iTunes is an integrated entertainment application on various platforms. With iTunes, you can play, download, and manage music, movies, and photos. However, if you go through a divorce, you may face a tricky issue regarding your iTunes account. Specifically, you might need to divide your iTunes account so that you and your ex-spouse can have separate accounts. Although splitting iTunes account divorce is not an easy task, you can do it by using several methods. In this post, we will discuss three methods that you can use to share your iTunes account with your partner or separate it after a divorce.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Split iTunes Account Divorce
After a divorce, sharing an iTunes account with your partner can be quite painful. If you keep using the same account, you might see various unwanted events such as getting notifications of your ex-spouse’s purchases. Sometimes, your ex-partner could change the account’s password, which may make it difficult for you to purchase any new media through that account. Therefore, splitting the iTunes account after a divorce is very important to ensure your privacy and make your digital life easier.
Method 1: Via Family Sharing
If you and your ex-partner have decided to share the purchase from iTunes or Apple Store even after the divorce, "Family Sharing" would be an excellent way to keep your media in one place and separate the payment method.
1. Open "Settings" on your iOS device, and tap on your name.
2. Click on the "Set-Up Family Sharing" button.
3. Tap on "Get Started" and select "Continue." Follow the instructions until the "Create a Family Sharing Group" page appears.
4. Tap on "Continue," and create a new group with your ex-partner.
5. Follow the instructions to confirm that both of you agree to share purchases with each other.
6. Choose what type of content (movies, apps, books, etc.) you want to share with your family.
7. Finally, choose who will take care of the payment method for your new family account.
Pros:
– Family Sharing is a convenient way to share your purchases with others.
– By using Family Sharing, you don’t have to sign in and out of different accounts, and you can easily switch between users.
– You can access the same content even after the divorce.
Cons:
– Family Sharing has a limit on the number of family members, which is six.
– If your ex-partner makes any purchase, you or they have to pay for it.
– You will still get their notifications of purchases, even if you have a different payment method.
Method 2: Via Second iTunes Account
A simple way to separate your digital media content after the divorce is by creating a second account. This new account should be authorized for your devices, allowing you to keep your previous purchases.
1. First, create a new iTunes account by visiting the official Apple website and clicking on "Create New Apple ID."
2. Fill out the details on the form, including your email address, name, birth date, contact information, and credit card information.
3. Verify your email address and sign in to your new account.
4. On your iOS device or computer, go to iTunes, and select "Account" from the drop-down menu.
5. Click on "Authorizations" and "Authorize This Computer."
6. Enter the new iTunes credentials for the new account.
7. Finally, you can start purchasing new media with your new account by signing in on iTunes.
Pros:
– By creating a new iTunes account, you separate your digital assets from your ex-partner’s.
– You are not restricted by the limited number of family members sharing the same account.
– You can easily use different payment methods, and notifications of purchases can be kept private.
Cons:
– You might lose access to the content that you and your ex-spouse accumulated during your marriage.
– You will have to create a new account, which might take some time to organize.
– You will need to reauthorize all your devices using the new account.
Method 3: Via iTunes Customer Support
If creating a second account or using Family Sharing isn’t suitable for you, you can contact iTunes customer support. They can help with separating your account.
1. Contact iTunes customer support by visiting the official website or sending an email.
2. Explain your situation and indicate that you would like to separate the account.
3. Provide them with your account information and any documents related to your divorce.
4. Follow the instructions from the customer support representative.
Pros:
– The process of separating an account with the help of customer support is usually fast and efficient.
– You can consult an expert and get advice tailored to your specific needs.
– It is a safe and stable way to ensure that both parties retain access to their collected media.
Cons:
– The process can be time-consuming and require effort.
– Due to privacy concerns, you will have to provide sensitive information, which might be unearthly.
– Lack of proper documentation could hinder the process.
What to Do If You Can’t Split iTunes Account Divorce?
In some cases, it might be hard to separate your media content all together. If you can’t do that, you can always do these:
– Ensure to change the passwords of the shared account so that your ex-partner will not gain access to your information.
– Create a new account if you can’t give up access to the contents of the shared account.
– You can also purchase new media with a new account while continuing to use the shared account for old media.
Bonus Tip
Before you start, ensure that you back up your iTunes content. This way, you do not lose any media that you have accumulated.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can Family Sharing be set up without my ex-spouse?
A: Yes, Family Sharing can be set up without your ex-spouse. You can also choose not to share purchases, but instead, enable just the Family Sharing feature for sharing photos, calendars, and locations.
Q2: Can I share my iCloud storage with my ex-spouse?
A: No, the iCloud storage cannot be shared with your ex-spouse through Family Sharing.
Q3: Can Apple merge two iTunes accounts into one?
A: No, Apple cannot merge two iTunes accounts into one. However, you can use Family Sharing to share purchases, although it might not work well in every case.
Q4: Can I transfer my iTunes content to another account?
A: No, you cannot transfer your iTunes content to another account, but you can use it in the shared Family Sharing account.
Q5: Can I use the same payment method for two separate iTunes accounts?
A: No, you cannot use the same payment method for two separate iTunes accounts.
Final Thoughts
Overall, splitting an iTunes account during a divorce can be quite difficult. However, by using some of the methods listed in this post, you can make your digital life easier. Perhaps the best method will depend on each couple’s unique situation. Whatever your reason might be for splitting your iTunes account, ensure that you keep communication with your ex-spouse respectful and clear to help make the process go smoothly.