Apple apple.com How to delete your iCloud account (Apple Account)
There's no separate iCloud account to delete: it's your Apple Account. Sign in on Apple's Data and Privacy page and request deletion. Apple gives you an access code, so keep it. Deletion is permanent, so back up your data and sign out of your devices first.
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Step by step
- 1
Back up what you want to keep
Deletion permanently removes your Apple Account and the data tied to it. Apple's Data and Privacy page also offers a copy of your data, which you can request first.
- 2
Sign out of your devices
Apple recommends signing out of your devices before you delete, since you might not be able to use a device once the account is gone.
- 3
Go to Apple's Data and Privacy page
Sign in with your Apple Account. This is where Apple offers account deletion, temporary deactivation, a copy of your data and corrections.
- 4
Request to delete your account
Pick the option to request deletion and follow the prompts. Pages and options can vary by country or region.
- 5
Keep your access code
Apple gives you a unique alphanumeric code. Store it safely. For a short time Apple Support can use it to help you cancel the request.
Watch out for
- Deletion is permanent. Apple deletes the personal data associated with your account, except certain data it must keep for legal or regulatory reasons.
- Apple keeps a record of the deleted account for legal obligations and account security.
- You can't create a new account with the same email address or phone number as the deleted one, so use a different address if you come back.
- You may lose use of devices, purchases and services tied to the account, so check what depends on it first.
Other ways to do it
- 1
Deactivate instead
The same Data and Privacy page offers temporary deactivation. It is separate from permanent deletion.
- 2
Child accounts
A child under 13 can sign in to their account on the Data and Privacy page and select Request to delete your account. The family organizer then receives an email to approve it.
What stays out there
Deleting your Apple Account removes your data from Apple, apart from what Apple has to keep. It doesn't reach your phone number, email and address if they sit on people-search sites, in marketing lists or in old breach data. Those copies didn't come from Apple and stay where they are.
Serus finds where your details are listed and removes them, and keeps watching for them to come back.
Frequently asked
Is an iCloud account the same as an Apple Account?
Your iCloud account is your Apple Account (formerly Apple ID), so deleting it deletes both.
Can I undo deleting my Apple Account?
Apple says deletion is permanent. For a short time Apple Support can use your access code to help you cancel a request.
Can I reuse my email address after deleting?
Apple says you can't create a new account with the email address or phone number from the deleted account.
What's the difference between deactivating and deleting?
Deactivation is temporary. Deletion is permanent.
Sources
Related guide Guide: How to Delete Yourself from the Internet Something changed? If these steps no longer match what you see, tell us and we'll re-check it.
