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Split 1 Apple ID Into 2

My wife and I have shared an Apple ID for years. It happened initially mostly due to not knowing any better and has, for the most part, worked fine throughout the years. We have gotten to the point where we need to create a separate Apple ID for one of us, but we want to keep access to all of our contacts and don't want to mess up Messages, etc. Is there a way to "split" one Apple ID into two or create an Apple ID and transfer/export/import all data into it? We each have our own MacBook Pros and iPhones and iPads.

Posted on Oct 19, 2019 9:47 AM

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Posted on Oct 19, 2019 5:34 PM

You can't split an Apple ID. You can't transfer all data. To share Messages, the existing conversations will probably be lost on a new ID, but you can both sign into Messages using the same Apple ID. You will need a 3rd party app/application to keep your contacts in sync. For Photos, you can create a shared album using iCloud.


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 to keep access to your apps/purchases. 


Apple ID – Create


Apple ID - create a new


How to transfer all files from one iCloud account to another


 Apple ID email address or password - What to do after you change


Family Sharing


Family Sharing - Set up


Photo Sharing - iCloud

1 reply
Question marked as Best reply

Oct 19, 2019 5:34 PM in response to walkrightin

You can't split an Apple ID. You can't transfer all data. To share Messages, the existing conversations will probably be lost on a new ID, but you can both sign into Messages using the same Apple ID. You will need a 3rd party app/application to keep your contacts in sync. For Photos, you can create a shared album using iCloud.


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 to keep access to your apps/purchases. 


Apple ID – Create


Apple ID - create a new


How to transfer all files from one iCloud account to another


 Apple ID email address or password - What to do after you change


Family Sharing


Family Sharing - Set up


Photo Sharing - iCloud

Split 1 Apple ID Into 2

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