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My husband just got a new iPhone, I used my Apple ID for his phone, now our texts are shared and contacts , etc

Can you share an Apple ID for multiple family members phones?

iPhone XR, iOS 13

Posted on Dec 11, 2019 8:13 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 12, 2019 6:36 AM

You are welcome. Sync the phones to get all data on both phones.


If you are going to create a new ID for him to use on his phone, turn off Optimization on his phone. Since it is a phone, turn off Optimization in Settings/Your Name/iCloud/Photos.


You shouldn't need to do another backup, although it won't hurt anything.


Other than making sure Photos Optimization is off before changing the ID, you do not need to adjust any other iCloud settings.


After making the ID change on his phone, if you are still missing contacts on your phone, got to iCloud.com/Account Settings using a computer browser using your Apple ID. Under Advanced at the bottom left, select Restore Contacts.





3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 12, 2019 6:36 AM in response to edie97

You are welcome. Sync the phones to get all data on both phones.


If you are going to create a new ID for him to use on his phone, turn off Optimization on his phone. Since it is a phone, turn off Optimization in Settings/Your Name/iCloud/Photos.


You shouldn't need to do another backup, although it won't hurt anything.


Other than making sure Photos Optimization is off before changing the ID, you do not need to adjust any other iCloud settings.


After making the ID change on his phone, if you are still missing contacts on your phone, got to iCloud.com/Account Settings using a computer browser using your Apple ID. Under Advanced at the bottom left, select Restore Contacts.





Dec 11, 2019 8:46 PM in response to edie97

You can if you don't mind seeing what you are seeing. Apple IDs aren't meant to be shared. I suggest you create a new ID for his phone to keep your data separate. 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. Also set up Family Sharing to keep access to your apps/purchases. 


Apple ID - create a new


Apple ID – Create


How to transfer all files from one iCloud account to another


 Apple ID email address or password - What to do after you change


Family Sharing


Family Sharing - Set up

Dec 12, 2019 6:01 AM in response to Eric Root

So to be sure I understand, sync both phones before doing anything, turn off Optimization on which phone, mine or his? I had a back up on iTunes of my old phone with contacts etc, plus I use iCloud so he had all my contacts, and data on his phone, while I was getting my phone number ported to my newer phone he was deleting contacts of mine he didn’t want. So when I called support and tried to start over by using my current backup for my phone it didn’t work . I think because I tried to plug into iTunes with the new phones and somehow it backed up the new ones that fast idk. So to be clear, on his phone that I want to create a new Apple ID for, turn off Optimization/and you said your name( his phone has my name and number listed and email etc) iCloud/photos in photos settings and iCloud. But first make new back ups, and do I do anything on iCloud settings wise? What a mess....Thank you

My husband just got a new iPhone, I used my Apple ID for his phone, now our texts are shared and contacts , etc

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