Multiple Accounts Logging into iPad

I've read conflicting information on this forum from alleged experts... so I'm hoping to find an official description of the Apple account management policy.


I have an iPad I've used extensively for years with lots of apps and content stored under my user account (lets call it acct1). I want to be able to log into my iPad with a different Apple account (acct2).


If I log into my iPad with acct2 for a few days and then want to log back in using acct1, will all of my acct1 apps and content be retained on the device (I've read that all of acct1's content will be removed from the device when acct2 logs in)? Is there any restriction on how often I can switch between acct1 and acct2 (I've read that there is a 90 day limit between account switches)?


If this is possible to do without any loss of applications or content... and without an imposed period of time between account switches, is it as simple as logging out of the device and logging back in with another valid account?

Posted on Apr 1, 2024 4:53 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 2, 2024 5:03 AM

Outside of Educational and Enterprise establishments, iPad and iPhone are principally intended to be a single-user device - and are not intended to shared in the same manner as you may be accustomed when using a Windows PC or Mac computer which has multiple user profiles/accounts.


For managed environments, where multi-user usage is possible, the Deployment Guide provides appropriate guidance.

Shared iPad overview – Apple Support


For unmanaged environments, be aware that if you sign-out of iCloud and other Apple services - and sign-in with a different AppleID - you’ll not be able to change back for 90-days. So as to prevent account abuse, some critical Apple services will only allow one change of signed-in AppleID (on a device) in a 90-day period.


Be aware that for iPad and iPhone, signing-out of iCloud does not necessarily clear all locally stored data. Unless you are very careful when signing-out, you stand a very real risk of having your personal and/or sensitive data (such as your Calendar, Contacts and Keychain (Passwords) being merged with the AppleID/iCloud data next used to sign-in.


To completely sanitise an iPad or iPhone of all data, it is necessary to fully reset the iPad - which for most is too great a burden for simple user-switching.


Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content & Settings


Also see:

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


In conclusion, unless you fully understand and accept the implications, you would be well advised to reconsider any attempt to routinely attempt use with multiple AppleID accounts - or sharing your iPad with another user.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 2, 2024 5:03 AM in response to rainy_daze

Outside of Educational and Enterprise establishments, iPad and iPhone are principally intended to be a single-user device - and are not intended to shared in the same manner as you may be accustomed when using a Windows PC or Mac computer which has multiple user profiles/accounts.


For managed environments, where multi-user usage is possible, the Deployment Guide provides appropriate guidance.

Shared iPad overview – Apple Support


For unmanaged environments, be aware that if you sign-out of iCloud and other Apple services - and sign-in with a different AppleID - you’ll not be able to change back for 90-days. So as to prevent account abuse, some critical Apple services will only allow one change of signed-in AppleID (on a device) in a 90-day period.


Be aware that for iPad and iPhone, signing-out of iCloud does not necessarily clear all locally stored data. Unless you are very careful when signing-out, you stand a very real risk of having your personal and/or sensitive data (such as your Calendar, Contacts and Keychain (Passwords) being merged with the AppleID/iCloud data next used to sign-in.


To completely sanitise an iPad or iPhone of all data, it is necessary to fully reset the iPad - which for most is too great a burden for simple user-switching.


Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content & Settings


Also see:

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


In conclusion, unless you fully understand and accept the implications, you would be well advised to reconsider any attempt to routinely attempt use with multiple AppleID accounts - or sharing your iPad with another user.

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Multiple Accounts Logging into iPad

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