Itunes for multiple family members

My situation is I've been using iTunes since its inception and built quite a library. I've been through multiple ipods and now on to iphones for multiple family members. All the while using one itunes account on separate devices for multiple family members. Now that we have iphones its become necessary to create separate icloud accounts for each family member. This creates a problem for those with new icloud accounts. The iTunes music library can no longer be shared on separate devices (that I know of). The music library and playlists I have built over years cannot be shared with those devices that now have separate icloud accounts. I am aware of "family sharing" and have set that up going forward but how do I resolve the issue of all the music and playlists that were shared when we all used one itunes account, prior to creating separate icloud accounts? I hope this makes sense. For example my wife and son no longer have access to any of the music/playlists on their iphones that they used to have prior to creating their own accounts. Even though all purchases made before and after creating separate icloud accounts were made using the same credit card.
I believe I could just go back to having the other devices sign back into my itunes account and I think that may resolve the issue but what happens to purchases that were made on the other devices while they were signed into their own accounts? Another point that comes up is that we all have gift card balances on each itunes account. This is so confusing

This is great news as I've been struggling with this issue for some time. Mainly because my wife is a little old school and likes to put music on CD's and this solves that problem. Thanks again!!
Mr Mars,
You are welcome! I hope you have achieved the expected degree of "harmony."
Family Sharing: A new way to bring harmony to your family’s digital life
Ed.

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Managing multiple libraries for multiple family members

I have four family members with multiple iTune libraries, including two that need to be age appropriate for our children. To add to this burden, we now have an iPad as well. How do I best manage these libraries, minimizing duplicate purchases, enabling each to have store accounts for gift card purchases, and sync each iPod simply for those not familiar with the apple software? Can I merge our libraries, create different users with their songs and accounts for purchases and syncing logins? We have two operating systems in the home, mac and pc? Argh, this is cumbersome, my library has over 4000 items, other family members have much smaller libraries, but would like their own individual libraries. Should I merge and make separate playlists for each user? If so, how can I incorporate my own vast library of playlists already created?
Help me please, any suggestions?
Rob Mc

There are 3 options. See this page:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1495
My advice is to use option #1 and have each user with a separate windows userID. They can each keep their own itunes library database file with ratings, play counts, playlists.
Have all the library content in a public folder to avoid filling the PC's hard drive with duplicates.
You can use a 3rd-party utility program like iTunes Folder Watch to update all the libraries when new content gets added.
Method #2 is easiest, but then ratings and play counts will not be separated. Also, they have to remember to log out of the itunes store and log in with their own ID when making purchases. Something to watch for when kids are involved with their own gift cards....this is not a problem with method #1.
Method #3 seems to give a lot of people grief because all users MUST use a shift-start of itunes to choose their own library. Woe has fallen on many who have tried this method.
As for using both Mac & PC, itunes & ipods are designed to only sync with one PC. There is a way around that, but you either have to do a lot of manual backing up and copying, or buy something like TuneRanger.

One apple ID for multiple family members

Hi,
We are new to the Iphone products. We have shared an Apple ID since christmas with my two children to help control what they are downloading etc on thier Iphones. Currently for some unknown reason when one of my children send me text message it comes accross to my phone as an email address which is what is used as our apple ID from when I originally got us set up for the ipods from years ago. since getting the Iphones this all of a sudden seams to be an issue with only one of our phones.
Any suggestions how to fix this? We deleted the icloud accounts, and have done the "soft" reimage per verizon wireless. Do we really have to set our children up with thier own email addresses and Apple ID's too?
Any suggestions would be helpful.
thank you,

To fix this go to Settings>Messages>Send & Receive and do one of the following:
1. Either uncheck the email address shown under "You can be reached by iMessage at" on both phones; or
2. If you want to continue to receive iMessages at this email address on one of your phones, on the other phone tap the Apple ID at the top, sign out, then sign back in using a different Apple ID (so both phones will be using a different Apple ID for iMessage). Note: you can continue to share an Apple ID for purchasing from the iTunes and App stores. It does not need to be the same as the ID you are using for iMessage, FaceTime and other services.
Because you are using the same Apple ID for iMessage. To prevent this, on one of the phones go to Settings>Messages>Send & Receive, tap the Apple ID, sign out, then sign in with a different Apple ID. Note: you can continue to share an Apple ID for purchasing; it does not need to be the same as the ID you use for iMessage, FaceTime, iCloud and other services.
Also, to prevent merging your calendars and contacts if you are syncing these to the same iCloud account, be sure to set up separate iCloud accounts on each phone with separated IDs.

How do multiple family members use iTunes.? One account or multiple?

How do multiple family members use iTunes. One account right now but apps gets added to all devices and iTunes messages go to all devices. Can multiple accounts be setup and still have ability to share purchased items?

Hey Ajtt!
I have an article for you that can help inform you about using Apple IDs in a variety of ways:
Using your Apple ID for Apple services
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4895
Using one Apple ID for iCloud and a different Apple ID for Store Purchases
You can use different Apple IDs for iCloud and Store purchases and still get all of the benefits of iCloud. Just follow these steps:
iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:
When you first set up your device with iOS 5 or later, enter the Apple ID you want to use with iCloud. If you skipped the setup assistant, sign in to Settings > iCloud and enter the Apple ID you’d like to use with iCloud.
In Settings > iTunes and App Stores, sign in with the Apple ID you want to use for Store purchases (including iTunes in the Cloud and iTunes Match). You may need to sign out first to change the Apple ID.
Mac:
Enter the Apple ID you want to use for iCloud in Apple () menu > System Preferences > iCloud.
Enter the Apple ID you want to use for Store purchases (including iTunes in the Cloud and iTunes Match) in Store > Sign In. In iTunes 11, you can also click iTunes Store > Quick Links: Account.
PC (Windows 8):
Enter the Apple ID you want to use for iCloud in the Control Panel. To access the iCloud Control Panel, move the pointer to the upper-right corner of the screen to show the Charms bar, click the Search charm, and then click the iCloud Control Panel on the left.
Enter the Apple ID you want to use for Store purchases (including iTunes in the Cloud and iTunes Match) in iTunes. In iTunes 10, select Store > Sign In. In iTunes 11, click iTunes Store > Quick Links: Account.
PC (Windows 7 and Vista):
Enter the Apple ID you want to use for iCloud in Control Panel > Network and Internet > iCloud.
Enter the Apple ID you want to use for Store purchases (including iTunes in the Cloud and iTunes Match) in iTunes 10 in Store > Sign In. In iTunes 11, click iTunes Store > Quick Links: Account.
Note: Once a device or computer is associated with your Apple ID for your iTunes Store account, you cannot associate that device or computer with another Apple ID for 90 days. Learn more about associating a device or computer to your Apple ID.
Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities!
Cheers,
Braden

ICloud with multiple family members sharing one iTunes account?

How will iCloud work for the case where multiple family members share an iTunes account but each has his/her own iPhone/iPad/PC?
Will iCloud replicate content based on email address, unique Apple ID, iTunes account, or?? If iTunes, we could have trouble as three of us share our iTunes account (started when our daughter was young and continued for simplicity).

Keep one Apple ID for iTunes purchases (apps, music, etc.) for all family members on the iTunes Store and use different Apple IDs for each iCloud user. That worked for me.

How do I get separate iCloud accounts for each family members device and still share iTunes?

how do I get separate iCloud's for each family members iPhone, iPod and iPad and still share iTunes?

Have everyone share the same iTunes store ID, but use separate IDs for iCloud. The ID you use for iCloud does not have to be the same as the ID you use for the iTunes & App store.

How can I setup a mail-specific passcode/restriction on iPad used by multiple family members?

How can I setup a mail-specific passcode/restriction on iPad used by multiple family members?
Have an Exchange mail account setup and accessible in my mail on iPad... however my kids use it and i would like to restrict them from accessing this specific portion of the device. I tried viewing restriction options and do not see that i can apply a restriction specifically to Mail. Thanks for your help.

Not a feature of iOS. Check the AppStore to see if there are other
mail apps that allow passcode protection.
Or use Safari to log onto your email via a web-based interface and
enter your credentials each time. A bit slower, but the kids will
not know the details to login.

What happens on iCloud (ex. contacts) when multiple family members use the same Apple ID?

What happens on iCloud when multiple family members use the same Apple ID? For example if we all choose to use iCloud for contacts, are they all merged together? We use the same Apple ID so we can use find my iPhone to keep track of the whole family.

Of course if you are both connected to the same iCloud account you have the same contacts - what did you expect?. The contacts live on the server and are read from there by the devices; so as you've both managed to sync your contacts up to iCloud they are now inextricably mixed. You can only delete your contacts by deleting individual ones, and doing that will delete them from your phone as well.
You can only unravel this by
1. In the iCloud contacts page at http://icloud.com, select all the contacts, click on the cogwheel icon at bottom left and choose 'Export vCard'.
2. Sign out of System Preferences>iCloud
3. Create a new Apple ID and open a new iCloud account with it for your own use.
4. Import the vCard back into the iCloud contacts page.
5. Go to http://icloud.com and sign in with the original ID. This is now his ID. Work through the contacts individually deleting the ones you don't want him to have. When done sign out and advise him to change his password.
6. Go to the new iCloud account and delete his contacts individually.
Of course if you have also been syncing calendars and using the same email address there are problems with doing this.

HT204053 I have multiple family members using one apple id account and all of each others information is going onto each others phones/how do i stop this?

I have multiple family members using one apple id and all of our data is going onto each others phones/how do i stop this?

Each person needs to have their own separate Apple ID along with their own separate computer user account and iTunes Library.

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I have one apple ID and multiple family members share this with their individual devices. How do we keep pics and messages separate for each device?

For messages
MacMost Now 653: Setting Up Multiple iOS Devices For Messages and FaceTime
For other issue:
How to use multiple iPods, iPads, or iPhones with one computer
What is the best way to manage multiple...: Apple Support Communities

HT204053 Is it possible to have two (or more) different icloud mail accounts (not alias) under the same apple id? If not what is you best advice for all family members to have their own e-mail and still share the purchases under the same apple id. Thanks

Is it possible to have two (or more) different icloud mail accounts (not alias) under the same apple id? If not what is you best advice for all family members to have their own e-mail and still share the purchases under the same apple id. Thanks

mannyace wrote:
Thanks for the response.
So I basically won't run into any trouble? I
There should be no issues. Its designed to work like that. You don't change Apple IDs just because you get a new device.
mannyace wrote:
Thanks for the response.
Is there any chance that the phones can fall out of sync?
Unlikely. But nothing is impossible. Though I don;t see how that would happen. As long as both are signed into the Same Apple ID / iCloud Account they will be N'Sync. (Bad Joke)
mannyace wrote:
Thanks for the response.
If I get a message or buy an app or take a photo on the iPhone 5, how do I get those things onto the iPhone 6?
If you buy an App, you have 2 ways to get it to the iPhone6: If Automatic Downloads is enabled in Settings->iTunes & App Store, it will automatically download to the iPhone 6 when you buy it on the 5 and vice versa if you buy it on the 6, it will download to the 5.
Alternatively, you can simply go to the App Store App->Updates->Purchased and look for the App there and download it. Purchased Apps will not require payment again. i.e They'll be free to download to the iPhone 6 once purchased.
SMS Messages will sync over using Continuity as long as they are on the same Wifi network. Otherwise, restoring the iPhone 5 backup to the iPhone 6 will transfer all messages received up until the backup was made onto the iPhone 6.
Images, can be transferred either through Photo Stream
My Photo Stream FAQ - Apple Support
Or any Cloud service you want such as Dropbox, or One Drive.
mannyace wrote:
Also, something i forgot to ask initially: Should I update the iPhone 5 to iOS 8 first or does that not matter?
If you want the Continuity features as explained above you need to update the iPhone 5 to iOS 8. Otherwise its not all that important.

HT1476 My iPhone 4S will charge on a laptop but not from a wall plug. I have tried different boxes and different USB cords from the wall but none work. These boxes and USB cords work for other family members with iPhones. I'm stumped :/

My iPhone 4S will charge on a laptop but not from a wall plug. I have tried different boxes and different USB cords from the wall but none work. These boxes and USB cords work for other family members with iPhones and a USB cord that works from the laptop won't work from 3 or 4 different wall boxes that work for others. I'm stumped :/

Update: It seems as though the phone will charge if I plug it in and then turn it off. It will not charge while the phone is on. Also iTunes will not recognize it, so I can't sync or anything. I read somewhere that it could be a fuse somewhere?? Or maybe the dock connector. Where is the best place to get this repaired?

Can separate apple ids be set up for individual family members that use different devices? Several iPads are tied to one Apple ID (email address). Thank you.

Can separate apple ids be set up for individual family members that use different devices (iPads & iPhones)? Several family members are tied to one apple id (email address). Thanks.

How to use multiple iPods, iPads, or iPhones with one computer
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1495
How to Share a Family iPad
http://www.macworld.com/article/1163347/how_to_share_a_family_ipad.html
Using iPhone, iPad, or iPod with multiple computers
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1202
iOS & iCloud Tips: Sharing an Apple ID With Your Family
http://www.macstories.net/stories/ios-5-icloud-tips-sharing-an-apple-id-with-you r-family/
How To Best Use and Share Apple IDs across iPhones, iPads and iPods
http://www.nerdsonsite.com/blog/2012/06/07/help-im-appleid-confused/
 Cheers, Tom

HT204053 I only have one e-mail, how do I set up separate apple IDs for three family members ?

How do I create apple IdS for three family members with the same e-mail? They are kids and have no e-mail.

You can configure a new email address for them using the @cloud.com server suffix. Do that when you open an iCloud account for each and set up the separate Apple IDs that will each be tied to a different email address.
Apple iCloud - Pertinent Questions
Apple IDs and iCloud
iCloud Help
Creating an iCloud account- Frequently Asked Questions

HT2736 I have gifted itunes cards to family members; when trying to send them another I go through the process, the amount, and my apple ID and password. A window will come up that it cannot be completed, to contact support. My credit card info is up to

I have gifted itunes cards to family members once before. Now when I try to send them, after I use my apple ID, select amount, go through all the steps and password, and click buy now....a window comes up telling me it can't be sent, to contact support. My credit card info is up to date I can't understand what the problem can be

If you haven't already done so then you can contact iTunes Support via this link and ask them why the message is appearing (we are fellow users here on these forums, we won't know why) : http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/contact/ - click on Contact iTunes Store Support on the right-hand side of the page, then Purchases, Billing & Redemption

Itunes for multiple family members

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