[5 Ways] How to Unlink Two iPhones with the Same Apple ID

Introduce

Imagine this: you take a photo on your iPhone, and it instantly appears on your friend's phone. Or, you receive a text message meant for them, and vice versa. This data confusion can happen when two iPhones share the same Apple ID. While sharing an Apple ID offers convenience – think shared App Store purchases and iCloud storage – it can also lead to privacy concerns and a lack of personalization.

The Convenience (and Chaos) of Shared Apple IDs

Sharing an Apple ID can be a great way to streamline App Store purchases and access to iCloud storage. You can download apps your friend bought and vice versa, and both devices benefit from the same iCloud storage plan. However, this convenience comes with a cost.

• Sharing Benefits:
  • App Store Purchases: Download apps your friend has purchased, and vice versa.
  • iCloud Storage: Maximize storage space by sharing a single iCloud plan.
  • Family Sharing: Share Apple Music subscriptions, iCloud storage, and App Store purchases with family members (requires a separate Family Sharing setup).
• The Downside of Sharing:
  • Privacy Concerns: Shared data, like photos and messages, can be a privacy minefield.
  • Data Confusion: Duplicated data across devices can be frustrating and confusing.
  • Mixed Messages: Text messages and iMessages could be sent from the wrong device.

When to Unlink: Signs You Need Separate Apple IDs

If you're experiencing any of the following, it's a sign you might need separate Apple IDs:

• Duplicated Data: Seeing photos, notes, and contacts from both devices on each iPhone.
• Mixed Messages and iMessage Confusion: Accidentally sending texts from the wrong phone or receiving messages meant for the other person.
• Desire for Privacy and Personalization: You want control over your data and a personalized experience on your iPhone.

[5 Ways] How to Unlink Two iPhones with the Same Apple ID

Ready to give each iPhone its own identity? Here are 5 ways to unlink two iPhones with the same Apple ID:

Method 1: Unlinking from Settings on One iPhone

1. Open the Settings app on the iPhone you want to unlink.

2. Tap on your Apple ID at the top.

3. Scroll down and select the other iPhone from the list of devices under your Apple ID.

4. Select "Remove from Account" and make sure it's what you wanted.

5. A window asking you to "Remove from Device" or "Keep iCloud Data" will appear.

• Keep iCloud Data: This will retain a copy of your data (photos, notes, etc.) in iCloud, accessible with your Apple ID on other devices.
• Remove from Device: This will erase the data from the unlinked iPhone.

Method 2: Unlinking from iCloud.com

1. Open a web browser, navigate to https://www.icloud.com/, and log in using your shared Apple ID.

2. Click on "Find My iPhone".

3. Choose "All Devices" from the top menu.

4. From the list, select the iPhone that you wish to unlink.

5. Click on "Remove This Device" and confirm by tapping "Remove".

Method 3: Unlinking from the Find My iPhone App

1. Using a different Apple device (iPad, Mac, etc.) that is signed in with your shared Apple ID, launch the Find My iPhone app.

2. Choose the "Devices" tab from the screen's bottom.

3. Choose the iPhone you want to unlink.

4. Scroll down and tap "Remove This Device".

5. Verify your selection by selecting "Remove" and providing your Apple ID password.

Method 4: Unlinking from Apple ID Website

1. Sign in with your shared Apple ID at https://support.apple.com/en-us/105023.

2. In the "Account" section, select "Sign In and Security".

3. Choose the iPhone that you wish to unlink under "Devices".

4. Confirm your selection by clicking "Remove" next to the device.

Method 5: Resetting the Unlinked iPhone (Optional)

This method is optional but can be helpful, especially if you chose "Keep iCloud Data" during Method 1. Resetting the iPhone will erase all data and settings, ensuring a clean slate for the new, separate Apple ID.

1. Make a backup to iCloud first if you wish to save your data (it's advised before moving on).

2. Open the Settings app on the unlinked iPhone.

3. Tap on "General".

4. Scroll down and select "Reset".

5. Select "Erase All Content and Settings".

6. To finish the reset, enter your passcode and adhere to the on-screen directions.

The Aftermath of Unlinking: Setting Up Separate Apple IDs

Now that you've unlinked the iPhones, it's time to set up separate Apple IDs. Here's what you need to do:

• Creating a New Apple ID or Using an Existing One: You can either create a new Apple ID specifically for the unlinked iPhone, or use an existing one you might already have.
• Backing Up Data (Optional, Especially for Method 5): If you chose to reset the unlinked iPhone (Method 5) and want to restore your data, you can do so from an iCloud backup during the setup process.
• Signing In to the Unlinked iPhone with the Separate Apple ID: Once you have a separate Apple ID, sign in with it on the unlinked iPhone during the setup process or through the Settings app.

Conclusion

By unlinking your iPhones, you gain control over your data and create a personalized experience for each device. No more accidental text messages or duplicated photos! You can download apps specific to your needs, manage iCloud storage individually, and enjoy the privacy of having your own Apple ID. Now go forth and conquer the world with your newly independent iPhones!