How to Transfer Data Between Apple ID Accounts in Bulk

Apple IDs are at the core of a user’s digital identity within the Apple ecosystem. They store everything from photos and contacts to app purchases, iCloud files, device backups, and more. However, there may come a time when users need to transfer data from one Apple ID to another — whether due to merging personal and work accounts, passing content to a family member, or starting fresh with a new email address.

While Apple does not offer a direct, one-click method to transfer all data between Apple IDs, there are several ways to migrate data in bulk, depending on the type of content and your specific goals. This guide breaks down how to transfer data from one Apple ID to another, focusing on bulk methods that minimize manual effort.

Why Apple Doesn’t Offer Direct Transfers

Apple prioritizes privacy and security, which means data tied to one Apple ID is often encrypted and closely linked to that account. Apple IDs are not designed to be interchangeable or merged. Because of this, most transfers must go through a process of exporting and importing data rather than direct migration. While this may seem limiting, there are still practical ways to move data in bulk across accounts.

Preparation Before Transfer

Before starting any data transfer:

1. Ensure both Apple IDs are active and accessible.

2. Back up your data. Use iCloud or an external drive to back up your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

3. Check iCloud storage on both accounts. Make sure the destination account has enough space.

4. Update all devices. Ensure your devices are running the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS.

Methods to Transfer Data in Bulk

1. Use Family Sharing as a Bridge

Apple's Family Sharing allows up to six Apple IDs to share purchases, subscriptions, and iCloud storage. While it doesn't directly transfer data, it provides shared access to key items like:

• App Store purchases

• Apple Music or Apple TV+ subscriptions

• iCloud+ storage plans

Steps:

• Set up Family Sharing from the source account.

• Add the destination Apple ID as a family member.

• Enable purchase sharing and subscription sharing.

• The destination account can now download apps or content purchased by the source account.
  
  

Limitation: Data like messages, contacts, and photos remain private and are not transferred automatically.

2. Transfer iCloud Drive Files Manually

Files stored in iCloud Drive can be downloaded and re-uploaded to the new account.

Steps:

1. Log in to iCloud.com with the source Apple ID.

2. Select and download all files from iCloud Drive.

3. Log out and sign in with the destination Apple ID.

4. Upload the files to iCloud Drive.

Bulk Tip: On a Mac, you can drag and drop folders from the source iCloud Drive to an external hard drive, then upload them to the destination account.

3. Photos and Videos (iCloud Photos)

If you use iCloud Photos, you'll need to move the media manually:

Option 1: Download and Re-upload

1. On a Mac or PC, log in to iCloud.com and select Photos.

2. Select all photos and click the download icon.

3. Log into the destination Apple ID and re-upload the photos.

Option 2: Use Shared Albums

• Create a Shared Album in the Photos app.

• Add the destination Apple ID as a subscriber.

• Download and save the photos to the destination account’s library.

Limitation: Shared albums compress photos; for full resolution, use the download/re-upload method.

4. Contacts, Calendars, and Notes

These items can be exported and imported in bulk.

Contacts:

1. Go to iCloud.com and sign in with the source Apple ID.
   
   

2. Open the Contacts app, select all contacts (Cmd + A or Ctrl + A).
   
   

3. Click the settings gear and choose Export vCard.
   
   

4. Log in to the destination Apple ID and import the vCard in Contacts.

Calendars:

1. Open the Calendar app on iCloud.com.
   
   

2. Share the calendar publicly, copy the link.
   
   

3. Add the calendar URL to the destination Apple ID (note: this is read-only).
   
   

4. For full control, manually export and import calendar files using .ics format.

Notes:

• On a Mac or iOS device, select all notes and move them to a shared folder.
  
  

• Invite the destination Apple ID to collaborate.
  
  

• The new account can copy the notes to a private folder later.

5. Mail and Messages

Apple doesn’t allow direct migration of iCloud Mail and iMessages between accounts. However:

• Mail: Set up mail forwarding from the old account to the new one.
  
  

• Messages: If stored in iCloud, they cannot be transferred. You’ll need to archive important messages manually.

6. Device Backup and Restore (iOS/macOS)

For full device transfers, you can back up a device from the source account and restore it using the destination Apple ID.

Steps:

1. Back up the iPhone or iPad using iCloud or Finder.
   
   

2. Sign out of the old Apple ID.
   
   

3. Erase the device (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone).
   
   

4. Set up the device with the new Apple ID.
   
   

5. During setup, choose to restore from the backup.
   
   

Important: This method restores apps, settings, and some data, but Apple will prompt you to log in to the old Apple ID for certain app data or purchases.

Bulk Transfer Tips for Businesses or IT Admins

For organizations managing Apple devices under Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager, transferring data between Apple IDs is more complex and often restricted. Use Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools to push shared data or transition to managed Apple IDs.

For school and enterprise use cases:

• Use shared drives (Google Drive, OneDrive, or iCloud Shared Folders).
  
  

• Transition students or employees gradually with guidance on exporting/importing key data.

What Cannot Be Transferred

Despite all these methods, some data simply cannot be moved between Apple IDs:

• iCloud Keychain passwords
  
  

• Apple Music playlists and likes
  
  

• App data tied to the original Apple ID
  
  

• Game Center achievements
  
  

• Purchased content with DRM restrictions
  
  

Be sure to document and manually back up anything you can’t transfer directly.

Conclusion

Transferring data between Apple ID accounts in bulk is not as seamless as many users would hope. Apple’s strong emphasis on privacy means that most transfers must be done manually, through exports and imports, or by using shared services like Family Sharing. By understanding which types of data can be moved and using efficient workflows, you can significantly reduce the effort and maintain continuity across your Apple ecosystem.

If you're planning to switch accounts long-term, start by migrating the most critical data (photos, contacts, documents), and gradually move the rest. In some cases, it may be easier to maintain access to the old Apple ID as a secondary account for app updates and past purchases.

Looking to manage multiple Apple IDs? BulkAccountsBuy provides fully verified Apple ID accounts in bulk, combining security with dependable service.