Delete Apple ID - remove account made easy

If you want to delete your Apple ID, you can now look forward to a simpler procedure than before. Because the boys and girls in Cupertino have, probably in the course of adjustments regarding the EU DSGVO, the removal of the user account and the associated data is simplified. Without giving a reason, you have the option, for example, via the privacy page remove your Apple ID account. There are also official instructions from Apple Support, in Document HT208504. You can find summarized information and a quick guide in this little guide.

Delete the Apple ID and thereby remove the iCloud account - here you can find out how to do this and what you eliminate in addition to the user account!

Delete Apple ID - Instructions for removing the account

To request the deletion of the Apple ID or the corresponding account, there are a few easy steps to take. To do this, you first need your access data and a balanced credit account (if you have used the store services). According to Apple, you then proceed as follows:

• AppleID.apple.com register (with email address and password, security questions if necessary)
• Scroll down to "Data and Privacy"
• Click on “Manage data and data protection”
• Log in again depending on the setting on the following page
• Under “Manage your data” under “Delete your account” click on “Start”
• Read all the instructions on the following page and take appropriate measures if necessary
• Select the reason at the bottom (can also be “I don't want to provide any information”) and click “Next” to request that the account be deleted
• Receive and store the alphanumeric code - it can be used to cancel the request during the deletion process

Tips for preparation

Simply deleting the Apple ID and thus the iCloud account as well as other services and links to the same, especially after prolonged use, should not be done unprepared. So before you remove your Apple ID account, you should consider these steps:

• Back up iCloud data (also from apps) locally or externally
• Back up music, movies, series and other media purchases outside of iCloud
• Check and cancel connected subscriptions
• Secure Apple-related information that may still be needed in the future
• Sign out on all devices (Mac, MacBook, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, PC, etc.)

Apple gives these urgent hints in the instructions:

Photos, videos, documents and other content [...] are permanently deleted. You will no longer be able to receive messages or calls made to your account using iMessage, FaceTime, or iCloud Mail. Additionally, you can no longer sign in or use services such as iCloud, the App Store, iTunes Store, iBooks Store, Apple Pay, iMessage, FaceTime, and Find My iPhone. [...]

What happens after I request deletion?

After the deletion of the Apple ID account has been requested, Apple verifies that the applicant is really the owner. This prevents misuse of the delete function, which I think is great. After a successful check, the account details and the data related to the user account will be removed from the Apple server. In this context, Apple points out how to handle transaction data:

When you delete your Apple ID, Apple will endeavor to delete all personal information associated with your account. However, we are required to retain transactional data for financial reporting purposes and we may need to retain certain information in order to comply with a court settlement or other pending litigation.

Frequently asked questions and their answers

In the support document linked above, under the heading "Frequently Asked Questions" you will find a small FAQ on deleting an Apple ID. What happens to media purchased and subscriptions taken? What happens to the family accounts if, as the family organizer, I delete my Apple ID? Can I delete my child's user account? Are ongoing repairs to iPhone, Mac and Co. being continued? Will my appointments be retained? You will receive answers to these and numerous other questions in writing. 

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.