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How do I split my current Apple ID into two accounts?

I use my current Apple ID (which is NOT an iCloud email address if that matters) for everything - media, purchases, iMessage, iCloud, Family Sharing, etc. How do I keep my current Apple ID and ONLY use it for Media, Purchases and Family Sharing - the stuff I want to share with my family - and switch all my iCloud personal stuff over to a different Apple ID? I want my kids and family to have access to everything we've purchased over the years in the App Store, iTune and Apple TV, but I don't want them to have access to everything in my personal iCloud - Mail, iMessage, Photos, Notes, etc.

OR...should I keep my Apple ID and just change my password and they can access everything purchased through Family Share?? This is so confusing. Thank you!

Posted on Feb 2, 2021 9:57 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 2, 2021 10:24 AM

Why do you want to create a new Apple ID?


With Family sharing, other family members only have access to what you share. There is no access to your iCloud content, mail, messages, photos (except shared ones) etc...


If they are having access to everything, then you are using Family sharing wrong.


Each member of the Family Sharing group must have their own Apple ID logged in to their own devices. If you have your Apple ID logged in to all devices, then that's a mistake.


FamilySharing works across different Apple IDs. There is no reason to use your own on all devices. In fact if you have it logged in to all devices, then you are entirely defeating the purpose of Family sharing. Other members of the Family Group can access iTunes and App Store purchases over Family sharing just fine.


See Family Sharing: link-> Set up Family Sharing - Apple Support

and here link-> Share App Store, iTunes Store, and Apple Books purchases with Family Sharing - Apple Support


I would suggest you get Family Sharing set up correctly. It will be the best and easiest choice in the long run.




6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 2, 2021 10:24 AM in response to AppleQs4U

Why do you want to create a new Apple ID?


With Family sharing, other family members only have access to what you share. There is no access to your iCloud content, mail, messages, photos (except shared ones) etc...


If they are having access to everything, then you are using Family sharing wrong.


Each member of the Family Sharing group must have their own Apple ID logged in to their own devices. If you have your Apple ID logged in to all devices, then that's a mistake.


FamilySharing works across different Apple IDs. There is no reason to use your own on all devices. In fact if you have it logged in to all devices, then you are entirely defeating the purpose of Family sharing. Other members of the Family Group can access iTunes and App Store purchases over Family sharing just fine.


See Family Sharing: link-> Set up Family Sharing - Apple Support

and here link-> Share App Store, iTunes Store, and Apple Books purchases with Family Sharing - Apple Support


I would suggest you get Family Sharing set up correctly. It will be the best and easiest choice in the long run.




Feb 2, 2021 10:11 AM in response to AppleQs4U

You can't split an Apple ID. You would have to create a new Apple ID.


Apple ID - create a new.      


Apple ID – Create         


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. 


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.     

Feb 2, 2021 10:19 AM in response to Eric Root

Could I keep my Apple ID and just change my password? Can they access everything we have purchased through Family Share?? This is so confusing. I have 3 kids and they have always used my Apple ID to sign into the App Store and iTunes on ALL of their devices - iPhones, iPads, Macs. Will they lose access to stuff if they use their own Apple IDs for the App Store and iTunes? We do have Family Share set up - but I think we only use it for iCloud Storage. Thanks for your help!

Feb 2, 2021 10:29 AM in response to Phil0124

Yes, I think that is the problem. I am using it wrong. They use their own Apple ID for iCloud and my Apple ID to sign into the App Store and iTunes. So if they use their own Apple IDs for App Store and iTunes, and I change my password, we should be good? We started doing all this the wrong way a long time ago before Family Share existed.

How do I split my current Apple ID into two accounts?

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