How to Use iTunes for Two iPhones So Information Will Not Mix

Apple's iTunes is a diverse media player and media management program that plays audio and video files and manages the independent iPhone mobile device. iTunes allows you to sync your iPhone data, such as contacts and music, with the data on your computer. For managing multiple iPhones on one computer, Apple recommends creating separate user accounts on the machine as the easiest, safest and most straightforward method. Separate user accounts will ensure that the two iPhones and their data never mingle.

Create Separate Windows User Accounts and Sync Data

1. Click "Start | Control Panel | User Accounts and Family Safety | User Accounts."

2. Click "Manage another account" and select "Create Account." Fill in the new user's name and a password, if desired. Click "Create Account."

3. Log out of the existing account by clicking the Windows "Start" button and hovering your cursor over the arrow next to the Shut Down option. Click "Switch User."

4. Start the iTunes program. Connect one of your iPhones to the computer and sync your data as you normally would. Close the programs when you are finished.

5. Log out of the Windows user account by clicking the Windows "Start" button and selecting the small arrow beside the Shut Down button. Click "Switch User."

6. Start the iTunes program. Plug in the other iPhone and wait for the dialog window to appear. Enter the other Apple user ID and password. Sync the data to the other iPhone. Close the program when you are finished.

Create Separate Mac User Accounts

1. Click the "Apple" menu and select "System Preferences." Click "View" and choose "Accounts."

2. Click the plus sign located at the lower-left section of the window.

3. Enter the information for the new user. Disable automatic login, if it is selected, and save your settings.

4. Enable the Mac's Fast User Switching feature to log in and out faster and to keep your programs running for the first account while you access the second user's account. To do this, click the "Apple" menu and select "System Preferences." Enter your administrator username and password, if required. Click "Login Options." Select "Enable fast user switching" and save your settings. Restart the Mac.

5. Log into one of the accounts when prompted. Start the iTunes program. Plug in one of the iPhones and wait for the dialog window to appear. Enter your Apple user ID and password. Sync the data to the iPhone. Close the program when you are finished.

6. Log out of the current account and switch to the other user account. Start the iTunes program. Plug in the other iPhone and wait for the dialog window to appear. Enter the other Apple user ID and password. Sync the data to the other iPhone. Close the program when you are finished.

Things Needed

• iTunes
• Apple ID and passwords
• Sync cables

Tip

• If creating a new user account for the second iPhone is not possible, Apple offers two other methods for adding an additional unit. You can maintain two iPhones on one account by maintaining separate iTunes playlists, or you can create a new iTunes library and sync each iPhone's media files independently. Be aware, however, that these methods separate only the media files such as podcasts, music and video files.

Warnings

• Before you connect the second iPhone, back up the data of your first iPhone in case the second sync goes awry.
• Back up your data regularly as a general rule and before updating software.