• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Advertise
methodshop

methodshop

tech news, reviews & how to's

  • Trending
  • Latest Stories
  • Fun
  • Culture
  • Learn
  • Tech
  • Search
You are here: Home / Technology / Software / Is It Possible To Use Multiple iPods On One iTunes Account?
iPod And iTunes
iPod And iTunes

Is It Possible To Use Multiple iPods On One iTunes Account?

Can you use multiple iPods on one iTunes account? You sent us your questions and we answered them.

March 11, 2003 by Joe Michaels
Facebook0Tweet0Pin0LinkedIn0
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • The Multiple Users Method: Giving Each iPod User Their Own Account On Your Computer
  • How To Create A New User (Mac)+−
    • Login As An Admin User
    • Open Your System Preferences
    • Select Accounts
    • Type In Your Admin Password
    • Create A New Account (If Necessary)
    • Mac User Options
    • Login As New User
  • How To Create A New User (PC)
  • The One User with Many iPods Method
  • FAQ: Questions From You About Using Multiple iPods On One Computer
  • Is It Possible To Use Multiple iPods On One iTunes Account?

Now that almost everyone has an iPod, using multiple iPods on the same computer is much more common problem. But can you use multiple iPods on one iTunes account? There are a couple different methods that will enable you to use more than one iPod on the same computer. Pick the method that best fits your situation.

Requirements:

  • Any computer with iTunes installed
  • Two or more iPods

NERD NOTE: iTunes is compatible with computers running Mac OS X, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and Windows Vista operating systems. Apple have also developed a version which runs on mobile phones such as the Motorola ROKR and Motorola SLVR.

The Multiple Users Method: Giving Each iPod User Their Own Account On Your Computer

Does the whole family share the same computer? If everyone in the family has separate user accounts on the computer, then as long as they login as themselves, they will have their own iTunes Library. This is useful if everyone has different musical tastes; each person gets to maintain his or her own personalized iTunes music library, and can customize the iPod with his or her music.

  • How To Create A New User Account (Mac)
  • How To Create A New User Account (PC)

How To Create A New User (Mac)

Here’s how to create a new user account for Mac users.

Login As An Admin User

Log into your computer using an account with Admin access.

Open Your System Preferences

Click on the Apple in the top left of the menu bar and select System Preferences.





Click On The Apple In The Top Left Of The Menu Bar And Select System Preferences.
Click on the Apple in the top left of the menu bar and select System Preferences.

Select Accounts

Click on the Accounts icon.

Type In Your Admin Password

Before you can make any changes, you will have to unlock the system. Click on the lock and type in the admin password for your computer.

Create A New Account (If Necessary)

To make a new macOS account, click on the “+” symbol. This will bring up a window where you can fill out information about the new user including a long and short name, password and password hint. Repeat this step and create as many users as you need.

To Make A New Macos Account, Click On The &Quot;+&Quot; Symbol. This Will Bring Up A Window Where You Can Fill Out Information About The New User Including A Long And Short Name, Password And Password Hint.
New Mac User Account Options

Mac User Options

Once you’ve created multiple user accounts, you will need to give these users ways to access their accounts. Click on the Login Options button. A screen with several options should be displayed.

  • You should enable “fast user switching” to allow users to switch to their account when the computer is already on.
  • Turn off “Automatically log in as” and turn on “List of users” under the “Display login windows as”section. This will allow users to login to their account when the computer is turned on.
Mac User Options
Mac User Options

Login As New User

Now each user can login to their own account, customize their iTunes Library to their specific tastes and maintain their own iPods.

How To Create A New User (PC)

Because there are so many versions of the Windows operating system, it is difficult to write a simple tutorial that would cover all variations. However, if you look in your computer’s Help documentation, there is information on how to set up additional user accounts on your specific machine. To locate this information, do the following:

  1. Click the Start Menu, and then point to Help or Help and Support.
  2. Enter “new user” in the Search field.
  3. Press Return.

The One User with Many iPods Method

Do you own multiple iPods and want to manage them on the same computer? You can set iTunes to update each iPod with only certain playlists. For example, you could just have your “Workout Mix sync with your iPod Shuffle, but all your other music and videos sync with your iPod VIdeo. If you have an iPhone, you can select individual movies you want to sync.

Here’s how to set up multiple playlists for your iPods:

  1. Create a new iTunes playlist for each one of your iPods. This may be a good opportunity for a Smart Playlist.
  2. Configure the iPod Options in iTunes so that each iPod only gets updated with a specific playlist.

“I have all the songs from the library I want, some of which overlap with my wife’s, saved into a single playlist. I have all the songs my wife wants on a separate playlist. If you select all songs in the library and uncheck them, nothing will write onto the iPod under AutoSync. BUT, if you then click on the correct playlist, select all songs and check selection, they will be checked both in the playlist AND in the library. Switch the correct iPod to AutoSync and, poof, you can AutoSync your iPod with only the checked songs. Repeat the procedure with the other playlist and you can AutoSync two iPods on the same computer. A couple extra steps (and a little extra attention so there’s no disco on my iPod) and we’re both happy.” ~ tregan

My question is that if you buy a new ipod, can you still use your existing itunes for the new ipod so you can still have all the songs that are on your old ipod on the new one? If so do you just use the same dock and just plug the new ipod in? ~roxy_girl87

FAQ: Questions From You About Using Multiple iPods On One Computer

You sent us lots of questions about how to use multiple iPods on one computer or with the same iTunes account. Thanks for contacting us. We answered your questions below.

” Someone told me that my husband’s iPod would be immediately overwritten with all of my iTunes files if I plugged it into my Mac. Someone else told me that the computer simply wouldn’t mount a “foreign” iPod. ” ~ Rick

Your computer will mount any iPod plugged into it, as long as that iPod is properly formatted for your operating system. I have 2, and they both show up on the desktop and in iTunes (Mac & PC). The automatic “overwriting” only happens if you have your iPod set to Auto Sync. Plug in your iPod. In the bottom right of the iTunes window are 2 little iPod symbols. The right one is the eject button. The left one is the options window. Turn off Auto Sync music.

” I have a friend in a church singing group. They would like to have 7 iPods and 1 Apple laptop. They would like to put the same music on all 7 iPods to listen to during the week before they sing together on Sunday. Is it possible to synch all seven ipods to the same iTunes in this fashion? Thanks for your help! ” ~ Ronald

Yes and no. You will have to manually add music to each iPod. You can’t Auto Sync more than one iPod to the same computer. We suggest making a weekly playlist of the songs you want on each iPod and dragging that playlist to each iPod.

” I’m having a bit of a problem me and my sister both have an ipod but we are both using the same computer. I’ve tried to install itunes on the pc twice but it won’t let me. I know that on your web page your answer to this question is to turn Auto sync off but that isn’t the answer to my problem because in theory you are still using the same library. Me and my sister each have a separate profile on the computer (windows xp) and we want two different libraries, I’ve tried to install itunes on each separate profile but it won’t let me. Hope you can help with any suggestions!!! ” ~ Loubna

You both need to log into your PC as different users. Then you can have 2 different libraries. This can be accomplished on both Macs and PCs. You do NOT need to install two different copies of iTunes.

Is It Possible To Use Multiple iPods On One iTunes Account?

Disable Autosync In Itunes - Is It Possible To Use Multiple Ipods On One Itunes Account?
Disable AutoSync in iTunes

So what’s the final verdict? Can you use multiple iPods on one iTunes account? Yes, but only if you do one of the following:

  1. Make sure that AutoSync is turned off in iTunes.
  2. Create different user logins for your computer so each user will have their own iTunes Library.

But both options will successfully enable you to use multiple iPods on one computer. Good luck!

Related Posts:

  • How To Access Multiple Gmail Accounts From One Master Account
    How To Access Multiple Gmail Accounts From One…
  • Anywhere is Possible: JUMPERS
    Anywhere is Possible: JUMPERS
  • Apple Tells Retailers to Stock Up on Current MacBooks and iPods (Don't Buy One Now)
    Apple Tells Retailers to Stock Up on Current…

Facebook0Tweet0Pin0LinkedIn0
Category: Software, DIY & How To, Gadgets Tag: iPod, iTunes
Previous Post: « Easy Elevator Hacks 5 Easy Elevator Hacks That Will Help Give You An Express Ride
Next Post: How to Fix iPod Auto Sync So It Doesn’t Erase Your Music iPod And iTunes »

Sidebar

Trending Now

  • The 30 Best Caddyshack Quotes That'll Make You LaughThe 30 Best Caddyshack Quotes That’ll Make You Laugh
  • How To Easily Create A PayPal Shipping Label Without InvoiceHow To Easily Create A PayPal Shipping Label Without Invoice
  • 7 Pictures Of Naked People Captured By Google's Cameras7 Pictures Of Naked People Captured By Google’s Cameras
  • The 30 Best Office Space Quotes (How Many Do You Know?)The 30 Best Office Space Quotes (How Many Do You Know?)
  • Controversial Nimbus 2000 Vibrating Harry Potter Broomstick Has Parents In An UproarControversial Nimbus 2000 Vibrating Harry Potter Broomstick Has Parents In An Uproar
  • 25 Of The Best Pulp Fiction Quotes From Quentin Tarantino's 1994 Film25 Of The Best Pulp Fiction Quotes From Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 Film
  • Fletch Quotes: 30 Of The Funniest Quotes From The Movie FletchFletch Quotes: 30 Of The Funniest Quotes From The Movie Fletch
  • 20 Silly 90s Fads That Were Cool Then, But Definitely Aren't Now20 Silly 90s Fads That Were Cool Then, But Definitely Aren’t Now
  • 20 Best Ferris Bueller Quotes From Ferris Bueller's Day Off20 Best Ferris Bueller Quotes From Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
  • 50+ Famous Happy Birthday Quotes From Notable Personalities50+ Famous Happy Birthday Quotes From Notable Personalities

Categories

Quotes From Jerry Maguire

Show Me The Money: The 11 Best Quotes From Jerry Maguire

The Origins Of David Letterman's Legendary Broken Glass Joke

The Origins Of David Letterman’s Legendary Broken Glass Joke

If you were a fan of David Letterman through the years, then you’ll immediately remember the broken glass joke. Here’s how a letter from a fan helped create one of the longest-running jokes in David Letterman’s career.

About

MethodShop’s mission is to entertain, inform, and sometimes gross you out. MethodShop has affiliate relationships, so we may get a small share of the revenue from your purchases. Items are sold by the retailer, not by us. All prices are subject to change.

Latest

The Origins Of David Letterman's Legendary Broken Glass Joke

The Origins Of David Letterman’s Legendary Broken Glass Joke

Quotes From Jerry Maguire

Show Me The Money: The 11 Best Quotes From Jerry Maguire

Follow

MethodShop Animated Zoom Icon
  • About
  • Submit
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Store

Copyright © 2021 MethodShop · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding Inc.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT