Apple Introduces Purchase Migration Between Apple Accounts

Apple Introduces Purchase Migration Between Apple Accounts

Apple has introduced a long-awaited feature that allows users to migrate purchases from one Apple account to another. This update is particularly useful for those who have separate accounts for purchases and iCloud services. However, this feature is not available in the European Union, United Kingdom, or India.

What Is Purchase Migration?

This new feature lets users transfer apps, music, and other content purchased on a secondary Apple account to a primary Apple account. A secondary account is typically one that has only been used for purchasing media, while the primary account is the one signed in for iCloud and most other Apple services.

Things to Do Before Migrating

Before starting the migration process, there are a few important steps to complete:

  • Check Account Sign-ins: Ensure that two different Apple accounts are signed in on your iPhone or iPad. If only one account is signed in, go to Settings > Media & Purchases, sign out, and sign in with the secondary Apple account.
  • Confirm Family Sharing Settings: The secondary account should not be part of another Family Sharing group or have Purchase Sharing enabled.
  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Both accounts must have Two-Factor Authentication turned on.
  • Match Country and Region: Both accounts must be set to the same country and region for purchases.
  • Spend Any Remaining Balance: If there is any balance on the secondary account, it must be used before proceeding.
  • Complete Any Rentals or Pre-Orders: Wait until any rentals or pre-orders are completed or cancel them if needed.
  • Wait 15 Days After the Last Purchase: The migration process cannot start if a recent purchase was made on the secondary account.
  • Verify Payment Method: A valid payment method must be on file for both accounts, and the secondary account should have no payment-related issues.
  • Update to the Latest Software: The iPhone or iPad must be running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.

How to Migrate Purchases

Once all the necessary preparations are complete, follow these steps to migrate purchases from the secondary Apple account to the primary one:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap your name, then tap Media & Purchases.
  3. Select View Account and sign in if prompted.
  4. Scroll down and tap Migrate Purchases.
  5. Review the details of both accounts and follow the on-screen instructions.
  6. Once complete, you will see a message confirming that the purchases have been migrated. A confirmation email will be sent to both accounts.
  7. Sign out of the secondary Apple account and sign in with the primary account for Media & Purchases.

What Happens After Migration?

Once purchases have been transferred, the secondary account can no longer be used for Media & Purchases. Apple advises users to sign out of the secondary account on all devices, including Apple TV, HomePod, and any device with the Apple TV app or Apple Music app.

For users who have long maintained separate Apple accounts for purchases and iCloud services, this update simplifies account management and consolidates purchases under a single login. While the feature is not available in all regions, it is a welcome change for many Apple users looking to streamline their digital purchases.

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