Have you accidentally used or signed into an Apple ID on a Mac that isn't yours, or perhaps a Mac that you don't want iCloud access to? If so, you may want to remove that Apple ID and iCloud account from that Mac. Likewise, you may want to remove an Apple ID from a Mac if you wishchange of Apple IDused on that computer for any reason.
This article shows you how to delete an Apple ID and iCloud account from a Mac.
Warning:Please note that removing an Apple ID and iCloud account from a Mac may have unintended consequences including loss of data, loss of contacts sync, loss of notes sync, inability to use apps that have been purchased or downloaded with a different Apple ID, an inability to use apps purchased or downloaded with a different Apple ID. to access music purchased with a different Apple ID, and more – if you sign out of the Apple ID associated with all these devices, none of this data will be available on the Mac unless that Apple ID is re-signed used. Therefore, you should not accidentally delete an Apple ID or iCloud account from a Mac.
How to Remove Apple ID/iCloud Account from Mac OS
It's a good idea to backup a Mac before changing important system settings like this. Skipping a backup can lead to accidental data loss. How to remove an Apple ID from a Mac depends on the version of the system software you are using, so use the appropriate instructions
How to delete Apple ID/iCloud account from MacOS Catalina and later
- Go to the Apple menu in the top left corner, then select 'System Preferences'
- Select “Apple ID” and then click “Summary”
- Click Sign Out in the bottom left corner and confirm that you want to sign out of iCloud on Mac
How to Delete Apple ID/iCloud Account in MacOS Mojave and Earlier
- Go to the Apple menu in the top left corner, then select 'System Preferences'
- Select "iCloud" in the settings in the preference pane
- Select “Sign Out” from the iCloud preference pane
- Optional, but recommended for most users, select all possible options and choose “Keep a copy” of iCloud data on local Mac*
* If you want to delete iCloud data as well as an Apple ID and iCloud account from a Mac, you may not want to select "Keep a Copy," but that's ultimately your choice. Please note that failure to do so may result in permanent data loss.
Once you're signed out of your Apple ID/iCloud account, no iCloud features, files, or other Apple ID-related data will be available on the Mac (unless you're then signed in to a different Apple ID of course).
Remove the Mac Association from the Apple ID/iCloud account
For some Mac users, an additional next step may be desirable if they plan to never use that Mac again, or if they are transferring it to a new owner with a different Apple ID, and that is toremove the device from the iCloud accountIn this case, you will want to remove the Mac from its associated Apple ID/iCloud account. The easiest way to do this is from an iPhone or iPad with the same Apple ID:
- Open Settings and then tap your name to access iCloud information
- Select Devices, then find the Mac whose Apple ID you just removed
- Scroll down and select “Remove from Account” to completely remove that Mac from its associated Apple ID/iCloud account
This is a good step if you're selling or transferring ownership of a Mac to someone else, because you don't want the older computer to still show up on your Apple ID and iCloud account if it no longer belongs to you.
Please note that manually removing an Apple ID from Mac is not necessary if that is all you want to dowipe and reset a Mac to factory settings, perhaps to sell it or give it to someone else, as that reset process will also delete all Apple ID accounts from the computer. But you'll probably want to remove the computer from the Apple ID account as instructed.
While the vast majority of Mac users should use an Apple ID on their Mac, since an Apple ID essentially serves as a gateway to the entire Apple online ecosystem, including iCloud, iTunes, and the App Store, some Mac users may want to also a Mac that also has no iCloud functionality or Apple ID related data, perhaps because it is a public workstation or other community device. That would be another situation where removing an Apple ID from a computer could make sense, but beyond that, it shouldn't be taken lightly. It's also worth pointing out that if you want to remove an Apple ID from a computer because it is out of date or your email address has changed, youchange the email address associated with the Apple IDand then use it to log in.
An Apple ID is a really important part of using a Mac or iOS device in the Apple ecosystem and gives full access to every iCloud environment, the App Store, iTunes, iCloud files, photos, contacts, notes and much more. With that in mind, you'll want your own unique Apple ID for your own personal use, as it's not intended to be shared (even with family, each family member, partner, spouse, etc. should have their own unique Apple ID). If you have been in the situation where you have previously shared an Apple ID with a spouse or child, then it is reasonable to backup the computer/devices, create a new Apple ID for the other person(o). Create and then sign one(s) from the shared Apple ID and then back to a unique Apple ID for each person. Remember that removing an Apple ID from a Mac can potentially delete files, contacts, notes, and other data that you may not intend to delete. So back up that data and keep a copy of it if you touch it.
Do you have any questions, comments, experiences, or thoughts about removing or deleting an Apple ID from a Mac? Share it in the comments below!
