There may be more than one Apple account for you but you may only need one. You can be moving to Android or you might want to stop using Apple.
Whatever the reason, Apple does allow you to delete your account. But think carefully. And when the account is deleted, all is lost: Purchased items, iCloud data, messages. Apple cannot bring it back.
What Happens When You Delete Apple ID
Once you delete Apple ID, you delete everything it belongs to. App store purchases are lost and unavailable for redownload. Movies purchased via iTunes are deleted. iCloud photos and files are deleted. You also lose iMessage, FaceTime & Find my. Subscriptions stop.
If you are wearing an Apple Watch or Airpods connected with the account, then you have to unpair them. Apple retains some data for legal purposes such as tax data. After seven days it deletes the rest so be sure before you delete.
What to Do Before You Delete
Don’t jump in. You must do a few things first. Back up iCloud data. Download photos, videos or documents that you wish to save. Once you have deleted them you can’t get them back again. Download music or movies that you purchased.
If they are DRM-affected are they tolerable for you keep them, if DRM-protected disappear. Sign out of every device. If you do not, the device will not work after it is deleted. Go to Settings, tap on your name, go to Sign Out and do this for each device. Check subscriptions. They cancel automatically but you may choose to switch them to another account.
How to Delete an Apple Account
If you are sure, follow this.
1. Go to Apple Data and Privacy site and sign-in using your Apple ID.
2. You will possibly need 2 factor authentication.
3. Under “Delete Your Account” click “Request to Delete Apple Account.”
4. Choose a reason from the list and then click on Continue.
5. Apple will show a checklist. Read it and click Continue.
6. Agree to the terms, click the check box, and click on Continue Tell Apple how you would like updates.
7. Utilize another Apple ID, an email, or a phone number, and then click Continue.
8. So, Apple will provide you an access code.
9. Write it down safely.
10. You might need it in case you change your mind.
11. Click Continue.
12. In this scenario, enter your access code that you saved, and then again click on Continue.
13. Check the last warnings, and then click on Delete Account. That finishes the process. You are done.
Can You Undo It?
There are instructions as below for the first seven days you can. Call Apple Support and provide the access code to them. They are able to halt yourself from getting deleted and restore your account. After seven days it is permanent and it cannot be undone.
Should You Put the Brakes On Instead?
If you are not confident then turn off rather than delete. Deactivation deactivates your account for a short period of time but does not destroy your data. Later on you can activate it by contacting Apple Support and giving the access code. This is safer if you will maybe change your mind.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to remove an Apple Account permanently is easy. Doing it is permanent. Be sure to backup anything you want to have. If you are sure about it, delete your account.
