How to Remove Your iCloud Account and Apple ID from a Transferred Computer
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When you sell or give away your Mac, it’s crucial to remove your iCloud account and Apple ID to protect your privacy. Even after you think you’ve wiped everything clean, there may still be traces of your identity left behind. In this guide, we’ll show you how to thoroughly remove your iCloud account and Apple ID from a transferred computer to ensure your data remains secure
Watch this: How to Remove your iCloud Account and Apple ID From Mac, MacBook Pro/Air – M1 in 3 Easy Ways [2023]
Step 1: Erase and Reinstall macOS
- If you haven’t already used Migration Assistant or another method to copy all your files to a new machine, make a complete backup of your Mac.
- Follow Apple’s instructions for erasing the startup drive.
- Proceed with Apple’s steps for installing macOS.
- After the installation is complete, avoid entering your Apple ID during the setup process.
Step 2: Create a New User and Erase the Old One
- If reinstalling macOS is not practical, you can create a new user account and then delete your old one(s). This will typically sever all Apple ID connections. Remember to back up your system before proceeding.
- Open the Users & Groups preference pane.
- Click the lock at the lower-left corner and enter the password (the account must have admin privileges).
- Click the “+” button to create a new user account with a name and password for the new user.
- Check “Allow User to Administer This Computer” for the new user.
- Enable the “Show fast user switch menu” option in Login Options.
- If you’re using FileVault, follow additional steps in the Security & Privacy preference pane to add the new user.
- Log in with the newly created user account.
- Return to your previous user account via the fast-switching menu and choose “ > Log Out [account name].”
- Log back into the new account and delete your old user account from the Users & Groups preference pane.
- Restart and log in with the new account to check for any prompts related to the old Apple ID.
Step 3: Log Out of Everything in macOS
To ensure your Apple ID is completely disconnected, sign out of every app, including iCloud, in macOS. Follow these steps for each app:
- iCloud: In macOS Catalina, open the Apple ID preference pane and click “Sign Out.” For macOS Mojave and earlier, open the iCloud preference pane and sign out.
- Photos: Open Photos, go to Preferences, and uncheck “iCloud Photos.”
- Messages: Open Messages, go to Preferences, click “iMessage,” and then click “Sign Out.”
- FaceTime: Open FaceTime, go to Preferences, click “Settings,” and then click “Sign Out.”
- App Store: Open the App Store, go to “Store,” and click “Sign Out.”
- Books: Open the Books app, go to “Store,” and click “Sign Out.”
- Internet Accounts: Open the Internet Accounts preference pane, select any secondary iCloud accounts, and remove them.
- Mail: In Mail, go to Preferences, click “Accounts,” select iCloud, and click the “-” button to remove it.
- iTunes/Music: In macOS Mojave and earlier, open iTunes and choose “Account > Sign Out.” In macOS Catalina, open the Music app and choose “Account > Sign Out.”
- TV App: In macOS Catalina, open the TV app and choose “Account > Sign Out.”
After signing out of these apps, check for locally stored documents that you may want to delete. This includes files in folders like Documents, Downloads, Music, and Pictures.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your iCloud account and Apple ID are completely removed from your transferred computer, protecting your privacy and data.
Note: Always back up your data before making any changes to your computer.
Also read: How to Delete Your iCloud Account: A Step-by-Step Guide
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Why should I remove my iCloud account and Apple ID from a transferred computer?
A1: Removing your iCloud account and Apple ID ensures the privacy and security of your data when you sell or give away your Mac. It prevents the new user from accessing your personal information.
Q2: Can I simply log out of my iCloud account to remove it from the computer?
A2: Logging out is a good step, but residual traces may still exist. It’s recommended to perform a complete wipe and follow specific steps to avoid prompts for your Apple ID.
Q3: How do I erase and reinstall macOS on my Mac?
A3: You can erase and reinstall macOS by following Apple’s instructions. It involves erasing the startup drive and then reinstalling macOS from scratch.
Q4: Is there a way to transfer some files to the new user without sharing my Apple ID?
A4: Yes, you can use Time Machine or create a clone of the drive to transfer files without sharing your Apple ID. Only transfer files that don’t require your Apple ID for access.
Q5: What if I can’t erase and reinstall macOS on my Mac?
A5: If erasing and reinstalling is not practical, you can create a new user account and then delete your old one. This can also help sever Apple ID connections.