Creating multiple Amazon accounts involves registering each account separately and then, for convenience, managing them on a single Amazon device or application. While Amazon's primary structure is one account per person/entity, you can certainly set up and operate multiple distinct accounts, each linked to a unique email address or mobile number.
Registering New Amazon Accounts
To create multiple individual Amazon accounts, you must register each one separately, similar to how you created your first account. Each account will function independently with its own order history, payment methods, Prime benefits (unless shared via Amazon Household), and digital content.
Here’s how to create a new, distinct Amazon account:
- Navigate to Amazon's Registration Page: Open a web browser and go to Amazon.com (or your local Amazon domain like Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.ca, etc.).
- Initiate Account Creation:
- Hover over "Account & Lists" (or "Hello, Sign in") in the top right corner.
- Click on "Start here" next to "New customer?" (or "Create your Amazon account").
- Provide Account Details:
- Your Name: Enter a name for the account.
- Mobile Number or Email: This is crucial. Each Amazon account must be linked to a unique email address or mobile phone number that has not been used for another Amazon account.
- Password: Create a strong password for this new account.
- Verify Your Account: Amazon will send a One-Time Password (OTP) to the email address or mobile number you provided. Enter this OTP to verify and create your account.
- Repeat for Additional Accounts: To create more accounts, sign out of the current Amazon account and repeat the process from step 1, using a different, unique email address or mobile number for each new account.
Key Considerations for Multiple Accounts:
- Unique Credentials: Every account requires its own distinct email address/mobile number and password.
- Payment Methods: Each account can have its own payment methods linked to it.
- Prime Membership: A Prime membership is typically tied to a single account. If you want Prime benefits on multiple individual accounts, each would require a separate Prime subscription, unless you utilize Amazon Household (see table below).
- Digital Content: Digital purchases (Kindle books, Prime Video content, Music) are tied to the account that purchased them and are not automatically shared between separate accounts.
Managing and Switching Between Accounts on Amazon Devices/Apps
Once you have multiple Amazon accounts, you can conveniently add and switch between them on supported Amazon devices (like Fire tablets, Fire TV sticks) and the Amazon shopping app. This saves you the hassle of repeatedly logging in and out.
To add and switch between accounts:
- Access Settings: Open the Amazon shopping app or navigate to the settings on your Amazon device.
- Locate Account Settings: Look for a "Settings" or "Account" section within the menu.
- Select Switch Accounts: Within the settings, find and select the "Switch Accounts" option.
- Add a New Account:
- To add an account that isn't currently listed, select "Add Account."
- You will then be prompted to "Enter your account credentials," which means providing the email address/mobile number and password for the Amazon account you wish to add.
- Follow any additional on-screen instructions to complete the addition.
- Switch Between Accounts:
- Once multiple accounts are added, they will be listed under the "Switch Accounts" option.
- To switch to a different account, simply select the account you want to access from the list. The device or app will then load the content and preferences associated with that chosen account.
This feature is particularly useful for families using a shared device or for individuals who manage separate Amazon accounts for different purposes (e.g., personal shopping, business purchases).
Individual Accounts vs. Amazon Household
While creating multiple individual accounts offers complete separation, Amazon also provides a feature called "Amazon Household" which allows two adults and up to four teens/children to link their accounts and share certain Prime benefits and digital content. It's important to understand the distinction:
Feature | Individual Amazon Accounts (Separate) | Amazon Household (Shared) |
---|---|---|
Account Ownership | Each account is completely distinct, owned by a separate individual. | Up to two adults link their individual accounts, plus profiles for teens/children. |
Login Credentials | Each account has unique login details (email/phone & password). | Each adult retains their unique login details. Teens/children have their own logins or managed profiles. |
Prime Benefits | Each account typically requires its own Prime membership. | Two adults can share certain Prime benefits (e.g., Prime shipping, Prime Video, Kindle Owners' Lending Library) from one membership. |
Payment Methods | Each account manages its own payment methods. | Adults can share payment methods. Teens can use shared methods with permission. |
Digital Content Sharing | No automatic sharing; purchases are tied to the buying account. | Adults can share eBooks, audiobooks, apps, and games. Prime Video profiles can be used. |
Order History | Private to each individual account. | Private to each individual account. |
Use Case | For completely separate individuals, businesses, or distinct purposes. | For families wanting to share Prime benefits and digital content without fully merging accounts. |
Creating multiple distinct Amazon accounts gives you complete control and separation for various needs, whether personal, business, or otherwise. Utilizing the "Switch Accounts" feature simplifies managing these accounts on your primary devices.