg ,"You have updates available for other accounts To update this application, sign in to the account you used to purchase it.". I only have one account with apple and the software was preinstalled when I purchased my macbook in Aug 2012 with that account. Has anyone had this problem or know how to find out what account apple needs?
You log into the App store using the same Apple ID you used to set the computer up, verify that none of your apps are hidden and that they have all be accepted and then download and install the update
for help contact the App store support - link is on the right ot the App store window
LN -
Why when I try to update certain app it require an old email address and password I have not used for years and I do I get to update them on my new details
Apps are tied to the Apple ID that was used to purchase them and you will always need to use that ID and password in order to update them.
Saying that you do get to update them on your new details makes no sense at all.
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