Accidentally merged iCloud accounts? Quick Fix!

Preface

These days, with everything being connected and lives being shared digitally, it's normal to have combined iCloud accounts. Maybe you used your personal Apple ID by mistake when configuring a new device for a family member. Maybe in a fit of tech-fueled optimism, you combined your accounts with your significant other, only to find yourself parting ways later. For whatever reason, dividing up iCloud accounts following a merger can seem like a big undertaking. But do not be alarmed, fellow Mac users! With the help of this article, you will be able to unravel the merger and take back command of your online space.

Understanding Merged iCloud Accounts

Your iCloud account serves as the nexus for everything Apple. It keeps backups, contacts, documents, images, and more. All of that data is essentially combined into a single, central location when iCloud accounts are merged. Sharing storage space, making App Store purchases, and even using Family Sharing features can be made easier with this. If you ever decide to divide your digital life apart, though, it might potentially result in a complicated disaster. Before diving headfirst into separating iCloud accounts, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons.

Benefits of Separation:

• Privacy and Control: Regain complete control over your personal data, including photos, documents, and contacts.
• Security: Mitigate potential security risks associated with shared accounts.
• Individual Management: Manage your iCloud storage, App Store purchases, and subscriptions independently.

Drawbacks of Separation:

• Loss of Shared Storage: If you were relying on a combined storage plan, separating accounts might require upgrading individual plans.
• Separate App Store Purchases: You won't have access to apps and games purchased under the merged account unless you redownload them individually.
• Disruption of Family Sharing: If you were using Family Sharing features like location sharing or Apple Arcade subscriptions, these will need to be re-established for each separate account.

Evaluate the Need for a New Apple ID

Sometimes all you need to do is just keep your iCloud accounts apart. But, setting up a totally different iCloud account with a new Apple ID might be a preferable choice if you're worried about regaining total control over your data or have security concerns. This is particularly true if the person whose account was merged is someone you no longer trust or are close to.

Now that you've weighed the pros and cons, let's get down to business! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to separate merged iCloud accounts:

On iPhone or iPad:

Step 1: Open the Settings app and tap on your name at the top.

Step 2: Select "iCloud."

Step 3: Scroll down and tap "Sign Out."

Step 4: Choose "Keep My iCloud Data" if you don't want to delete your iCloud data from this device. (This might be useful if you plan to transfer the data to a new account later.)

Step 5: Enter your Apple ID password to confirm.

On Mac:

Step 1: Open System Preferences.

Step 2: Click on "Apple ID."

Step 3: Select "Overview."

Step 4: Click on "Sign Out."

Step 5: Choose "Keep a Copy" if you don't want to delete your iCloud data from this device.

Step 6: Enter your Apple ID password to confirm.

Transfer Data to a New Account

You may want to move some of your material, such as papers and images, to a new iCloud account after splitting accounts. These are a few choices:

• iCloud Backup: You can transfer this data to a new device linked to your new iCloud account if you opted to "Keep My iCloud Data" while signing out. Any data that is already on the new device will be overwritten as a result.
• Manual Transfer: Papers, photos, and other data can be manually transmitted via a computer. Simply connect your device to your computer, use File Explorer on a Windows computer or Finder on a Mac, and move the files to the appropriate location on your computer to examine the data. Next, use a different device to enter into your new iCloud account and move the files to the newly assigned iCloud storage.

Manage App Store Purchases

Unfortunately, there's no built-in way to directly transfer App Store purchases between iCloud accounts. However, you have a couple of options:

• Redownload Purchases: You can redownload the apps for free on any device linked to the original Apple ID if you can recall the one used to buy them. The "Purchased" tab in the App Store is where you may accomplish this.
• Request Refunds: You can ask Apple for a refund if you no longer desire the apps or if you don't have access to the original Apple ID. But bear in mind that approvals are not assured, and Apple has particular refund rules.

Bonus Tip: How to Transfer iCloud to Another Cloud

 Merging iCloud accounts can simplify your digital life, but separating them again can be a daunting task if you change your mind. Whether it's due to privacy concerns or the need to manage different data streams, knowing how to effectively separate merged iCloud accounts is essential. During this process, you might find that managing your files can become complicated. This is where MultCloud can help.

By using MultCloud, you can easily transfer files between your iCloud accounts and organize your data across multiple cloud services. This ensures that your information remains organized and accessible, even as you navigate the separation process. Let’s explore how to separate iCloud accounts after merging and how MultCloud can streamline your cloud management experience.