How to Delete an Apple ID: Comprehensive Step-by-Step Tutorial

Learn the procedure to submit a request for deleting or erasing an Apple ID account. If you have an outdated or surplus Apple ID, you can request its deletion. Keep in mind that this action is irreversible, so ensure to back up all your data and information associated with your account beforehand. Additionally, you can temporarily deactivate your account. Below are the steps to delete an Apple ID or iCloud account on your computer, iPhone, or Android device.

Get your account ready for deletion. When you delete your Apple ID, all associated data is permanently erased. Retrieval of this information is impossible, so ensure you're using the correct account and have all necessary backups in place for your data.

• Prior to deleting your Apple ID, ensure you:
  • Back up photos, videos, and other documents on iCloud
  • Back up iMessage, FaceTime, or iCloud Mail contacts associated with your Apple ID
  • Download copies of apps, games, music, movies, TV shows, books, and audiobooks
  • Cancel active subscriptions linked to your account
  • Settle any remaining balances on Apple Pay Later
  • Sign out from all devices using your iCloud or Apple ID account
    • Failing to do so might result in device lockout upon deletion of your Apple ID
  • Retain any other account information you might require in the future
• Deleting your account is irreversible. If uncertain or foresee potential future use, contemplate temporary deactivation instead. Follow the same preparation steps before deactivating.

Visit https://privacy.apple.com/ using a web browser. You can access it via desktop or mobile. Presently, there's no option to delete your account through an Apple device.

Log in with your Apple ID credentials. Ensure this is the Apple ID you intend to delete.

• You'll be directed to the Manage your data
  page. Here, you can also request a copy of your data or transfer it to another service.

Choose Request to delete your account. This option might require scrolling down. It appears as small text under the Delete your account heading.

• If you wish to temporarily deactivate your account, opt for Temporarily deactivate your account instead.

Choose a reason and click Continue. You may need to scroll down and review Apple's warnings about deletion.

Scroll down and click Continue. Look for the blue button.

Tick the box and click Continue. You must agree to the Deletion Terms & Conditions.

Provide contact information. This is how Apple will keep you updated on the deletion process of your account. It could be an email, phone number, or another Apple ID.

Jot down the access code and click Continue. You'll require this code later.

Input the access code and click Continue. Review the implications one last time.

Click Delete account. A final confirmation prompt will appear.

Click Sign out. The request to delete your Apple ID will be submitted.

Visit https://privacy.apple.com/ using a web browser. Accessible via desktop or mobile, there's currently no option to delete your account directly from an Apple device.

• When you deactivate your account, it's advised to prepare your account for deletion as you would if you were permanently deleting it. Services and content associated with your account won't be accessible during deactivation.

Log in with your Apple ID. Ensure this is the correct Apple ID you intend to delete.

• You'll be directed to the Manage your data page. This is where you can request a copy of your data or transfer it to another service.

Select Request to deactivate your account. You might need to scroll down to find this option. It's located below the 'Temporarily deactivate your account' header.

Select a reason and click Continue. You'll need to scroll down and review Apple's warnings about deletion.

Scroll down and click Continue. This will prompt the deactivation process to proceed.

Tick the box and click Continue. You must agree to the Deletion Terms & Conditions.

Provide a means of communication. This is how Apple will keep you informed about the account deletion process. It could be an email, phone number, or another Apple ID.

Take note of the access code and click Continue. You'll need this code later.

Input the access code and click Continue. Review the effects one final time.

Choose Delete account. A final confirmation screen will appear.

Click on Sign out. This action will initiate the request to deactivate your Apple ID.