Back up important data, open System Settings and select the Apple Account, sign out, carefully choose which iCloud data remains on the Mac, then sign in...
Choose Apple menu > System Settings and select the account name at the top of the sidebar.
3
Sign out carefully
Scroll down, choose Sign Out, and review each prompt about keeping a copy of iCloud data on the Mac.
4
Sign in to the other account
Return to System Settings, choose Sign in, and authenticate with the intended Apple Account.
5
Review services
Confirm iCloud Drive, Photos, Messages, Find My and App Store settings match the new account.
6
Check that the change worked
The intended account signs in, trusted-device verification completes, and selected iCloud services synchronize without duplicate or missing local data.
7
Troubleshoot changing the Apple Account on a Mac
If activation lock, Screen Time, management, unsynced data, or unavailable two-factor access prevents a safe account change, stop broad resets and return to the last known state. Capture the exact error, versions, device or account scope, and failed step before using the linked official support channel.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
Do not sign out until iCloud syncing finishes and you have recovery access for both accounts.
Signing out does not merge Apple Accounts or transfer purchases between them.
ⓘ Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: macOS.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.
