How do I start a new iCloud account in Retirement

Question

Level 1

5 points

How do I start a new iCloud account in Retirement

Hi, world.

I am retiring and want to start my Apple experience from scratch.

I have an iCloud account (at least I think I only have one) which I have been using for many years - using a Hotmail account.

I also use Apple TV - I think that's about it?

My plan is to upgrade my iPhone and my 27" iMac to a Mac Mini or some such new desktop.

Keep my Macbook Pro and iPad pro - scrub them back to factory and delete everything.

I don't have any documents or other such admin I need to keep. I will save any images I want to a separate external hard drive.

I'd like to start over and use the iCloud suite of apps and have all of my devices synced. Ideally, I would like to keep my Hotmail as the main Apple account email if possible, but happy to change that if necessary (easier).

I use Photoshop, Lightroom, Premier Pro, and other 3rd party software for photography/video editing.

I am not computer illiterate, however, I would only classify myself as an intermediate user.

If you have been down this road and discovered all of the potholes to avoid and a relatively easy way to accomplish this, I would appreciate your positive input.

Thanks in advance.

Posted on Mar 5, 2023 9:31 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Mar 6, 2023 4:16 AM in response to chrisyouhot

The one snag I can see if Apple won't let you re-use an email address previously used as an Apple ID for another account.

Since you are prepared to leave behind everything to do with the old account, most of the issues encountered with using a different ID are not concerns here.

Note that you will very likely need to enter the old ID information in order to sign out and reset the hardware you own. Here's a few articles about making you hardware as if new:

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac - Apple Support

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Reply

Answer 2

chrisyouhot Author

Level 1

5 points

Mar 6, 2023 4:04 PM in response to Limnos

Thanks, Limnos.

I'll read through the articles in the links and take note of anything relevant to my situation.

Whilst I won't be selling or giving away my hardware, I'm sure there is information in these articles that apply nonetheless. That is, in how to reset everything to factory so nothing from the earlier set up remains to cause any issues in the new setup.

Appreciate you taking the time to respond and add information to my journey.

Best wishes.

Reply