Apple ID 10 device limit?

[GavinBKK]

I just cleared 3 old/sold devices from my account in iTunes.

However, that left me with 8, so I MUST have had 11, right?

My question is: Do Apple actually enforce this rule? With all the iPads, iPhones, Macs and an iPod in this household, we have 12 devices in total, all of which operate off my Apple ID, obviously with restrictions in place where the kids are involved.

I would appreciate any experience, or insight here. What are larger families supposed to do??

[agentx]

You are correct that there is a 10 device limit however i have found if you do NOT turn on Automatic Downloads on the less important devices for Books/Music you can have more devices "associated" with a single ID but as soon as you click those options on you hit the 90 day rule issue.

Been a while since i have tried all this as we have moved to VPP ( Volume Purchase program) in business situations and still not coming across that many home users who are getting stuck with 10 device limit......yet !


"When you turn on Automatic Downloads or download past purchases on an iOS device or computer, your device or computer will be associated with your Apple ID. Your Apple ID can have up to 10 devices and computers (combined) associated with it. Each computer must also be authorized using the same Apple ID. Once a device or computer is associated with your Apple ID, you cannot associate that device or computer with another Apple ID for 90 days.

[GavinBKK]

Thanks again agentx.

The 90-day rule wouldn't bother me/us, just the amount of devices. There are none that are not in use.

In retrospect, perhaps I should have set up a separate ID just for the kid's games.

[agentx]

No you have done it right, as i said if you do not activate Automatic Downloads you can still use with the same AppleID as far as i can see to update Apps/Download and make purchases.

Put it this way i have 30 devices using 1 AppleID and have no issues only when you activate the Automatic Downloads for Music/Books will it count against you 10 device limit.

[agentx]

Again slight lack of clarity from Apple IMHO as you can "use: more than 10 devices per ID
The limit is in place for eBooks and Music, not Apps from AppStore. The mechanism + 90 day limit was put in place to stop/slow down "piracy" of purchased content outside your household.

[onceagain]

Quote: Originally Posted by GavinBKK obviously with restrictions in place where the kids are involved.

Not sure why that should be considered "obvious"

Quote: What are larger families supposed to do??

Gee, I dunno. Have everyone use their own ID? Not sure why anyone would want to share one ID across multiple people anyway. Seems like it would really suck.

Quote: In retrospect, perhaps I should have set up a separate ID just for the kid's games.

I agree. Another alternative, which also carries a variety of benefits, is not letting them play computer games.

[agentx]

Having wrestled with AppleID since time began in Business/Home situations i would say that the best way for a family is :

1 Primary ID shared for all content purchases and in some respects if it can be JUST for this then great.
The Kids have to ask for content purchases from adult and you effectively manage the devices.
Each other person has there own iCloud ID for Apple services like Mail, Messages, Facetime etc. when YOU think the kids are ready for these services ( The age they are technically fully allowed an ID is 13 but we often get them setup at younger ages with NO CREDIT CARD ATTACHED TO ID !)

Managing Multiple IDs and content from lots of IDs is a real PITA ! and once you choose that route you are tied into this for ever unless you want to start buying content twice or more.

I have in the past come across every combo.......and this works best !

@onceagain The iPad is not just for games and often many games have elements to help a childs development ;-) and these kids are growing up in a digital age...i would prefer to reap the benefits of this in a balanced supervised way.....

[GavinBKK]

Well I have one ID for iCloud and Thailand Store purchases - ha! very few - and another for music and apps. My mistake was not creating a separate one for the kids' stuff day one.

I am attempting to sort the Associated devices by changing (specifying, e.g. Antony's iPad, etc.) their names in Setting>General>About, but iTunes doesn't appear to be seeing/recognising this; at least not yet.

[agentx]

I disagree.....i would just carry on and stop over thinking it as you are on the right track IMHO. Just carry on regardless ;-)
As i said you can have more than 10 devices using 1 account.... just not Automatic downloads for Ebooks and Music

You would have to remove device then re-add with different Associated ID from Itunes > Accounts > devices..... but you will start having the 90 day issue !

[agentx]

http://gigaom.com/apple/how-many-app...r-family-have/

[onceagain]

Quote: Originally Posted by agentx @onceagain The iPad is not just for games

.....um.......didn't say that it was.......

[agentx]

Agreed you did not but your tone was don't let them play games [ maybe sarcasm/joke ]
My overall point was that some games have educational merit and help spatial development ;-)

[onceagain]

Quote: Originally Posted by agentx Agreed you did not but your tone was don't let them play games

No. What I said was:

Another alternative, which also carries a variety of benefits, is not letting them play computer games.