Switching Apple IDs

Owned by Adam Dinnes
Last updated: Jul 04, 2020 by Amy Pfeifer (Unlicensed)Version comment
3 min read

Overview

The Library & Information Technology Services (LITS) has moved away from utilizing a single campus Apple ID for all software from the App Store. In the past, the user would be notified of system and software updates available from the App Store. They would then enter a password and the updates would be installed. The preferred method is to now have campus users create and utilize their own Apple ID using their Beloit.edu email address to download software from the App Store and perform updates.  Note that Apple IDs are only required for add-on software/app downloads and updates.  All core MacOS updates can be performed without an Apple ID. 

This shift in our approach to authorization method requires users to take a few steps to enable the change in software updates on their Macs.  The App Store associates the software or app on your computer with the Apple ID that was used to authorize the download of the app from the App Store.  Unfortunately, Apple does not offer a way to switch the app authorization from one Apple ID to another - the app must be uninstalled and re-downloaded using the other Apple ID.



Uninstall Apps

To remove the software associated with the old Apple ID, follow these steps:

  1. Download and install the AppCleaner to your computer.

    • AppCleaner is a free program that uninstalls programs and scrubs the user and system libraries of leftover preference and configuration files.  It is more thorough than just deleting the program from your Applications folder.

  2. Go to the Applications folder, and open AppCleaner.

  3. Locate the program you want to uninstall in the Applications folder.  Click and drag it to the AppCleaner window.

  4. AppCleaner will scan the drive and then itemize the files and folders that it will remove during the uninstall. 

  5. If there are files or folders that you would like to retain, deselect the checkbox to the left of each item.

  6. Once you are ready, click the Remove button on the lower right side of the AppCleaner window.

  7. Enter your system password to allow AppCleaner to make changes to (uninstall) your files.

  8. AppCleaner will remove all of the selected files and folders and deposit them in the Trash.

  9. Left-click the Trash and select Empty Trash to complete the deletion of the files.

    • If you have additional applications to be deleted repeat the steps above until all have been removed.



Screenshot of AppCleaner Interface

AppCleaner interface

Screenshot of AppCleaner uninstall selection window

AppCleaner uninstall selection





Changing Apple ID

To remove the software associated with the old Apple ID, follow these steps:

  1. Launch the App Store from the Dock or Applications folder.

  2. Click on Store on the Menu Bar.

  3. Click on Sign Out.  This will sign you out of the old Apple ID account.

  4. Click on Store on the Menu Bar again and then click on Sign In.

  5. Enter the credentials for your new Apple ID. 

    • If you do not have an Apple ID you can create one at this point.

  6. You are now logged into your new Apple ID. 

  7. You can now search for and download any apps you need to replace under the new Apple ID.



Signing out of an Apple ID