How to Permanently Delete Your Apple Account (Apple ID)
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Independent guide, not affiliated with Apple
Apple renamed the Apple ID to Apple Account, but deletion still happens on Apple’s Data and Privacy site. Deleting it removes your iCloud data, purchases from the App Store, Apple Music and Apple TV, iMessage and FaceTime access, and any Apple Pay cards linked to it.
Apple verifies every deletion request, which can take up to seven days. Until verification finishes your account stays active, and you can still cancel the request.
At a glance
- Time required: About 10 minutes to request; Apple may take up to 7 days to verify
- Reversible?: Not after the deletion is completed
- What is lost: iCloud Photos, Mail, Drive and backups, purchases, subscriptions, Apple Pay
- Device impact: Sign out and turn off Find My first so devices are not left Activation Locked
Apple Data and Privacy (official site) ↗
Before you delete
- Request a copy of your data at privacy.apple.com or download photos and files from iCloud.com.
- Turn off Find My and sign out of the Apple Account on every iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch.
- Cancel subscriptions (Apple Music, iCloud+, Apple TV+, Apple One) and let them run out.
- Change your login on apps that use “Sign in with Apple” — those logins stop working.
- Consider deactivation instead if it is offered in your region; it is temporary.
How to delete your Apple Account
- Go to privacy.apple.com and sign in with your Apple Account, completing two-factor authentication.
- Under Delete your account, select Request to delete your account.
- Review the information about what will be deleted and choose a reason from the menu, then click Continue.
- Read and accept the deletion terms, choose how Apple should contact you about the request, and note the access code Apple shows you — you need it if you contact Apple Support about the request.
- Confirm with Delete account. Apple emails you when verification is complete and the account has been deleted.
Menus change often. If a button has moved, use the search box in the app's settings or the official help link above.
What happens after deletion
Once Apple completes the request, you can no longer sign in to iCloud, the App Store, Apple Music, iMessage or FaceTime with that account, and your purchases cannot be re-downloaded. Photos, documents and backups stored in iCloud are removed, and Apple Store or AppleCare cases linked to the account may no longer be accessible. Apple says some data may be retained where the law requires it.
Deactivate instead of delete
In some regions the same page offers Request to deactivate your account. Deactivation suspends the account and its data without deleting it; you reactivate by contacting Apple Support with your access code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my iPhone when I delete my Apple Account?
The iPhone keeps working, but it loses access to iCloud, the App Store and other Apple services. Turn off Find My and sign out first; otherwise Activation Lock can stop you or a new owner from setting the device up again.
Can I recover a deleted Apple Account?
No. Once deletion is completed it cannot be reversed. You can cancel the request while Apple is still verifying it.
Can I reuse my email address for a new Apple Account?
Apple states that you cannot reuse the email address or phone number of a deleted account to create a new Apple Account.
How long does Apple take to delete an account?
Apple verifies the request first, which can take up to seven days. You receive an email when the deletion is complete.