How do I sync my iPhone with two different iTunes libraries?
Emily Wong
Updated on March 07, 2026
How do I sync my iPhone with two different iTunes libraries?
To do this, press and hold Option or Shift, open iTunes, select an iTunes library, then connect the iPhone or iPod you sync with this library. It will go through the standard syncing process, using the media in the currently active iTunes library. The iPhone and iPod can only sync to one library at a time.
Can I have 2 iTunes libraries?
You can have more than one iTunes library. For example, you could have a library of holiday music that wouldn’t appear in iTunes the rest of the year. Or you could keep your music in a library on your computer and your movies in a library on an external storage device.
Can you have two iTunes accounts one iPhone?
You can use two iTunes accounts, but only one can be logged in to the store at a time. Purchases (free or paid) will be made against the current account. Updates will request the password from the account that purchased the app.
How do I merge Apple music libraries?
On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- Go to Settings > Music.
- Turn on Sync Library. If you don’t subscribe to Apple Music or iTunes Match, you won’t see an option to turn on Sync Library.
Can only sync with one iTunes library?
You can sync iPhone and iPad with only one iTunes library at a time. Note: If you subscribe to Apple Music, you can’t sync your saved Apple Music songs to a device.
Can you have 2 iTunes accounts on the same computer?
Households with multiple iPod users can benefit from having two iTunes accounts on the same computer. A computer can have multiple iTunes libraries and accounts associated with it, allowing each iPod device owner to have an individual library. Adding a second iTunes library to a computer takes just a few moments.
How do I add a second iTunes account to my iPhone?
Once you’re all signed out of your iTunes/iCloud account, you can create a new account. Go to Settings > iCloud and tap Create a new Apple ID. You’ll be asked to enter in a birthdate, name, and email address (you’ll need to enter in a different email address from your other iTunes/iCloud account).
Can I have 2 Apple IDs for 2 phones?
Short answer is you can’t have both. By sharing an Apple ID, you are the same person using 2 different devices. Your phones are behaving as designed.
How do I merge two iTunes libraries without duplicates?
File > Library > Organize Library > Consolidate Files will copy in items from the old library that weren’t duplicates into the new library’s media folder so that everything is properly organized in one place. That is how to do a true library merge.
How do I share Apple music with my family subscription?
How to add a family member to your subscription from Apple
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap your name, then tap Family Sharing.
- Tap Set Up Your Family, then follow the onscreen instructions and invite your family members. Already set up Family Sharing?
- Eligible subscriptions are automatically shared with your family members.
How do I sync music from another iTunes library without deleting it?
Click your iPhone in the “Devices” section in the iTunes window and click the “Summary” tab. Select the “Manually manage music and videos” check box and click “OK” to sync content manually.