Can I delete an Apple ID?

Q: I would like to learn how to delete an Apple ID?

A: It is possible to completely delete an Apple ID. You contact AppleCare or Apple Support and request that your Apple ID be deleted. Once you verify your identity and agree to Apple’s terms, the account is fully removed from their system. When you permanently delete an Apple ID, you won’t be able to create a new one using that same email address again

If you do not want to contact Apple, you can remove your personal information by logging into My Apple ID and abandon the Apple ID that you want to delete and use another account. If you purchased  and downloaded apps or media miles using this old Apple ID, these files remain connected to this Apple ID.

Contents

• 1 Before You Delete an Apple ID
  • 1.1 Remove all your Apple associated devices on your Mac or PC
  • 1.2 Remove your associated devices on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
• 2 More About Your Associated Devices

Before You Delete an Apple ID

Remove all your Apple associated devices on your Mac or PC

1. Open iTunes and sign in with your Apple ID to your Account Information page from your computer


2. From the menu bar at the top of your computer screen or at the top of the iTunes window, choose Account > View My Account


3. Scroll to the iTunes in the Cloud section, then click Manage Devices. This lists all of your devices associated with your Apple ID


4. To remove your associated devices, click Remove to the right of the device that you want to remove. Depending on when you associated your device with your Apple ID, you might need to wait up to 90 days to associate the device with another Apple ID


5. If you can’t click Remove (the button is dimmed), the device that you’re trying to remove is connected to your Apple ID. Sign out of the iTunes Store on that device, then try again to remove it

Be mindful that when you delete an Apple ID, you lose access to all services and purchases that are associated with it, such as your iMessage, iCloud Drive, and Mail accounts.  Also, your app store and iTunes purchases made with that account are lost.

Remove your associated devices on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

You can’t see a list of your associated devices on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. But you can remove an associated iOS device using the device that you want to remove.

1. To Remove Current iDevice


2. Tap Settings > iTunes & App Store


3. Select your Apple ID


4. Tap View Apple ID and enter your password


5. Scroll to the iTunes in the Cloud section, then tap Remove This Device

More About Your Associated Devices

Your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, PC, or Android phone automatically associate with your Apple ID and iTunes when you:

1. Sign in to Apple Music with your Apple ID


2. Download music to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch in the Music app to listen to when you’re offline


3. Turn on iCloud Music Library.


4. Download past purchases made in the iTunes Store, App Store, or iBooks Store


5. Turn on Automatic Downloads for iTunes Store, App Store, or iBooks Store purchases


6. Turn on Family Sharing


7. Subscribe to Apple Music or iTunes Match

When you try to associate another Apple ID with a device that is already Apple ID associated, you receive a message saying”This device is associated with another Apple ID. You cannot associate this device with another Apple ID for [number] days.” Depending on when you associated your device with your Apple ID, you need to wait up to 90 days to associate the device with another Apple ID.

Related:

• Unable to verify Apple ID because activation / verification email is NOT sent / received


• How to change the answers to the security questions for Apple ID?


• My Apple ID has been disabled. How do I restore my Apple ID