Home > Articles > Hardware > Upgrading & Repairing

Juggle Multiple iCloud Accounts for Yourself and Your Family

Maintaining a single Apple ID and iCloud account is usually sufficient for most users. Jason R. Rich explains that for some families, however, having two or more separate Apple ID and iCloud accounts is advantageous.
Like this article? We recommend

Apple has designed its online-based iCloud service to handle a wide range of tasks. It has integrated much of the service's functionality directly with its OS X Mavericks operating system for the Mac and iOS 7 operating system for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. As a result, the average Apple user needs only one Apple ID and iCloud account to use with all of its computers and iOS mobile devices, as well as with all related Apple services.

Discover What iCloud Can Do for You as a Mac and/or iOS Mobile Device User

Once that single iCloud account is set up (which is a process that takes less than 1 minute), the service's various features and functions should be separately set up to work on each of your computers and mobile devices.

On Macs, this process is done from the iCloud Control Panel that's accessible from within System Preferences. On the iPhone or iPad, it is done from the iCloud Control Panel that's found within Settings.

Using just one iCloud account, you can sync app-specific data from the Contacts, Calendar, Reminders, Notes, Pages, Numbers, and/or Keynote apps between all your computers and iOS mobile devices, as well as the iCloud.com website. It's also possible to sync and share Safari-related Bookmarks, Favorites, Browser Window Tabs, Reading List, and iCloud Keychain-related data, and to manage an iCloud-related email account (username@icloud.com) that's provided free with each iCloud account.

Use iCloud for Backups and with Find My Service

You can use iCloud in conjunction with Apple's Find My service to locate and remotely manage a lost or stolen Mac or iOS mobile device. Plus, the iCloud service offers the My Photo Stream and Shared Photo Stream features for backing up and sharing digital photos.

You can use iCloud to maintain an automatic and remote backup of all your iOS mobile devices. iOS 7 will create an automatic backup once per day, or you can create a manual backup at any time. All backup files get stored "in the cloud," within your  iCloud account.

When app-related data, iOS mobile device backup files, and data from the iCloud-related email account, for example, are stored "in the cloud," this uses some of the 5GB of online storage that Apple provides free with each account.

All iTunes Content Purchases Are Stored in One Place

Yet another function of iCloud is to keep track of all iTunes Store, App Store, iBookstore, and Newsstand purchases—and to make those purchases continuously available on all compatible Apple equipment that's linked to the same iCloud account. In other words, if you purchase a new song on your iPhone, for example, that same song will be saved within your iCloud account automatically and then potentially synced with your iPad and Mac(s), without you having to repurchase that song.

This content syncing works with music, TV show episodes, movies, ringtones, eBooks, audiobooks, digital newspapers/magazines, Mac apps, and iOS mobile device apps that are acquired through one of Apple's online business ventures (including the iTunes Store, App Store, Mac App Store, iBookstore, and Newsstand).

The additional online storage space needed to store content purchases, My Photo Stream, and Shared Photo Streams is provided free by Apple, and does not use any of the 5GB of free online storage space provided with an account.

From the iCloud Control Panel, you can manage your iCloud account and turn on and set up only the specific iCloud features and functions you're interested in using. Keep in mind that by default, the content or data from your Mac, PC, iPhone, iPad, and/or iPod touch links to the same iCloud account.

Why Maintaining Two iCloud Accounts Might Be Beneficial

This single iCloud account strategy works great if you have an iMac, MacBook, iPhone, and/or iPad and want to effortlessly sync content between all these devices. However, for families in which each person has their own Mac and/or their own iOS mobile devices, using a single iCloud account doesn't work if those people want to share purchased content.

Each family member will typically want to keep their own app-specific data, documents, and files synced with their devices, but also keep this information private and not accessible by other family members.

In other words, Dad probably doesn't want his 16-year-old son being able to access his work schedule (maintained using the Calendar app) or his contacts database (maintained using Contacts).

Yet these same people might want to share their iTunes Store, App Store, Mac App Store, iBookstore, and/or Newsstand purchases so that each person doesn't need to acquire the same content separately.

In these situations, each family member should set up their own iCloud account. At the same time, one additional iCloud account should be set up for use by the entire family to manage, store, and sync all online content purchases.

How to Set Up a Second iCloud Account

Setting up a second iCloud accounts is easy. To create a new account from a Mac, launch System Preferences from the Dock, and then click the Internet Accounts option. From the Internet Accounts menu window, click the iCloud option.

To create a new iCloud account from an iOS mobile device, launch Settings; tap the Mail, Contacts, Calendars option; and then tap the iCloud option from the Add Account submenu.

Now, whether you're using a Mac or iOS mobile device, from the iCloud window that appears, click the Create Apple ID button (Mac) or the Get a Free Apple ID button (iPhone/iPad). You have to set up a new Apple ID to be used for the new iCloud account if you're setting up multiple accounts.

Once you have two active iCloud accounts set up, it's essential that you properly set up each Mac, PC, and iOS mobile device to access the right account for the right purpose.

To keep things simple, you can use your original iCloud account to handle all the iCloud's features and functions, except for managing all future iTunes Store, App Store, Mac App Store, iBookstore, and Newsstand purchases. The second account should be used for this purpose.

In addition, you can use your original Apple ID in conjunction with your personal FaceTime and iMessage usage, for example. The original account also stores all your private app-specific data, documents, and files, as well as your my Photo Stream and personal Shared Photo Streams.

Share Content but Keep Personal Data Private

At this point, each of your family members can set up the newly created second iCloud account so that everyone can share content and app purchases. To do this on each family member's Mac, launch the iTunes software. Next, access the Store pull-down menu and select the Sign Out option. Now access the Store pull-down menu again, and this time log in to the iTunes Store using the newly created (family) Apple ID/iCloud account.

Any time one person makes a purchase or acquires content using this iCloud account, that content will become almost instantly accessible, regardless of the computer or device it was purchased from (as long as the compatible computer or device is linked to the same iCloud account).

From an iOS mobile device, to set up the iTunes Store, App Store, iBookstore, and Newsstand to use a separate Apple ID/iCloud account on each iPhone or iPad, launch Settings and tap the iTunes & App Store option. Next, tap the Apple ID field that's displayed near the top of the iTunes & App Store submenu screen. Sign out from your original Apple ID account and then log in again using the newly created (family) account.

When this is done on all iPhones and iPads used within the same family, each person's personal data can still be kept separate in their own iCloud account (which will be managed from the iCloud Control Panel), but all newly acquired content from this point forward is sharable by everyone whose computer or iOS mobile device is linked to the secondary iCloud account.

On each device you begin using your newly created Apple ID/iCloud account for content purchases, it is necessary to authorize the device with the new account.

There are some restrictions according to Apple's website:

    "Once a device or computer is associated with your Apple ID, you cannot associate that device or computer with another Apple ID for 90 days. You can view which devices or computers are currently associated, remove unused devices or computers, and see how long before they can be associated with a different Apple ID from the Account Information page in iTunes on your computer."

For help setting your multiple iCloud accounts so that each handles the right tasks for the appropriate people in your family, consider seeking the assistance of an Apple Genius from any Apple Store. Once the accounts are set up once correctly, maintaining them is a straightforward process.

Final Thoughts...

Although Apple has gone to great lengths to make the iCloud service as easy to use as possible, the service is designed to handle a wide range of rather complex tasks; and to automatically share and sync information, files, and data between Macs and iOS mobile devices that are linked to the same account. If you plan to use just one Apple ID/iCloud account with all your Macs, PCs, and iOS mobile devices, things work pretty seamlessly.

Creating a secondary account to be used by multiple people to share purchased and acquired content, while keeping personal data, documents, and files separate, is a bit trickier, but certainly possible.

Remember that even if the entire family's purchases will be stored online within a single iCloud account, all family members can pick and choose which content will actually be stored on their own Mac and/or iOS mobile device(s).

Thus, dad can store his Beatles music collection on his iPhone while his teenage son Billy can keep his action-based videos games on his iPad. Sally, the ten-year-old daughter, can have her One Direction and Justin Bieber music readily accessible on her iPad mini and MacBook Air while mom stores her favorite audiobooks and magazines on her iPad Air, along with her favorite classical music playlists on her iPhone.

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020