How to Delete Apple ID (2024 Guide)
YourApple IDis a one-in-all login for everything Apple. While it’s essential for using an Apple device and Apple services, there can be instances when you want to delete your Apple ID permanently. For example, you might have set up multiple Apple IDs and now wish to keep only one and delete the rest. Also, you might be leaving the Apple ecosystem and want to delete your digital footprint. Regardless of the reason, Apple lets you delete your iCloud account without any fuss. I know you must be having a lot of questions like what happens to my data,iCloud photos, app purchases, and more. But you need not worry as we’re here to answer all of them and sort out all the basics. Without any ado, let’s begin with our guide on how to delete an Apple account if you no longer need it.
What happens When You Delete an Apple ID Account?
Before we talk about the steps to delete an Apple ID, you should know what happens when you do it. After all, deleting your Apple account has far-reaching effects which you should not take casually. When you delete your iCloud account, you’ll lose access to saved data and several services. Let’s have a look at the changes that happen after the deletion.
Things To Do Before You Delete Your Apple ID
For a seamless deletion process and to avoid the loss of any personal data, Apple recommends performing a few actions before you permanently delete your Apple iCloud account. Let’s check them out:
How to Delete Apple ID Account
Once you’ve understood the after-effects and decide to delete your Apple ID account, you’ll have to go along several steps to request Apple to delete your account permanently. Here’s what you need to do:
It’s worth mentioning thatApple account deletion isn’t an instant process. Rather, it’s a request to Apple to delete your account and related data. Apple has a standard process where it will verify the account deletion request, andit may take up to 7 days to delete your Apple ID.
During this verification period, your Apple ID will still be active andyou have a chance to reactivate your account. All you have to do is contact Apple Support and provide the access code. Once Apple verifies your request, it will delete your Apple ID permanently and there will be no way to get it back.
How to Deactivate an Apple ID
Deleting your Apple ID is a permanent action, and it can’t be reverted. If you aren’t activelyusing your Apple accountbut may need it in future, you can go for temporary deactivation instead of deletion. When deactivated, your Apple ID is temporarily suspended, so you can’t sign in or access your account or any Apple services, including iCloud, FaceTime, App Store, Apple Pay, or more. That said, Apple keeps your account and all the data on its servers. Here’s how to deactivate your Apple ID account:
Reactivate Apple ID Account
As long as you have the unique access code, it’s easy to reactivate or recover your Apple ID. All you have to do is contact Apple Support and give them the access code. After that, the team will help you reactivate your account. Unfortunately,if you lose the access code, there’s no way to get your Apple ID back. So, be very sure to save the code somewhere.Take a screenshot, save it to your files, or mail it to yourself; whatever suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between deleting and deactivating Apple ID account?
Deactivating your Apple ID is a temporary action which can be reversed while deleting it is a permanent action which can’t be undone. When you deactivate your Apple ID, you can’t access your account, saved data, and Apple services, but all the data is saved on Apple’s servers. On the flip side, when you delete your Apple ID, you completely lose access to your account and everything is erased permanently.
- How do I permanently delete my Apple ID?
Visit Apple’s Data and Privacy website, sign in to your Apple ID account, click onRequest to delete your account,select the reason for deletion, and follow on-screen instructions. Once Apple verifies your request (which may take up to 7 days), it will permanently delete your Apple ID.
- Can I change my Apple ID without deleting my existing account?
Yes, you can easily change your Apple ID without deleting your existing Apple ID. That said, you cannot use multiple IDs at a time. You’ll have to sign out from the existing account and sign in with the new account to switch your Apple IDs. For detailed steps, head to our guide onhow to change your Apple ID.
That’s how you can delete your Apple ID. Take some time, think about it, and ask yourself if you really want to do this. If yes, make sure to perform all the mandatory actions so you don’t lose your important data. In case you aren’t sure, you can deactivate your Apple ID account, save the access code, and reactivate your account whenever you want to. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments section below.
Kanika Gogia
Kanika has been a loyal iPhone user since 2014 and loves everything Apple. With a Master’s in Computer Applications, passion for technology, and over five years of experience in writing, she landed at Beebom as an Apple Ecosystem Writer. She specializes in writing How To’s, troubleshooting guides, App features, and roundups for Apple users to help them make the best use of their gadgets. When not writing, she loves to try out new recipes and enjoy some family time.
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