How to Unsync Your iPhones and Reclaim Your Privacy

Syncing two iPhones can be handy, but it can also cause issues like shared messages, calls, and photos. Whether you got a new device, share an Apple ID, or want separate data, unsyncing your iPhones is essential. Let’s dive into the steps and how to do it.

Table of Contents

How to Unsync Your iPhones

Method 1: Unlinking Apple IDs

If you’re using the same Apple ID on both iPhones, this is the most effective way to Unsync them:

Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on the iPhone
Tap on Your Apple ID: It’s usually at the top of the menu.
Scroll Down and Tap Sign Out: You might be asked to enter your Apple ID password.
Choose Your Options: Decide if you want to keep a copy of your data on the iPhone or delete it.
Sign In with a Different Apple ID: On the same iPhone, sign in with a new Apple ID or create one.

Method 2: Turning Off iCloud Sync

If you want to keep the Apple ID but avoid data syncing, try this:

Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on one of the iPhones.
Tap on Your Apple ID: It’s usually at the top of the menu.
Select iCloud: This will show you all the data that syncs across your devices.
Toggle Off Sync Options: Disable the specific features you want to stop syncing, such as Photos, Contacts, or Calendar.

Method 3: Stop Syncing iTunes & App Store Purchases

iTunes and the App Store also sync data. Including apps, music, and books, across devices using the same Apple ID.

Go to Settings: Open Settings > Apple ID > iTunes & App Store.
Sign Out: Tap on Apple ID and choose to Sign Out.
Disable Automatic Downloads: Turn off automatic downloads to prevent purchases made on one iPhone from automatically downloading on the other.

Method 4: Turn Off Handoff and Continuity

Handoff and Continuity allow seamless activity transfer between devices. Such as on one iPhone, starting an email and finishing it on another. If you want to Unsync:

Go to Settings: Open Settings > General > Handoff & Airplay.
Turn Off Handoff: Toggle off Handoff.

This step ensures that activities on one iPhone do not automatically transfer to another.

Method 5: Use Separate Apple IDs

The most effective way to Unsync iPhones is to use separate Apple IDs for each device:

Create a New Apple ID: Go to appleid.apple.com and create a new Apple ID.
Sign In with the New ID: On one of the iPhones, sign out of the current Apple ID and sign in with the new one.
Customize Settings: Adjust iCloud, iTunes, and app settings to fit your new, unsynced setup.

Why Unsync Your iPhones?

Let’s explore why you might want to Unsync your iPhones:

Privacy: Keep your personal data and information secure by separating your devices.
Device Sharing: If you share an iPhone with someone else, unsyncing ensures your data stays private.
Troubleshooting: Sometimes, unsyncing and resyncing can resolve syncing issues.
Upgrading: When switching to a new iPhone, it’s essential to transfer data correctly.

Additional Tips:

Backup Your Data: Before unsyncing, create a backup of your iPhone to avoid data loss.
Check Other Apple Services: Ensure you’re signed out of other Apple services like iMessage, FaceTime, and the App Store on the desired iPhone.
Remove from Find My iPhone: If you want to completely remove a device from your Apple ID. Go to iCloud.com, sign in, and use the “Find My iPhone” feature to remove it.

Remember: Unsyncing your iPhones might affect certain features like iMessage and FaceTime. Be prepared for potential changes in how these services work.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively Unsync your iPhones and take control of your data privacy. If you encounter any difficulties, don’t hesitate to consult Apple’s support resources or visit an Apple Store.