Transfer iTunes Purchases to Another Account

Sharing iTunes Songs Versus Digital Music Ownership

As we all know, sharing something isn't the same as actually owning it. It's relatively easy to share an iTunes music library with your family by using the Home Sharing feature. You can also use more traditional methods such as creating an iTunes account that everyone can use, or granting access to your own personal Apple ID.

But, what if you want to transfer digital music ownership to someone in your family (like your partner or a child who is now old enough)?

You may for example have switched to a streaming music service and no longer wish to use your iTunes account (and the music in it). In this case, you may think that it's an easy task to transfer digital content to another Apple ID?

Unfortunately it isn't. This is because every song purchased from the iTunes Store is linked to a particular Apple ID and this cannot be changed. Many users feel that this system is unfair, but it's a necessary evil in order to prevent the distribution of copyrighted content.

So, is there any way to legally associate a music collection with someone?

Taking Over an iTunes Account

We've already mentioned that Home Sharing only gives temporary access to digital music. This is limited to the same home network where up to 5 computers can either stream or download content -- iOS device's can only stream. A more permanent solution is therefore needed so the person you want your music library to go to has the freedom to download all the songs for free, and sync all their devices with iCloud.

One of the best solutions is to change the account details for an Apple ID. This will enable the new owner to use their own email address, set up credit facilities, authorize computers and devices, etc. There are several ways to do this including using the iTunes software, but you can also change the necessary details using just your browser.

To do this:

1. Go to the My Apple ID website.
2. Click the Manage Your Apple ID option on the right-hand side of the screen.
3. Type in the username -- this is usually the email address which was used to create the Apple ID.
4. Enter the password and hit the Sign In button.
5. You can now edit details such as name, email address, home address, phone number, and more.

Tips

• After changing the email address you may be required to verify it before you can use the account.
• Before handing over an Apple ID to one of your family members it's a good idea to first log out of your iTunes account on all your devices and also de-authorize all of them too.