This is how to use Apple's feature that lets you move purchases between accounts
Apple has made it simpler to combine apps, music, and other content bought from the App Store by introducing a new feature that allows users to move their purchases between accounts. This update is especially useful for those who have used a secondary account solely for purchases and want to consolidate everything into their main account.
Additionally, this feature can be very useful for those who have changed the way they manage their accounts over time, whether for personal or business reasons. Previously, if a user had purchases spread across different accounts, there was no easy way to consolidate them without losing access to certain content.
This update also reflects Apple's efforts to improve the user experience and adapt to the real needs of its community. As the Apple ecosystem grows and services like Apple Music and iCloud integrate, managing multiple accounts has become a problem for many users.
- How does the Apple purchase transfer work?
This new option lets you transfer purchases from one Apple account to another, but there are certain requirements that must be met, according to 9to5Mac. First, both accounts must be signed in to the same iPhone or iPad. The secondary account, which contains the purchases, must be linked to your Content & Purchases settings, while the primary account must be connected to iCloud.
Additionally, for migration to be possible, the accounts must be set up in the same region, have two-step authentication enabled, and the secondary account must not be part of another Family Sharing group.
You also must not have any outstanding balances, rents, or prior orders. Another important detail is that at least 15 days must have passed since the last purchase on the secondary account before the migration process begins. If you meet all the requirements, you can follow these steps to consolidate your purchases into one account:
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
- Click on your name and go to Content and Purchases.
- Select View Account and log in if necessary.
- Click on the option to transfer purchases.
- Review the information and follow the on-screen instructions.
- When finished, a message will appear indicating that the purchases were successfully migrated.
- Log out of your secondary account under Content & Purchases and log in with your primary account.
Once purchases are transferred, the secondary account can no longer be used to purchase or manage media. This means that all purchases will be tied exclusively to the main account, making it easier to manage and access all your content from one place.
This update from Apple is particularly useful for users who, for various reasons, used separate accounts for iCloud and purchases in the App Store or Apple TV. With this option, the need to switch between accounts is eliminated and the user experience within the Apple ecosystem is improved.