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Shared Apple ID - how to separate

My husband and I have shared an Apple ID since they first started, it's obviously no longer recommended and is starting to cause confusion for us. I understand how to setup/use Family Sharing but need help on the best way to transition from one Apple ID to two as painlessly as possible and without anyone losing access to stuff they need in the move. Saw another thread on this but it's 4 years old so things may have changed, also it's mostly about setting up Family Sharing. Thanks.

Posted on May 11, 2021 6:57 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 11, 2021 7:43 PM

When changing to the new ID, there may be some data loss, but you can minimize it. If syncing photos with iCloud, ensure Optimization is turned off in Settings/Your Name/iCloud/Photos and/or in Photos/Preferences/iCloud. Then make sure full resolution photos are on the device/computer. When signing out of iCloud, if asked whether you want to retain data, choose yes. Messages conversations will be lost if they are addressed to the ID. See the article below for other places that the old ID should be removed. See Winston Churchill's response in the below discussion.


 How to switch Apple IDs on your iPhone or iPad.      


How to transfer all files from one iCloud account to another.       


What to do after you change your Apple ID or password - Apple Support.  

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 11, 2021 7:43 PM in response to dmcm142

When changing to the new ID, there may be some data loss, but you can minimize it. If syncing photos with iCloud, ensure Optimization is turned off in Settings/Your Name/iCloud/Photos and/or in Photos/Preferences/iCloud. Then make sure full resolution photos are on the device/computer. When signing out of iCloud, if asked whether you want to retain data, choose yes. Messages conversations will be lost if they are addressed to the ID. See the article below for other places that the old ID should be removed. See Winston Churchill's response in the below discussion.


 How to switch Apple IDs on your iPhone or iPad.      


How to transfer all files from one iCloud account to another.       


What to do after you change your Apple ID or password - Apple Support.  

Shared Apple ID - how to separate

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