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How can my family go from one Apple ID to multiple accounts for family sharing?

My family has been using the same Apple ID for seven years. However, now that we have more Apple devices, our one Apple ID has gotten confused between devices and given certain devices someone else's texts, for example.


We want to switch to Family Sharing without accidentally deleting our phone content, but first I think we need to make separate Apple IDs. I made this ID for my new iPad, but my phone still has the original family Apple ID. Is it possible for us to create new IDs and get family sharing without it deleting our text messages and other content?


(I don’t mind redownloading apps, I just don’t want our texts and contacts to get mixed between devices)

Posted on Dec 26, 2020 9:41 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 26, 2020 9:51 AM

Texts and messages are a problem.


If 13 years old or older.


Apple ID - create a new.      


Apple ID – Create         


If under 13 years old, you will need to set up Family Sharing to create an ID.


Family Sharing and Apple ID for your child.      


Family Sharing.         


Family Sharing - Set up.        


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. Also set up Family Sharing between the IDs to keep access to your apps/purchases. 


Set up - your child’s iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch 


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.     



1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 26, 2020 9:51 AM in response to alexagc123

Texts and messages are a problem.


If 13 years old or older.


Apple ID - create a new.      


Apple ID – Create         


If under 13 years old, you will need to set up Family Sharing to create an ID.


Family Sharing and Apple ID for your child.      


Family Sharing.         


Family Sharing - Set up.        


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. Also set up Family Sharing between the IDs to keep access to your apps/purchases. 


Set up - your child’s iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch 


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.     



How can my family go from one Apple ID to multiple accounts for family sharing?

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