Mac OS · macOS
Change the Apple Account used on a Mac
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
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 with the other Apple Account and review sync settings.
Back up important data
Confirm iCloud has finished syncing and keep a separate backup of files that must not be lost.
Open Apple Account settings
Choose Apple menu > System Settings and select the account name at the top of the sidebar.
Sign out carefully
Scroll down, choose Sign Out, and review each prompt about keeping a copy of iCloud data on the Mac.
Sign in to the other account
Return to System Settings, choose Sign in, and authenticate with the intended Apple Account.
Review services
Confirm iCloud Drive, Photos, Messages, Find My and App Store settings match the new account.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- Changing the macOS user account is different from changing the Apple Account.
- Activation Lock and Find My may require the previous account password.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: macOS.
Apple now calls Apple ID an Apple Account. Signing out can remove synced data from the Mac while leaving it in iCloud.