How to switch Apple ID
Transition seamlessly between Apple IDs on your devices
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Learning how to switchAppleID is essential if you’re juggling different profiles for personal use, work, or family sharing. Your Apple ID is a secure gateway to accessing your data and all of Apple’s services, like app subscriptions and cloud storage.
Regardless of your Apple device, switching your Apple ID is a breeze and will be helpful for separating purchases/subscriptions or using different sets of family-shared apps and content. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to switch Apple IDs on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
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Tools and requirements
Steps for how to switch Apple ID
Step by step guide to switch Apple ID
We’ve demonstrated these steps on aniPhone 11runningiOS 17.4.1, but the process is similar on iPad and Mac.
Also, ensure to back up your device before switching your ID — learnhow to back up an iPhonehere.
1. Settings > Your Name > Sign Out
LaunchtheSettingsapp (System Settingson Mac) andtapyournameat the top. Then,scroll downandtap Sign Out.
Enter your passwordandpressTurn Offat the top right to turn off Find My iPhone.
2. Select data to keep on iPhone and sign out
After turning off Find My iPhone,scroll downandtap Sign Outagain.
Toggle onthe apps whose data you want to keep on your iPhone when you see a window asking, “Keep a copy of your data on this iPhone?”.
Press Sign Outat the top right and thentap Sign Outon the tiny pop-up to confirm.
3. Sign in with a new Apple ID
After signing out, you’ll return to Settings.
Tap Sign in to your iPhoneat the top and choose a method to sign in (Use Another Apple DeviceorSign in Manually). Below these options, you’ll findDon’t have an Apple ID?.Tap thisif you want to create a new account to sign in.
If youtap Use Another Apple Device,you’ll find onscreen instructions to complete signing in.
Press Sign in Manuallyif you have the account’s login information. Then,enteryourusernameandpasswordandtap doneon the keyboard.
If you have Two-factor authentication enabled, you’ll have to input the 2FA code to sign in.
4. Merge/Don’t Merge iPhone data with iCloud
Once signed in, you’ll have toenter your iPhone’s passcode.
A pop-up will then ask you to merge the iPhone’s data with your iCloud. Select the option appropriate for you (MergeorDon’t Merge).
Final thoughts
Now that you know how to switch your Apple ID, you can move seamlessly between your accounts and keep your data organized for greater efficiency. Note that if you have a lot of data stored on youriCloud, your device may take time to download everything.
For more tips on managing Apple devices, check out our guides onhow to put parental controls on an iPhone,how to use visual look up on iPhone, andhow to clear an iPhone before selling it.
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Nikshep Myle is a freelance writer covering tech, health, and wellbeing. He has written for popular tech blogs like Tom’s Guide, GadgetReview, SlashGear, and Creative Bloq, and has extensively reviewed consumer gadgets. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him meditating, gaming, discovering new music, and indulging in adventurous and creative pursuits.
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