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Changed my Apple ID and photos disappeared

I bought a new MacBook and decided to change my Apple ID because I was sharing with the hubby. So the new Mac and my iPhone now have my newly created Apple ID but all but a few of my 30k photos are missing. I tried signing in with the old ID but nothing changed. Help!

Posted on Jun 9, 2022 11:10 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 10, 2022 1:48 PM

If you were syncing photos with iCloud, you need to sign in with the old ID to do the iCloud sync. The iCloud sync may not have completed yet. The photos sync is extremely slow. It could take several days or more for the photos to sync.


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. If possible, also set up Family Sharing  between the IDs to keep access to your apps/purchases. 


 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.      


Family Sharing.         


Family Sharing - Set up.        



1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 10, 2022 1:48 PM in response to sheretired

If you were syncing photos with iCloud, you need to sign in with the old ID to do the iCloud sync. The iCloud sync may not have completed yet. The photos sync is extremely slow. It could take several days or more for the photos to sync.


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. If possible, also set up Family Sharing  between the IDs to keep access to your apps/purchases. 


 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.      


Family Sharing.         


Family Sharing - Set up.        



Changed my Apple ID and photos disappeared

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