To switch iCloud accounts on your iPad, you need to sign out of the current iCloud account and then sign in with the new one through the Settings app. Here's a detailed guide:
Steps to Sign Out of Your Current iCloud Account:
- Open the Settings app: Locate and tap the Settings app icon on your iPad's home screen.
- Tap your Name/Apple ID: At the top of the Settings menu, you'll see your name and Apple ID. Tap on it.
- Scroll down and tap 'Sign Out': Scroll to the bottom of the Apple ID screen and tap the "Sign Out" option.
- Enter your Apple ID password: You'll be prompted to enter your Apple ID password to confirm the sign-out process.
- Choose what data to keep on your iPad: You'll be asked if you want to keep a copy of your data (Contacts, Calendars, etc.) on your iPad. Choose "Keep on My iPad" if you want to retain a local copy, or toggle them off if you don't.
- Tap 'Sign Out' again: Confirm that you want to sign out by tapping "Sign Out" one more time.
Steps to Sign In with a New iCloud Account:
- Open the Settings app: As before, locate and tap the Settings app icon.
- Tap 'Sign in to your iPad': At the top of the Settings menu, where your name used to be, you'll now see "Sign in to your iPad." Tap it.
- Enter your Apple ID and password: Enter the Apple ID (usually an email address) and password for the iCloud account you want to use.
- Enter verification code (if prompted): If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you'll receive a verification code on your other trusted devices. Enter that code on your iPad.
- Merge or Don't Merge: You may be asked whether you want to merge your local data with iCloud. Choose 'Merge' to upload local contacts, calendars etc., to the new iCloud account, or 'Don't Merge' to keep them separate.
Separate Accounts for iCloud and Purchases
Keep in mind that you can use different Apple IDs for iCloud services and for iTunes & App Store purchases. This means you can use one Apple ID for syncing data like contacts, photos, and documents through iCloud, and another Apple ID for downloading apps, music, and other media.
To manage the Apple ID used for purchases:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on your Name/Apple ID.
- Tap 'Media & Purchases'.
- Tap 'View Account'. You may be asked to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your password.
- From here, you can manage the Apple ID used for media and purchases. You can sign out or change your payment information.
By following these steps, you can successfully switch iCloud accounts on your iPad and manage your Apple ID preferences for both iCloud services and purchases.