Can I transfer app data from one Apple ID to a new one?

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Can I transfer app data from one Apple ID to a new one?

Currently, a family member shares my Apple ID account. We use it on both our phones. I would like for him to create his own account for the sake of my privacy. He has very little on his device in terms of music, photos, videos, movies, etc., so he‘s not focused on transferring media-type data. I told him to email his Notes to himself, and write down contacts if necessary. No biggie.

However, he has some games and apps he downloaded to our shared account that he

really doesn‘t want to lose data from (saves, stats, achivements, stuff like that) if he were to create his own account. It seems like Game Center isn‘t really a thing anymore, so we don’t have that to fall back on. None of the games are linkable to any account, save for one, so he wouldn‘t be able to download the apps to a new ID and simply log in them to access saved data. Here‘s what I’m wondering:

-If he creates his own account and starts with a clean slate, will his device have retained the app data and allow him to use the apps like normal when/if he downloads them to his new account?

-If not, is there any possible way to transfer his saved data from my account to a new one for him?

-If transferring the data IS possible, is there a way I can do it safely (and legally!) without jailbreaking either of our devices?

Technology isn‘t really my forte, so forgive me if this is a dumb question. Any and all patience will be much appreciated!

For reference, these are the apps he has data on that he doesn’t want to lose:

Pokémon Quest

Reigns

Sandbox

World of Goo

Tape It Up

Fruit Ninja

Steam

Thanks!

-Emma

Posted on Jul 23, 2018 6:13 PM

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Answer 1

Jul 23, 2018 9:23 PM in response to emmaaustena

There are quite a few things that he can keep on his device when he signs out of the shared Apple/iCloud ID, and unless he erases his device, all purchased media, games, apps, etc. will remain in place. However, if he deletes the apps and re-purchases them (or re-downloads them, if free) using a new Apple ID, then none of the data for that app will be retained, nor can it be transferred.

The apps/games/media that he keeps on the device will still be owned by the original Apple ID, so if an update is needed for the games or apps, he would have to type in the password to the original ID in order to do the update.

You do have the option of creating a new Apple/iCloud ID for him, and have him sign that Apple/iCloud ID into iCloud only (not into iTunes), and then continue to sign into iTunes with the shared ID. It's not ideal, but that would allow you to each have your own separate iCloud accounts and information, but continue to share your iTunes purchases.

When he signs the shared iCloud account out, I would recommend that he follow these steps to retain the iCloud Data that he would want to keep:

In Notes, he can open the iCloud Notes, tap on the Edit button, and select specific notes, then select "Move To", and then tap on the Notes folder under "On My Phone". Or, if he wants all of the Notes, he can tap on Edit, then on "Move All", and move them to the Notes folder under "On My Phone". Once he has signed in his new Apple/iCloud ID, he can move them back into iCloud Notes the same way.

He can choose to "Keep" the Contacts that are on the device when he signs out of the original iCloud account. Then when he signs in the new Apple/iCloud ID, he can "Merge" them into his own iCloud account.

When he signs out of the original iCloud account, he may also have a couple of other options to select from regarding saving iCloud data that can then be transferred to his own iCloud account.

Mail, Messages, FaceTime, and other iCloud-related data (like iCoud Photo Library photos, or Apple Music) would be removed when the original iCloud account is signed out.

Best,

GB

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Answer 2

emmaaustena Author

Level 1

10 points

Jul 23, 2018 9:36 PM in response to gail from maine

Thank you so, so much. You saved me a major headache tonight. Much appreciated.

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Answer 3

Jul 23, 2018 9:50 PM in response to emmaaustena

You are most welcome 🙂

Best of luck!

GB

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Can I transfer app data from one Apple ID to a new one?

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