Fixed! Unlink Two iPhones with the Same Apple ID

Robert Xiao
Last updated: Dec 2, 2024

Learn how unsync two iPhones, manage your separate Apple accounts, and maintain a smooth experience across your Apple devices.

Have you ever struggled with two iPhones linked to the same Apple ID? Although it can be convenient to share the same Apple ID, it may result in a mess of mixed contacts, messages, and photos. This can also lead to privacy concerns when you are using two devices for different purposes. When you’re faced with this dilemma, you can separate two iPhones with the same Apple ID and regain control over each device.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to unlink two iPhones with the same Apple ID. Say goodbye to unexpected data sharing and hello to a more organized digital life.

How to Disconnect iPhone from Another iPhone?

Can Two Different iPhones Have the Same Apple ID?

Yes, two different iPhones can have the same Apple ID. This enables users to share purchases, subscriptions, and data across both devices. This setup can be convenient as it allows you to sync contacts, calendars, photos, and app purchases. One coin has two sides. Using the same Apple ID on multiple devices can also lead to privacy concerns and data management issues. Therefore, when you attempt to stop two iPhones from syncing, you can take the following solutions a try!

Before learning how to unlink two iPhones with the same Apple ID, let’s take a closer look at what things may happen after doing so:

  • iCloud Data: The devices will stop sharing iCloud data, including photos, contacts, notes, and documents saved in iCloud. Each device will retain its existing data, but new changes won’t sync between two devices.
  • Messages and Calls: Messages and calls that were shared through iMessage or FaceTime will no longer be accessible across devices.
  • Apple Services: You can still use iOS Services such as Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and others, but the subscriptions will not sync.
  • App and Media Purchases: Apps and media purchases made on one device will remain accessible only on that device.
  • Find My iPhone: The “Find My iPhone” feature will only apply to the device that remains linked to your Apple ID. You won’t be able to track the other device from your Apple ID.

How to Disconnect iPhones from Each Other?

It’s crucial to disconnect iPhones from each other when you want to maintain privacy and manage your devices independently. Whether you’re sharing an Apple ID with family members, preparing to sell or give away the device to others, or simply looking to reduce data syncing issues, you can take the following measures to unsync two iPhones.

Unsync Two iPhones in Settings

When multiple iPhones are linked to the same Apple ID, the most straightforward way is to unsyc them in Settings. Once you unsync the devices, they will stop sharing data anymore. Thus, it’s wise to back up important data before making any changes.

Unsync Two iPhones in Settings
  1. Tap on the Settings app on the iPhone you need to unsync.
  2. Tap your name or Apple ID to access the account settings.
  3. Under your Apple ID, you will see a list of devices linked to the same Apple ID account.
  4. Find the iPhone you want to disconnect. Choose the option “Remove from Account” or “Remove from Apple ID”.
  5. To further ensure that your data is no longer shared, go back to the main menu. Tap on iCloud to sign it out. Then you will be asked to enter your Apple ID password to log out of iCloud.

Unsync Two iPhones via iTunes/Finder

You can determine which types of data you don’t want to sync from each other in iTunes of Finder. Although you cannot unsync one iPhone from another, you can choose to unsyc specific data such as photos, music, and apps via iTunes.

Unsync Two iPhones via iTunes
  1. Connect the iPhone you want to unsync to your computer via a USB cable.
  2. Open iTunes or Finder on your Win or Mac computer.
  3. Click on the iPhone icon in iTunes or select the device from the Finder sidebar.
  4. Unsync two iPhone under the Summary tab. If you want to stop syncing certain types of data, uncheck the corresponding options.
  5. After making adjustments, click Apply to save the changes.

Unsync Two iPhones via Find My

Apple’s “Find My” feature offers a convenient way to track and manage your devices. You can unlink the two iPhones by taking the following steps:

Unsync Two iPhones via Find My
  1. Launch the Find My app on your iPhone that you want to keep synced.
  2. Tap on the devices to show devices associated with your Apple ID.
  3. Find and select the iPhone you wish to unsync.
  4. Scroll down and tap on “Remove This Device” to unlink the selected iPhone from your Apple ID.
  5. Enter your Apple ID password to confirm the removal.

Unsync Two iPhones When Forgot Apple ID Password

According to the solutions mentioned above, you can see that you need to enter the Apple ID password if you want to unlink two iPhones with the same Apple ID. What if you fail to remember the Apple ID password? If you use a password manager or if Safari has saved your passwords, check out if your Apple ID password is saved there. Also, you can go to the Apple ID account page and reset your password by answering security questions or using your Email address. Moreover, you can use BuhoUnlocker to remove Apple ID from your iPhone. Ensure that you have backed up your data, because this process may erase all data on your iOS devices

Step 1. Free download and install BuhoUnlocker and launch it on your computer.

DownloadFor macOS 10.10 and above
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Step 2. Connect your iPhone via a USB cable. In the main interface, click on the “Remove Apple ID” mode. Tap on the “Remove Now” button to initiate the process.

BuhoUnlocker Remove Apple ID

Step 3. Then the software will start to remove Apple ID. Wait for a few minutes and your iPhone will be no longer associated with the Apple ID.

Remove Apple ID Success with BuhoUnlocker

Unsync Two iPhones in Apple Music

If you want to unlink and manage your music independently, you can turn off the “Sync Library” feature in Apple Music. By doing so, you can prevent playlists, libraries, and recommendations from being shared. However, purchases made on one device will still affect the other if both devices are associated with the same Apple ID. To completely separate two iPhones with the same Apple ID, you need to sign out Apple ID.

Unsync Two iPhones in Apple Music
  1. Launch the Apple Music app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap on the “For You” tab at the bottom, then tap the profile icon to access settings.
  3. In the settings menu, toggle off the “Sync Library” option. This will stop the music library from syncing with other devices using the same Apple ID.
  4. If you want to completely disconnect two iPhones, go back to Settings and sign out Apple ID.

Conclusion

It’s easy to unlink two iPhones with the same Apple ID. Whether you’re looking to remove a device from your Apple ID, stop sharing data, or simply keep the privacy of your device, you can easily unlink two iPhones and better control over each device. Always remember to back up data before trying to sign out of Apple ID. Hopefully, you can enjoy a seamless and secure iPhone experience.

Robert is a tech-savvy fan who loves all things Apple. As a hobbyist of gardening and meditation, he is also a seasoned writer covering a wide array of Apple products, like iPhone, iPad, iOS, and more.