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I share an Apple ID with my family. I would like my text to be on my Mac, but I don't want to see their text messages, especially my parents'. How do I get it, so that I am only receiving my messages through my Mac Book?

I share an Apple ID with my family. I would like my text to be on my Mac, but I don't want to see their text messages, especially my parents'. How do I get it, so that I am only receiving my messages through my Mac Book without paying extra for a new Apple ID and changing everything on my phone?

MacBook Pro (2020 and later)

Posted on Jun 13, 2021 4:03 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 13, 2021 4:24 PM

You cannot as long as you all share that one AppleID. When you share an AppleID you all are logging into the same single account for all Apple services - iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime etc. Apple’s online systems have no way of knowing who is logging in as it only knows the AppleID being used. There is no separation of data or privacy when you share an AppleID. Everybody sees everything and has equal access to all the account data.


You all really need your own AppleIDs and then use family sharing for purchases.


Set up Family Sharing - Apple Support

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 13, 2021 4:24 PM in response to SammyAndy

You cannot as long as you all share that one AppleID. When you share an AppleID you all are logging into the same single account for all Apple services - iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime etc. Apple’s online systems have no way of knowing who is logging in as it only knows the AppleID being used. There is no separation of data or privacy when you share an AppleID. Everybody sees everything and has equal access to all the account data.


You all really need your own AppleIDs and then use family sharing for purchases.


Set up Family Sharing - Apple Support

Jun 13, 2021 5:22 PM in response to SammyAndy

A new ID doesn't cost anything.


When changing to the new ID, 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. If possible, 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.      

I share an Apple ID with my family. I would like my text to be on my Mac, but I don't want to see their text messages, especially my parents'. How do I get it, so that I am only receiving my messages through my Mac Book?

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