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Learn how to submit a request to remove or erase an Apple ID account
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If you have an old Apple ID or secondary account you no longer need, you can submit a request to delete it. Keep in mind that this is permanent, so back up all the content and information associated with your account beforehand. You can also temporarily deactivate your account. Here's how to delete an Apple ID or iCloud account on your computer, iPhone, or Android.

Things You Should Know

  • To delete an Apple ID, log into https://privacy.apple.com/ and select "Request to delete your account".
  • You can also select "Request to deactivate your account" to disable your Apple ID temporarily.
  • Before you delete, backup all content, sign out of other devices, and download account-related information you may need later.
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Preparing to Delete

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  1. When you delete your Apple ID, everything associated with your account is permanently deleted. There's no way to recover this information, so be sure you're using the correct account and you have all the necessary backups for your data.[1]
    • Before you delete your Apple ID, make sure you:
      • Backup photos, videos, and other documents on iCloud
      • Backup iMessage, FaceTime, or iCloud Mail contacts added with your Apple ID
      • Download copies of apps, games, music, movies, TV shows, books, and audiobooks
      • Cancel active subscriptions made with your account
      • Pay any remaining balances on Apple Pay Later
      • Sign out of all devices that use your iCloud or Apple ID account
        • If you don't do this, you might be locked out of your device when your Apple ID is deleted
      • Save any other account information you may need in the future
    • Deleting your account is permanent. If you're unsure or if you think you may use it again in the future, consider temporarily deactivating it instead. Follow the same preparations above before you deactivate.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Deleting Your Account

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  1. Go to https://privacy.apple.com/ in a web browser. You can use a desktop or mobile account. Currently, there's no way to delete your account through an Apple device.
  2. Make sure this is the Apple ID you want to delete.
    • You'll be redirected to the Manage your data page. This is also where you can obtain a copy of your data or transfer it to another service.
  3. You may need to scroll down to see this option. This is the small text underneath the Delete your account header.
    • If you want to disable your account temporarily, select Temporarily deactivate your account instead.
  4. You'll need to scroll down and read through Apple's warnings about deleting.
  5. This is the blue button.
  6. You'll need to agree to the Deletion Terms & Conditions.
  7. This is how Apple will update you on the account's deletion process. This could be an email, phone number, or another Apple ID.
  8. You'll need this code again.
  9. You'll need to review the effects one last time.
  10. A final confirmation will appear.
  11. The request to delete your Apple ID will be sent.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Temporarily Deactivating

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  1. Go to https://privacy.apple.com/ in a web browser. You can use a desktop or mobile account. Currently, there's no way to delete your account through an Apple device.
    • When you deactivate your account, it's recommended to prepare your account for deletion as you would if you were deleting it.[2] You won't be able to access these services and content when your account is deactivated.
  2. Make sure this is the Apple ID you want to delete.
    • You'll be redirected to the Manage your data page. This is also where you can obtain a copy of your data or transfer it to another service.
  3. You may need to scroll down to see this option. This is the small text underneath the 'Temporarily deactivate your account header.
  4. You'll need to scroll down and read through Apple's warnings about deleting.
  5. This is the blue button.
  6. You'll need to agree to the Deletion Terms & Conditions.
  7. This is how Apple will update you on the account's deletion process. This could be an email, phone number, or another Apple ID.
  8. You'll need this code again.
  9. You'll need to review the effects one last time.
  10. A final confirmation will appear.
  11. The request to deactivate your Apple ID will be sent.
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Community Q&A

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Add New Question
  • Question
    What can I do if I've forgotten my Apple ID and can't recover my password?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you don't know your Apple ID, and can't recover your Apple ID or password using the iForgot website, you're out of luck. Apple can't verify your identity if you don't have a recovery email address associated with your account. You'll need to start from scratch with a new Apple ID.
  • Question
    Why won't Apple delete my Apple ID?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Permanently deleting your ID is not actually an available option, so it's up to the person you're talking to as to whether or not your account will be deleted. Try to stay polite and ask for your call to be escalated if you absolutely have to have your Apple ID deleted.
  • Question
    I phoned and cancelled my Apple account but now need to erase my details off my Apple iPod touch. How can I do this if it wants my password, which I don't have anymore?
    Iactivate.icloud.remove
    Iactivate.icloud.remove
    Community Answer
    Luckily, there is the iActivate Apple ID removal tool that can fix your problem.
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About This Article

Chiara Corsaro
Co-authored by:
Phone & Computer Repair Technician
This article was co-authored by Chiara Corsaro and by wikiHow staff writer, Rain Kengly. Chiara Corsaro is the General Manager and Apple Certified Mac & iOS Technician for macVolks, Inc., an Apple Authorized Service Provider located in the San Francisco Bay Area. macVolks, Inc. was founded in 1990, is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating, and is part of the Apple Consultants Network (ACN). This article has been viewed 2,440,538 times.
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Co-authors: 32
Updated: February 12, 2024
Views: 2,440,538
Categories: Internet
Article SummaryX

1. Deauthorize iTunes or Music on your Mac and/or Windows computer.
2. Sign out of your Apple ID on your Mac computers and iPhone or iPad devices.
3. Go to https://privacy.apple.com/ in a web browser on your Mac or PC.
4. Sign in to your Apple ID.
5. Scroll down and click Request to delete your account.
6. Select a reason for deletion and click Continue.
7. Read the information and click Continue
8. Click the checkbox to agree to the Deletion Terms and Conditions and click "Continue'.
9. Select a contact method and click Continue.
10. Enter an email address or phone number and click Continue.
11. Retrieve your verification code, enter it and click Continue.
12. Write down or print the access code and click Continue.
13. Enter the access code and click Continue.
14. Click Delete account.
15. Disable iMessage at https://selfsolve.apple.com/deregister-imessage/

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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,440,538 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Anonymous

    Anonymous

    Jul 26, 2016

    "The whole article gives me hope that I can permanently delete my account. I like the step-by-step guide and screen..." more
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