Multiple devices & family members

Ok, I am new to the Apple family and am confused on some items. I have an Iphone and Imac, my kids have Itouches, and ipods, my husband is addicted to the ipad! So, Does each person need to set up their own apple id? We have all been using mine. I just want one main music library that we can all share from, but want them to have their own apps and things for their own devices. What is my best bet to accomplish this?

Read this through and it will give you some ideas how to configure your Apple devices for a family.
http://www.macstories.net/stories/ios-5-icloud-tips-sharing-an-apple-id-with-you r-family/

Similar Messages

  • Multiple devices, family sharing...iCloud setup

    I've so far avoided iCloud because it is very confusing to me. I've read loads of threads, and comprehending it all is still eluding me. Let me explain my setup, what I want to do, and how I'm proposing to do it.
    My Setup:
    5 family members (including myself)
    4 iPhones (2 4S, 1 4 and 1 3S) all with iOS5
    2 iPod Touches with iOS5
    1 MBP running Lion with accounts for each family member.
    1 Mini running Lion
    3 XP machines, each with accounts for each family member.
    The Mini is our "media" computer connected to our TV. It's connected to a network drive which stores all our media, music, books and apps, including everyone's photos via iPhoto.
    My Goal:
    Everyone's photos taken by iPhones/iPods on 1 Photostream accessible by the Mini for viewing/storage.
    Everyone with their own Mail/Contacts/Calendars/etc.
    Shared iTunes content, again synced with iTunes on Mini
    My Thoughts:
    If I am understanding what I've read, I can create an iCloud account which has to be the primary account on all the iPhones/iPods. Then go into Settings on each iOS device and turn off everything I don't want sync'd (Mail, Calendars, Contacts, etc.).
    Then for each iPhone/iPod, create an individual iCloud account for each family member, turning on what they want synced on both their iOS device and in their iCloud settings in their accounts on their computers.
    For iTunes content sharing, we just keep doing what we've been doing, using the shared iTunes account we already have.
    My Questions/Concerns:
    It looks like this will necessitate having 6 iCloud accounts, which I guess will work since we have that many devices; but I'm curious how others could handle a setup like this if they only had 1 device per person?
    After all this is set up, could I then have an additional calendar added in somehow which the family uses for adding shared events?
    So, does this sound right? Am I missing something?
    Thanks!

    Hi all..
    I hope you don't mind me chiming in here, but I see this as a major flaw in the move from MobileMe to iCloud.
    Roderick, based on what your requirements are, this sounds like a viable solution.
    Here's the spanner in the works:
    Q: Can you have more than 1 iCloud account on each iOS device?
    Everything I have found so far points to "No".
    If you can't, and you all want to sync "common" contacts, iCal events & numbers/pages stuff, then you have to use 1 common iCloud account. But you will not be able to FaceTime or iMessage each other!
    Is my assumption here correct?
    I have a MobileMe family pack with 5 me.com addresses.  I have kept the "main" one from migrating, so we currently keep all our contacts & calendars synced with that "main" account in MobileMe.
    Simple solution for the time being, but what happens in June 2012 when MobileMe is retired?
    Frustrated-dot-com!!

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

    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 I have multiple devices used by family members, how do you make sure the kids don't see Moms messages from Dad and visa versa?

    I have multiple devices used by family members, how do you make sure the kids don't see Moms messages from Dad and visa versa?

    Hi Roger:
    Thanks for the reply.  I think I figured out the problem.  Apple has confused (at least in my mind) the different IDs that people can have.  In the iCloud settings, they use the term Apple ID and not iCloud ID.  I guess there really is no such thing as an iCloud ID.  There are Apple IDs with various attributes.  This is not clearly explained or easy to see (how could I look up to see if my Apple ID is associated with iTunes for example?).
    I created, what I thought were iCloud IDs for each family member, but we all use my Apple ID for iTunes.
    One other question - why does the syncing of Notes using iCloud require an @me.com email account.  That makes no sense to me.
    Thanks for your help!
    AO

  • Sync multiple devices owned by other family members to one iTunes account

    I am wondering if it is OK since we have one imac computer running iTunes in the house, but I have an iphone and ipad, my son has an iphone, my daughter has and ipod, and my wife has an iphone, if it is OK to be syncing all of our devices under MY login in iTunes.  Or should I log out of iTunes and have that particular person log in to iTunes each time we sync?  Not sure how that would work though when each device is set up to sync over wifi if I stay logged in on the computer and in iTunes.  I just hate to see all the apps in the apps section of the iTunes/Devices/Sync Apps.  Not a problem though since it does keep them seperate...most of the time.  I mean, it seems as though a few times I have hooked up a device and it corrupted my sync causing all my newly synced devices to change the apps.  Only happened a few times.  This is kind of vague info, but it hasn't happened only a few times and I don't know how better to explain it.  The main question here is as stated in the beginning.
    Also, on a seperate note that I'll rant about in a seperate listing, I really hate the fact that I have to login into iTunes with a third party (Gmail) email address.  I converted over from a PC and from Google Android to a Mac and iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV....and I have set up everyone with @me.com addresses, but we can't login to iTunes/Apple ID with them.

    That doesnt apply very well. Everyone in my family has a separate account. Although for the main home sharing and apple tv it is off my account. I suppose that it is a good thing that we use one pc since everything stored on the hard rive that I sync to iTunes is then available for any user to sync to there device. Ie; home videos, movies ripped from DVD, CDs, etc...plus I have one original,iPod touch with no cloud support. I just synced it to my itunes on our one pc and it transferred to my pc over 640 purchases. Albeit they were all free, but now I have to sift through them all in the iTunes/devices/sync apps screen. Oh well. It actually seems as though the way I'm doing it is the best for my family of six with many multiple devices and im sure more to come in time. Again I can always sign out and let someone else sign into iTunes. A plus this way since still all my media is on my pc and network storage drive.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • When one or more family members who have been sharing one iTunes account wants to create their own iTunes account can they each upload the music/apps from the shared iTunes on their devices to the new iTunes account?

    When one or more family members who have been sharing one iTunes account wants to create their own iTunes account can they each upload the music/apps from the shared iTunes on their devices to the new iTunes account? 

    Yes. I would clarify your statement about the "shared" iTunes Library though. If you want each iOS device to have its own music library, you should create separate user accounts for them. Read:
    iTunes: How to share music between different accounts on a single computer
    How to use multiple iPods, iPads, or iPhones with one computer

  • 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.

  • What is icloud setup for Multiple users, multiple devices in family?

    What would be the recommended setup for iCloud to allow family members with multiple devices and multiple iTune accounts to share purchases, sync there own mail account, contacts, and reminders with multiple devices, and be able to sync calenders with all family calendars? Or better yet how can family members pick and choose what to sync with a common iCloud account?

    I'd like to know this to.
    We have 1 mac mini that serves as a media station that streams audio to Zeppelin air and photos & movies to our TV.
    My wife buys music on her iPhone. And takes pictures of the family.
    I buy apps and music on my iPad. And make movies of the family.
    I have a macbook pro ( itunes with home sharing,  iphoto home sharing ).
    She has a nice macbook (  itunes with home sharing, iphoto home sharing ).
    What we would want is that the mac mini collects all music / videos / media and streams it to all our apple devices via wifi ( not via internet ). But I with my appleID and she with her appleID.
    I wonder is Apple can make an GUInterface that I can understand to solve this.
    This iCloud seems not too suited.
    For families it would be easier if iOS5 would have 'home sharing' with upload and not transfer everything to CA first.

  • I have multiple devices within my family but each device receives texts, game requests and notifications meant for me. How do I stop this?

    I have multiple devices among several different family members. I have one iCloud account, I guess that seems to send messages, notifications, game requests meant to me but each device receives it. How can I fix this?
    jimmie57

    jimmie57 wrote:
    I have multiple devices among several different family members....
    http://macmost.com/setting-up-multiple-ios-devices-for-messages-and-facetime.htm l

  • 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

  • My family put multiple devices on the icloud, and I need to know how to manage duplicate entries.  Specifically contacts.  If I fix the contact list on my pc will it push the info out to the other devices and maintain it correctly?

    My family put multiple devices on the icloud, and I need to know how to manage duplicate entries.  Specifically contacts.  If I fix the contact list on my pc will it push the info out to the other devices and maintain it correctly?

    All devices signed into the same iCloud account will finish up with the same contacts. Of course if prior to joining iCloud two family members each had an entry for Uncle Fred, then you will finish up with two contact cards for Uncle Fred, and so on. If you tidy this up on your computer then the changes will propagate to everyone else.

  • HT1206 Help on multiple devices within a family and 1 itunes account for music

    Help I have multiple devices, Iphone, Ipod, Itouch, Ipad, Nano. Some used by our kids and some used by use. How do I set the accounts so my contacts on my ipad dont go to my sons Iphone? We use one Itune music account for the family music but my ipad has a seperate account for downloads.

    I had this problem last night as well.  Only my daughter upgraded to iOS7 and she had an old phone of mine.  When she upgraded, the phone asked for my apple ID and then continued as normal.  However, after the upgrade, any text message that I recieved, she also recieved.  I am pretty sure my wife thought I was hammered when she started texting me and my daughter began answering her not having any clue what she was texting about.  Anyway, this only occurred with texts from other family members, not from texts I received from friends who are obviously not on our account (we have Verizon BTW).  To resolve this issue, and it isn't a short resolution.... there are two options...   One, simply erase everyting on the phone.... I don't like iTunes 11, so we were unable to back up her phone.  I made her go through her 600 photos, delete the ones she didn't want and email the ones she wanted to herself, and then we wiped the phone clean and rebooted it... go into Settings, General, Reset, Erase All Content and Settings.  The second option, if you have iTunes 11 is to back up the phones one at a time,  and then go into Settings, General, Reset, Erase All Content and Settings.  Either of these options wipes the phone clean of all information, text contacts pictures etc and then you have to re-enter all of your individual information.  When you do that, make sure that no one is on the same iTunes account.  Theoretically, after you do this, you plug back into your computer and SYNC your phone from the last back-up.  This resolved the problem for us.  I don't know if there is an easier solution, be we tried logging in and out of our iTunes Accounts, turning the power on and off, and nothing changed.  So, we had to go the more difficult route to avoid mass confusion with family texting.

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