Are you planning to delete your iCloud? Then you should first ask yourself: Do I want to completely delete everything, temporarily disable my Apple account, or just delete some files? In the first two cases, you will need to delete your Apple ID and deactivate your account respectively. We explain how that works.
Why would you delete your Apple ID?
First of all: If you (refurbished) MacBook or iPhone you do not need to remove or deactivate your Apple ID. You can simply unlink the device from your Apple ID. You only remove or deactivate your Apple ID if you want to get rid of your account, for example because you have to hand in your work MacBook or - for reasons completely incomprehensible to us - switch from Apple to other PC, smartphone and tablet brands.
Three options
If you only have files from your iCloud Drive want to delete, then there is no need to delete your entire iCloud. In fact: That is inconvenient, because there is a big chance that you will need your iCloud again later. It is therefore best to only delete the files that you want to get rid of.
The second option is to temporarily deactivate your account. Apple will then no longer collect new data from you, while data already collected will not be consulted. The link between your account and your person will be erased and previous data will be encrypted. This is especially useful if you no longer want to use iCloud now, but may still do so in the future.
The third - most drastic - option is to delete your Apple ID. This will not only delete all data in your iCloud, but also for iMessage, iCloud Mail and FaceTime.
Before you delete or disable iCloud
Apple recommends that you first backup your iCloud before deleting or deactivating your Apple ID. Additionally, it’s a good idea to download any purchases without digital rights management (DRM) that you don’t have copies of, such as iTunes Match songs. Take a close look at your current subscriptions, as they all stop at the end of the billing period (even if you deactivate!). Finally, sign out of all devices to avoid problems with apps that use your Apple ID account.
Deactivate Apple ID (temporarily)
If you deactivate your account, you will receive a code that you must keep safe. Please note: you cannot request this code again! Without this code, you cannot reactivate your account.
Here's how to deactivate your Apple ID account:
- On the Apple Privacy Page log in with your Apple ID
- Click on Temporarily deactivate your account and then on Request deactivation of your account.
Read carefully what Apple says about deactivating your account. Explain the reason for deactivation. Then follow all the steps to complete the deactivation, write down the code and keep it safe.
If you want to reactivate your account, please contact Apple Support .
Delete your Apple ID
We can't stress this enough: deleting your Apple ID account and all related data is permanent and irreversible. Apple can't retrieve your data or reactivate your account. So think twice (or three times) before making this decision!
When you delete your Apple ID, the following happens, among other things:
- Photos, videos, documents, and other files in your iCloud Drive will be erased
- You can no longer receive messages or calls via iMessage, FaceTime, or iCloud Mail
- You can no longer log in to services such as iCloud, App Store, iBook Store, Apple Pay , iTunes Store, Find My iPhone , FaceTime and iMessage
- Your iCloud storage subscription will be canceled.
Here's how to delete your Apple ID account
Removing your iCloud by deleting your Apple ID works as follows:
- Make sure you have followed all the steps above under the heading Before you uninstall or deactivate
- Go to the Apple privacy page and log in with your Apple ID
- Click on Delete your account and then on Request deletion of your account.
Please read Apple's explanation of deleting your account carefully, as it has major consequences. Then follow the steps mentioned to complete the deletion. After this, you have 7 days to reconsider. This prevents hackers and other shady people from unintentionally deleting accounts.
