We regularly receive messages that there are problems with an Apple ID or iCloud account. Photos, contacts or partners receive each other’s messages spontaneously disappear. The cause of this problem is the sharing of an Apple ID.
Many Apple users share an Apple ID or iCloud account with their partner, not only for purchases in the App Store, but also because they like it that both iPhones or Macs have the same contacts. However, this is strongly discouraged because problems will arise in the long run. We explain why and how you can unlink a joint Apple ID.
Sharing an Apple ID or iCloud
At first you would think it would be smart to share an Apple ID. Often this is done by partners, both have their own email address, so why would you create an extra Apple ID or iCloud?
However, this is recommended, because iCloud synchronizes everything with all connected devices. This means that all contacts, notes, reminders, but also settings and possibly music and photos are synchronized. So when your partner deletes a contact, this will also happen on your iPhone. If you receive a text message and continuity is active, your partner will also receive this message. And we can go on like this for a while.
No need to share Apple ID
Since iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite, Apple has introduced Family Sharing, also known as Family Sharing. This makes it possible to easily share things with family members, such as app purchases, iCloud storage and payment details. This makes sharing an Apple ID unnecessary.
The best thing is that each person creates their own iCloud account to synchronize their own devices. This keeps everything with one person, data does not get mixed up and no problems arise. Creating an iCloud account is very simple and can be done with the help of these steps, you will also find extra explanation about iCloud and how it works.
Activate family sharing
With family sharing it is possible to combine multiple iCloud accounts. This allows purchases to be shared, but also iCloud storage and payment details. In addition, shared calendars are also automatically created and from iOS 16 and macOS Ventura you can even share an iCloud photo library. This means that all items in these shared parts can be viewed by the family members.
All information about family sharing and how to activate it can be read extensively here . Unfortunately, it is not possible to share contacts via family sharing, so you will have to share them one by one with your partner or export and import them via iCloud.com via this tip .
iCloud storage sharing
Every iCloud user gets 5 GB of free storage space. If this is not enough, you can purchase additional storage. Since iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra it is possible to share iCloud storage with family members, this means that all family members can use one iCloud storage subscription, how this works exactly you can read here.
App Store account can optionally remain shared
If you do not want to use family sharing, it is still recommended that everyone uses their own iCloud account. However, you can use a joint Apple ID in the App Store, because it is separate from iCloud. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings ▸ your name ▸ Media and purchases ▸ log in with the joint account. From now on, you will use this account for purchases and downloads in the App Store. On a Mac, you can do this via Mac App Store ▸ Menu bar ▸ Store ▸ Log out ▸ Log in with joint Apple ID.
Apple Music Family Plan
For €16.99 per month, the entire family (maximum six people) can use Apple Music. The advantage of this is that each member has their own library and can provide it with their own music. Playlists can be shared via the special sharing function or via Apple Music friends.
You can take out an Apple Music subscription with this link. Please note that a family subscription can only be taken out when family sharing is active.
Apple One for more media
Apple One is a all-in-one subscription that bundles four Apple services. It’s the easiest way to enjoy all your favorite Apple services for one reduced price.
The bundles consist of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade and iCloud and are available in the Netherlands and Belgium in two variants: Individual and Family. With the family bundle, all family members get access to Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade and you can jointly (with a maximum of five other users) use 200 GB iCloud storage for €25.95 per month.
Unlink Apple ID together
Do you still use a joint Apple ID and iCloud? Then we are happy to help you solve this step by step. In this manual we explain how you can disconnect a joint Apple ID and how everyone can use their own iCloud on iPhone or iPad.