Multiple Apple IDs with multiple PCs and multiple AppleTVs - content not authorised

So, this is a slightly complicated setup; but it should work... and it does, until randomly AppleTV decides that it isn't authorised to play some content.
Setup is this:
PC1 - authorised for AppleID1, AppleID2, AppleID3 and AppleID4 - HomeSharing turned off - pirmary AppleID (used for new purchases) is AppleID1
PC2 - authorised for AppleID1, AppleID2, AppleID3 and AppleID4 - HomeSharing turned off - primary AppleID (used for new purchases) is AppleID2
AppleID3 and AppleID4 are other AppleIDs and only occasionally used for new purchases depending on content availablity. Yes these are genuine AppleIDs associated with other email addresses in other regions as we split our time between countries.
PC3 - authorised for AppleID1, AppleID2, AppleID3 and AppleID4 - HomeSharing turned ON (using AppleID1) - this PC isn't used interactively for purchasing content it's only purpose is for HomeSharing.
Please note that each PC has it's own iTunes library, all content is synchornised between PCs using sync programs (e.g. SuperSync) or a shared drive NAS.
There are 4 AppleTVs that are sharing the content from PC3.
Sometimes, when trying to play some content on one of the AppleTVs then the message that this content is not authorised will appear. So far the only way I have found around this is to go to PC3 and re-authorise that PC with the AppleID that was used to purchase the content. The PC _always_ reports that "This computer is already authorised for that AppleID"; however after doing this the content plays on the AppleTV.
How can I avoid this problem? PC3 is basically used as a HomeSharing server so that I don't have to have the individual PCs turned on. As far as I understand content is licensed to a specific AppleID and NOT (except with rentals) to a specific AppleID _and_ specific device.
I will happily change to using iCloud to allow all of my devices to access all of my content that I have purchased, but at the moment it seems that this problem will exist no matter how the content gets onto the device. Using a single new AppleID isn't possible either as we need to have different AppleIDs for different places.
Is there any solution? Why does AppleTV report that the content isn't authorised when the PC which is sharing the content is actually authorised? Why does re-authorising the PC make it work, when it reports that it was already authorised??
This is becoming seriously annoying.

Hi
i ran into the same problem. surprisingly though, i am not using multiple apple id and just one mac.
i did change both the account (apple id) and the computer (from pc to a mac server), but home sharing is on and the apple tv (1) is synced with the new computer.
i can connect to the itunes store and browse through it (signed in at all times). i cannot purchase any content and cannot play transferred rentals from the computer (apple tv is not authorised...)
somehow, it seems the apple tv was stuck with a previous id.
i have just now re-authorised my computer on the account and will give the apple tv another try. i did notice a message during the re-authorisation process. the apple tv is being authorised. this gives me hope.
in any case, your setup seems to be a dream come through. i decided to phase out my high end multiroom linn kivor system (over 20k back 6y ago) to an itunes based system. apparently you managed to build something.
i tried an itunes based nas but gave up due to complex operation (and overheating on top) and went for a mac server. i will be using windows clients though.
most of my content is cd based. can you sync purchased content between pc's? or with a server?

Similar Messages

  • How do I run two Apple IDs with one computer and sync music content?

    I have a single PC which I have added all of the music to one my log in. My wife and I have Iphones and I want to run separate accounts for itunes, but sync music content from the single source to both phones. Whenever I have tried to do this in the past, it starts to sync all app to both phones. I tried to therefore have separate log ins on the pc itself, but when I have tried this, the music content does not update on my wifes itunes library, after I have added music to mine (ie imported a CD), even though I have linked my wife's music library for itunes purposes to my music folder (hopefully that makes sense!!). Can anyone help as this is driving me mad, otherwise I will just have to run from my account and delete all of my wifes apps etc whenever I sync my phone, and vice versa.
    Thanks!!!
    Jeremy

    Is the following document of any help with that?
    [How to use multiple iPods with one computer|http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1495]

  • Can I use multiple apple ids with iTunes Match?

    My family has multiple apple ids although we share many devices.  If we subscribe to iTunes Match, will it pull all the content from all the devices or just one apple id?

    iTunes Match is associated with one, and only one, iTunes Store account. To use iTM on multiple devices all those devices must be signed into the mobile iTunes Store with the same AppleID.

  • Multiple Apple IDs with one email address?

    I want to set up an iTunes account for my son in order to keep his music and apps separate from mine.  But I want to keep it under my email address and credit card.  Can you have more than one iTunes account on one email address?  If so, do I just create an Apple ID that isn't an email address?
    Thanks in advance for your help.
    -Brian

    This forum is for questions from those managing sites on iTunes U, Apple's service for colleges and universities to post educational material in the iTunes Store. You'll be most likely to get help with this issue if you ask in the general iTunes for Mac forums.
    Answering quickly, though, to the best of my knowledge you cannot create an Apple ID using the same email address you used to create a previous ID. You'll need a separate email for your son, at least initially. You can then change the email to which receipts, etc. are sent and make it yours, if you wish.
    Regards.

  • Multiple apple IDs with one PC... can we have separate PhotoStream folders/locations?

    There are six iphone users in our household.  Four are still using the family PC.  I have been using PhotoStream ever since it became available (ios5 update?) and I like using it.  Can my children also use PhotoStream from their iphones without mixing all of our photos together on the PC?  They each have their own Apple ID.

    Hello Robyn,
    Thank you for providing the details of your predicament.  Your household may benefit from having multiple user accounts on the PC to individually manage your photos and media. 
    I recommend reviewing the section titled "Create multiple user accounts" in the following article:
    How to use multiple iPhone, iPad, or iPod devices with one computer
    http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1495
    Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
    Best,
    Sheila M.

  • Accessing purchases made with 1 Apple ID from multiple Apple IDs

    I have been sharing 1 Apple ID to make all purchases and homeshare for the household.  As I now begin to add new IOS devices (IPAD, Iphones, etc.) and the kids want their own IDs for purchases and icloud syncs, is it possible to access music and app purchases made under the original id with the new id(s) so tey dont lose any of their existing stuff?  Put another way, can multiple ids access purchases made under one master id?
    Thanks

    I happened to stop at the Apple store yesterday for a separate issue and had a discussion about iCloud. Seems like this is how iCloud works (also, there's another thread on this forum that explains it well).
    Each member of the family can have their own iCloud ID, which will be used for Mail, Calendar, Contacts, Apps, Bookmarks, Media, Photos, etc. and having this content synced automatically with a Mac (computer). The iCloud IDs work in tandem with the associated Apple ID — so while you cannot have multiple Apple IDs, you can certainly have multiple iCloud IDs tagged with a certain Apple ID.
    While all this makes sense from the iOS device standpoint, I'm unclear on how things will sync with a Mac computer, especially if the family uses a single iMac with multiple login IDs for various members. For instance, I currently have an iMac and iTunes content resides in my Public folder, which my wife can still access when she logs in with her login ID. I'm guessing that I'll be able to set up her iCloud ID using her login, set up my iCloud ID using my login, while both our iMac logins will retain the same Apple ID. This would take care of syncing Photos, Contacts, Calendars, etc.
    Another (not sure if unique) problem I face is our Address Book — right now, we have one GIANT address book with different groups set up. Certain groups sync to her iPhone, while others to mine. Some contacts are common between both of us. I'm hoping that if she/I updates a common contact, then the change will be reflected in both our groups of contacts. I hope this makes sense — for instance, I update a contact named Joe, and he's on my group of contacts in my iPhone. Hope iCloud updates the master contact card for Joe on the iMac, which would then automatically trigger the update on my wife's group of contacts—that Joe also belongs to— leading to an update on her iOS device as well.
    Apologies for the lengthy response..

  • HT204053 Multiple Apple IDs (2) with Purchases & iTunes Match. Apple TV Purchases. Not happy to have to log in/out to view and enjoy my Purchase Contest. What's the solution?

    Multiple Apple IDs (2) with Purchases & iTunes Match. Apple TV Purchases. Not happy to have to log in/out to view and enjoy my Purchase Contest. What's the solution?

    Hi
    i ran into the same problem. surprisingly though, i am not using multiple apple id and just one mac.
    i did change both the account (apple id) and the computer (from pc to a mac server), but home sharing is on and the apple tv (1) is synced with the new computer.
    i can connect to the itunes store and browse through it (signed in at all times). i cannot purchase any content and cannot play transferred rentals from the computer (apple tv is not authorised...)
    somehow, it seems the apple tv was stuck with a previous id.
    i have just now re-authorised my computer on the account and will give the apple tv another try. i did notice a message during the re-authorisation process. the apple tv is being authorised. this gives me hope.
    in any case, your setup seems to be a dream come through. i decided to phase out my high end multiroom linn kivor system (over 20k back 6y ago) to an itunes based system. apparently you managed to build something.
    i tried an itunes based nas but gave up due to complex operation (and overheating on top) and went for a mac server. i will be using windows clients though.
    most of my content is cd based. can you sync purchased content between pc's? or with a server?

  • Our family has multiple apple ids and we are setting up a new apple tv. Does it matter which apple id we use if we have home sharing enabled?

    I have an apple id from my mobile me account; I also have the apple id from my itunes account (with which I purchase content for my powerbook); and my husband has an apple id for itunes which he purchases content for his itunes library on his PC.
    Does it matter which apple id we use to set up our new apple tv?
    what issues are caused by my multiple apple ids?

    You cannot merge apple ids, but you can sign out of the apple id and sign in under the other one either on your phone or your mac. On your phone, go to settings, itunes and appstore, tap your apple id, tap sign out, then go back to home screen, then back into itunes an appstore and sign in with the apple id you want to use.

  • HT1539 How can a digital copy be used in a household with multiple apple ids, synced on the same computer?

    How can a digital copy be used in a household with multiple apple ids, synced on the same computer?  I want to put a digital copy on my device, and on my wife's device.
    Please help.

    you're welcome.
    actually, unless you take an extra step, the first opened swf will close.  if you want the 2nd to close, the initial receiving lc will send a message to sender that causes the sender to close.

  • 1 iCloud ID, Multiple Apple IDs = problem...HELP, cannot make Family Share with iCloud work

    So I have music stored in multiple apple IDs.  I have an iPhone & therefore an iCloud ID.  I wanted to use the family share option however I cannot as the other apple IDs do not have iCloud IDs.  Is there a way to get around this?  I believe the only way one can have an iCloud ID is if they currently have a Mac product & register it through that; I have a PC not a Mac.  Please HELP!!!! Thanks.  

    You can create an iCloud account using your existing Yahoo.com ID rather than creating a new ID.  (You can use the other one because it has to be in the form of an email address and linked to a verifiable email account.)  To do this you would go to System Preferences>iCloud and sign in with the ID to create the account, then check the data you want to sync with iCloud.  When you check Mail, you will be prompted to create your @icloud.com email address.  This is the email account that goes with your iCloud account, if you wish to use iCloud email.  When you type the name you would like to use for this address, iCloud will search and tell you if it's already taken by someone else, in which case you will have to choose another.  Type carefully, as once created, your @icloud.com address cannot be changed.  Understand that your iCloud account ID will still be your @yahoo.com address.  The @icloud.com address you choose is for email only.
    None of this will effect your existing purchased media using your two Apple IDs.  These will stay the same as purchases are permanently tied to the ID used to purchase them.  Also, Apple will not merge IDs.

  • Multiple Apple IDs and Family Sharing

    i am using the multiple Apple ID setup with an old pre-iCloud Apple ID for purchases (to keep my preexisting music) and a new Apple ID for my iCloud data and new email, etc. I am set up per the Apple support article on multiple Apple IDs.
    now the Family Sharing has been released, I would like to merge the two accounts. Will Apple be providing a way to do this?

    I'm not surprised you haven't seen them on here. The search in these forums is abysmal. I don't remember which I'd seen on here, and can't find it again myself.
    Here's a writeup with screenshots:
    http://9to5mac.com/2014/09/19/ios-8-how-to-set-up-and-use-family-sharing/
    I had a harder time finding out which apple ID an invited family member should use if they have two IDs in the same way that you and I do. It seems that the invited person can do the same - join the family share group with their iCloud ID, then specify the different Apple ID they have been using for their purchases.

  • Can I sign in with multiple apple IDs in a single apple device without deleting my previous one?

    can I sign in with multiple apple IDs in a single apple device without deleting my previous one?

    Hi swagyoloswag,
    Welcome to the Apple Support Communities!
    There are several different services that require signing into an Apple ID to use on your iOS device. You can sign into different Apple IDs for different services on your iPhone. For example, Apple ID #1 for iCloud and Apple ID #2 for iTunes & App Store. You cannot sign into the same service with two different Apple IDs at the same time. The attached article has a list of services that are accessible with your Apple ID. 
    Where can I use my Apple ID? - Apple Support
    Cheers,
    Joe

  • My friends has found he has, since 2006, accumulated multiple apple ids. he's very concerned about icloud security and security in general, having his pc hacked repeatedly. how can he permanently delete the extra, apple ids, please?

    my friend has found he has, since 2006, accumulated multiple apple ids. he's very concerned about icloud security – and security in general, having had his pc hacked repeatedly. how can he permanently delete the extra, apple ids, please? Thanks.

    Hello, windypinesands.  
    Thank you for visiting Apple Support Communities.  
    If your friend is concerned with the security of his Apple ID or iCloud account, I would recommend reaching out to our Apple ID Account Security team to assist him with this issue. 
    Apple ID: Contacting Apple for help with Apple ID account security
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5699
    Cheers,
    Jason H.

  • How to FaceTime and iMessage on multiple apple devices with one iTunes account

    We recently received iPad 2's for Christmas and was looking for some advice on how to FaceTime and iMessage on multiple apple devices with One iTunes Account (Apple Id).  I have created or attached other e-mail addresses to our apple id but do not know how to use them on the new devices.  Our home MacBook Pro uses our main apple id for FaceTime.  The iPads have been setup with the main apple id w/o being able to use FaceTime and iMessage.
    Please Help...
    I appreciate the help and support.

    P and V-
    If you are trying to connect to someone with a different Apple ID, I think all the devices should work, but one at a time.
    The problem is when you try to connect between two with the same Apple ID.  Once the calling device tries to make the connection, it finds the second device to be "busy".  That is where each needs to use a different E-Mail address when setting it up.
    On iOS devices, when you press the Home button to exit an App, the App may still be active in the background, even when the device is sleeping.  If FaceTime or iMessage is merely being active that way, it may be enough to "tie up" the E-Mail address.
    From the Home screen, double click your Home button.  You will see a list of recent Apps along the bottom of the screen.  Press and hold on one of them until they start to wiggle.  You will then see a red minus sign on each.  Pressing the minus sign will remove an App from the list, and stop it from working in the background.  (Click the Home button to stop the wiggling, and again to hide the recent Apps.)
    Fred

  • I have multiple Apple IDs, can I delete one and/or merge my accounts?

    I unintentionally have multiple Apple IDs. I just switched to an iPhone and the store employee created what is now my 3rd apple Id. Is there a way I can I delete the extra accounts so that I can have my email addresses all in one place? Or is there a way to merge my accounts?

    1. No. Only Apple itself can delete Apple IDs; if desired, click here and contact them.
    2. No.
    (124025)

Maybe you are looking for