I'm trying to sort things out here and learn more about Apple ID vs. iCloud ID.

First a brief summary: My family has 3 computers and my daughter will soon have a laptop for school, so 4 computers. The college bound daughter has an iPhone and my youngest daughter has an iPad. No other iDevices. Everything (except the new laptop) is tied to a single Apple ID which is starting to cause problems (iCloud is full). Most of the app and song purchases have been made for the oldest daughter.

What I'd like to do is set up an Apple ID (and perhaps iCloud ID (are they different?)) for my oldest seeing how shes pretty much on her own now. So her iPhone and new MBP will be solely hers and no longer tied to my account. What's the best way to go about this?

Can I set daughter number 2 up with a different iCloud ID as well (but maybe still tied to my Apple ID)?

How do I sort this all out? Thanks for any help.

Each can have their own iCloud ID, but will essentially be an Apple ID. They will be able to use it in iTunes, but will not have access to the items purchased on your Apple ID unless they are already on their devices.

iTunes syncing will be done under each iCloud ID, as will Cal. Contacts, and Safari Bookmarks.

They can have a second icloud ID (yours) on their devices, but you should turn of all syncing for that 2nd ID or your data will will replace theirs.

It can be tricky. My wife and I each have an iPhone and she has an iPad2. There are two iCloud IDs on her handhelds. One is hers to use as she likes, & syncs her data to her Mac. It does NOT have Back to my Mac and Find My Mac turned on. Those two are the ONLY things turned on in the other iCloud ID (my Apple ID). My wife never uses my ID on her iPhone or iPad, but just her own. My ID is there strictly for recovery purposes.

This arrangement allows me to find her iPad, iPhone, and MBP (shared) if lost, stolen, or she needs help while away from home. It might be one you would consider setting up, as that new laptop will be moving around.

The ID used for iTunes is the trickiest. You have to decide what you want to accomplish before you choose that iTunes ID for her MBP.

Hope this helps.

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Mr. Curmudgeon, on Mountain Lion.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/08/2012 05:06PM by modelamac.

These links may or may not be helpful to your situation:

[gigaom.com]

[discussions.apple.com]

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Thanks guys. Some things I didn't realize there - I had no idea a device could have multiple IDs associated with it.

Reading through that info now...

WTO me it is easier if I explain to think of it as a username. Once anyone hears "Apple ID" it seems intimidating.