Question on how to merge apple IDs

liam8282

We have an ipad which is used by all the family and was set up using the joint email address.

I am getting an iphone, which I want to set up with my own new apple id.

What I would then want to do, if possible, is link the two accounts, so that they both have the same apps and everything.

Can this be done, and if so, how.

Thanks.

Lifeforms

You can't link/merge multiple ID's. It does say that you can use your preferred ID, and still use the purchased items from other ID's. But I'm not sure how you go about that. Knowing iTunes, it'll be that you load up stuff on the original id, then transfer onto the Iphone in question. Then you try and link it to the new ID, and make sure it doesn't overwrite what's on the iphone with the stuff on the iTunes ID. Which is easy to do, because most iTunes messages seem to have multiple meanings

Humphrey10

To second what Lifeforms said, you can't link or merge Apple IDs.
To download apps you have bought with Apple ID 1 simply sign in on the App Store on your iDevice with Apple ID 1 and download the apps. To then download apps bought with Apple ID 2 on to the same iDevice simply sign out of Apple ID 1 on the App Store, then sign in with Apple ID 2 and download the apps.

I've no idea if it would sync everything with iTunes or just stuff from one Apple ID, I never sync my iPad or iPhone I can't stand the hassle.

billywhizz

We've just done that. Already had and iPad on one ID and set a new one up for the iPhone. All current apps have synced to the phone with no issues. iTunes seems to have decided the new ID is the default though, which is a PITA. You don't need to link or merge the accounts to do tis.

liam8282

I thought about this a bit more, and because I am getting an Iphone and the apps I already have are for the Ipad, it is going to be different anyway.

I am just going to set up a new account for the iphone, but sync it for music and films etc, that are already on my laptop. Not sure yet, but I will find out when I get it.

JamieStapleton

Easiest way to achieve what you are looking for is use a common apple ID for iTunes (to share apps). Create individual iCloud accounts for backup, sync, etc

Files on your PC and sync of these via your PC is not dependant on a apple ID.