Splitting An Apple ID

[CptKirk]

I am looking for some advice. I’ll try and write it and give as many details as possible and have done some research but need some guidance on how to proceed.

This could probably go in many different categories, but hopefully this is the best one to post in. Ive had my Apple ID for years. Back when I had the first iPod on windows. It was my first Apple device and acted like a gateway drug as it got me hooked.

Fast forward a bit and I got an iPhone. The so did my wife. Then our daughter got an ipod touch and so on. Now years later under my Apple ID we each have an iPhone. Each have an iPad. Each have Apple watches. I have a Mac mini and my daughter has a MacBook Air. As you can see theres a lot of device.

I also pay for icloud storage for pic, files and our device backups. Plus Apple Music and various iTunes movies and tv shows that I’ve purchased over the years. My wife an I use photos in the cloud and our daughter does not and uses another photo cloud system.

Now I’m guessing most will get where I’m headed. With watches the info is conflicting and I’m getting asked to fix this. I had preferred everything under my ID as it’s easy for me to manage and also keep track of all the devices with find my.. I had originally thought that each watch would sync to each iPhone and keep everything separate.

What I have read is that it doesn’t work that way and we should each have our own Apple ID. Then I could use family sharing for iCloud and iTunes also Apple Music. If I were to set them up with Apple IDs would I be able to restore their devices from backup from my iCloud, or is that not possible?

I’m hoping this is not too confusing but would really appreciate some advice. I’d prefer to just leave it as is, but the health app and the watch info is pushing me to do something.

As always, thanks for the help

 

[Apple_Robert]

You would not be able to restore their devices from your iCloud backup folder. All cloud backups are specific to the Apple ID. If you feel a need to make sure everything gets backed up as it should, I suggest everybody get their own Apple ID, you purchase the iMazing app for Mac, and then make a regular backup of iPhone and iPads on your Mac. That way, you can easily restore if needed and everyone keep their individual Apple ID.

 

[glenthompson]

My wife and I have our own AppleIds then a third id we use for App Store purchases. Family sharing is turned on for it and it also owns the Apple One subscription. We have Find My turned on for all devices and ids so we each can see where things are.

 

[Zazoh]

Family of 4. All separate IDs. Family sharing. I would NEVER let my kids have my ID, it has all my passwords. (204 of them)

In Find My, I can still see where they are and ALL the devices. Each can back up and all apps are still shareable across devices. But, otherwise they’d have to re set up some things.

 

[Ruggy]

If you set them up with their own Apple IDs then each one will be able to restore or set up a new device using their own ID.
Using family sharing you will be able to share the iCloud storage and any apps that you have bought (assuming they say they are in Family sharing)
If you set up family sharing you will still be in control of a lot of things especially if your daughter is a minor when you will be able to disable in app purchases and authorise any apps she wants, also to control or restrict adult content etc.
You will each have iTunes- assuming you take the family option which is a bit more expensive than the individual but better value.
Each one of you will have access to your own music library by default or you can can have access to each others. Same with purchased movies and TV series
I think I can safely say it will do everything you want and more and there isn't a downside to it.
I don't think it will be any more difficult for you to manage and it may even be preferable as using one ID you also have to share all the messages with each other.

 

[CptKirk]

Thanks for the replies. It does sound like the best way, just a lot of work. Probably a stupid questio, but I used to have two Apple ids. One US and one Canadian. I eventually gave up my US account and erased It from my devices.

I’m guessing I wouldn’t be able to add the new Apple IDs and then just delete mine from them? Or is the only way to set up the device as new with The newer Apple ID. Then restore?

I just want to make this as painless as possible. ?

 

[CptKirk]

I actually gave it a shot on my wife’s iPhone last night. It was as simple as signing out of my iCloud on her device. Then signed in with her Apple ID. Then added her with family sharing.

I also changed my iCloud and music subscription and moved up to the Apple One subscription family plan. I already was paying for extra icloud storage and music. So as suggested, it is only a few dollars more but also now have access to arcade and Apple TV.

I will do the other devices tonight but so far so good. Thanks again to everyone that gave me advice on this. This forum is much appreciated