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I have an Apple ID which I had registered years back (when I had bought my Ipod Shuffle). I wanted to use the same Apple ID to download apps on my newly purchased MBP - but whenever I try to login with that Apple ID, it tells me "This ID hasn't been used with Itunes", and proceeds to let me "Review" it. In the last step, I'm asked to furnish credit card information, which I don't want to, since all I want to do is to be able to download free apps !!

So, do I have to register a second Apple ID just for downloading free apps ??

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I was wondering the same thing. +1 for a good question! – daviesgeek Sep 17 '11 at 19:50
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Hrm... You shouldn't need to furnish credit card info to download freebies and podcasts. Strange that there's no obvious way around it. I'll be the difference in process between setting up a new Apple ID and using an old one is where this gets confused on Apple's end. – NReilingh Sep 17 '11 at 20:01
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I think they want a credit-card to verify which country you're in, and verify your identity. However, using iTunes, last time I checked, you can set your account to have no card, PayPal, etc. So, perhaps that's worth a try. – Alex Sep 18 '11 at 0:06
The mac app store is a little less featured (and forgiving) for free users. I would try to use that account from an iOS device or contact billing support to make sure it's not a glitch they could assist with. Having two ID is hard in the long run, but you don't have any purchases on this old ID so you might just start fresh if you prefer... – bmike♦ Sep 18 '11 at 10:31

3 Answers

up vote 1 down vote accepted

Yes, you have to create a new account. You can do this from your computer or from your iDevice.

You have to create it from the App Store, not the iTunes store.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2534

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up vote 2 down vote

As I commented - try setting your payment type to None in iTunesPayment Types

Open iTunes, and go to the iTunes Store, then click on your account on the top right. It'll take you to your account page where you can change your type.

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I don't see the "None" option when I use the existing account, that's the problem !! – TCSGrad Sep 18 '11 at 0:30
@shan23, it might be that initially, you will have to re-enter your CC details as it asks for verification purposes. After you have verified your account, try the steps above. I have just confirmed that there does exist a "None" button (but my account's CC is verified). Also of note, I do not have the PayPal option (perhaps it's not available in Canada). – cksum Sep 18 '11 at 0:54
I can confirm that "None" is not an option (at least not here in the USA). – Brian Knoblauch Aug 7 '12 at 12:51
up vote 1 down vote

I believe I've seen this before and you simply "cancel" or "continue" or "next" or something - basically just skip it.

They aren't' demanding you fill it out, juts asking you to review it in the hopes that you will enter a credit card - you shouldn't need to create a new account.

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That doesn't work. If you don't continue it tosses you out without doing the download, and it won't continue without the information. – Brian Knoblauch Aug 7 '12 at 12:52

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