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User profile for user: GreenShark404
GreenShark404 Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Multiple vs single Apple ID among laptops and mobiles

I have 2 apple devices one phone and one MacBook laptop. I am switching to newer model of MacBook which I will use as my main computer. I wanted to leave the old model as my side laptop. Because of this it would be nice if they could share data between each other. Also I am planning to switch to newer iPhone model in the near future.

I used to pair one Apple ID to my Laptop and the another Apple ID to my iPhone device. The only Apple service which is shared using Apple ID on both devices is AppStore - ID from my laptop which holds a couple of subscriptions and purchases. Find my iPhone and find my Mac services are switched on using both IDs for both devices.

Now the question is what Apple ID set up do You recommend as optimal choice for me? Is it better to log into the new laptop with ID used on my older notebook? Also is it better to switch the same way with Apple ID used already on mobile device? Or is it recommended to hook up all devices to one Apple ID? What You think?

MacBook

Posted on Jul 9, 2022 10:31 AM

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User profile for user: Eric Root
Eric Root
User level: Level 10
684,573 points

Posted on Jul 9, 2022 1:37 PM

What you choose to do depends on whether or not you want to share data and purchases between your computers and phone(s). If you want to share data and purchases, use one Apple ID everywhere. If you want the data and purchases separate, use two or more Apple IDs.


If you want to share data and purchases,  I suggest you pick the ID that has the most data and purchases associated with it, and use that one for your Apple ID. You can try setting up Family Sharing between the IDs if you want to be able to share purchases made with the IDs.


Family Sharing.         


Family Sharing - Set up.       


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.


 How to switch Apple IDs on your iPhone or iPad.      


 What to do after you change your Apple ID or password - Apple Support.    


How to transfer all files from one iCloud account to another.    

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User profile for user: Eric Root
Eric Root
User level: Level 10
684,573 points

Jul 9, 2022 1:37 PM in response to GreenShark404

What you choose to do depends on whether or not you want to share data and purchases between your computers and phone(s). If you want to share data and purchases, use one Apple ID everywhere. If you want the data and purchases separate, use two or more Apple IDs.


If you want to share data and purchases,  I suggest you pick the ID that has the most data and purchases associated with it, and use that one for your Apple ID. You can try setting up Family Sharing between the IDs if you want to be able to share purchases made with the IDs.


Family Sharing.         


Family Sharing - Set up.       


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.


 How to switch Apple IDs on your iPhone or iPad.      


 What to do after you change your Apple ID or password - Apple Support.    


How to transfer all files from one iCloud account to another.    

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Multiple vs single Apple ID among laptops and mobiles

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