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Separating Apple IDs

My wife and I are on the same apple id. Every time we have to sign back in our text messages become viewable by both parties. I want to separate the phone number accounts. Please advise how to do this. Tks

Posted on Sep 11, 2020 1:09 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 11, 2020 1:10 PM

Create a new Apple ID for one of you.


Apple ID - create a new.      


Apple ID – Create         


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.      


Family Sharing.         


Family Sharing - Set up.        

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 11, 2020 1:10 PM in response to Navyman2009

Create a new Apple ID for one of you.


Apple ID - create a new.      


Apple ID – Create         


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.      


Family Sharing.         


Family Sharing - Set up.        

Separating Apple IDs

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