Export Your Data
The method we are using to merge both accounts relies on merging the local files present on the system. All the local files present in a user’s Home folder are saved in a disk image, which can be accessed on the new account. Since the local files do not include any app backups, you’ll need to export this data separately. The first step before merging the two accounts is to export all of your basic data. This includes contacts, reminders, calendars, notes, Safari bookmarks, etc. If iCloud Sync is enabled on your device, your data should automatically be backed up to iCloud. Turning on iCloud Sync will help you access it on your other account. If you don’t use iCloud Sync, you can create an Apple ID and sync all data with it. If you do this, log in to the iCloud account on your other account, which will allow you to access your data. You can also choose to export the data from the specific apps:
iCloud Drive: open any iCloud Drive folder in Finder and copy any documents to a locally stored location.Mail: drag any downloaded messages from the online account to a local folder on your Mac.Contacts / Calendars / Reminders: use the Export feature (File -> Export) to extract this data.Safari: select “File -> Export Bookmarks.”Notes: there is no built-in way to export the data, but you can use this free exporter to export your notes into a plain text format.Photos: the only option to transfer your Photos library from one account to another is to sync it through iCloud Photos.
Merging Two Accounts Into One
This method will merge the data of both accounts into one by deleting the old account and saving its data in a disk image. Hence, it is recommended to make another backup of the data, either on Time Machine or on a local drive before proceeding. This is to ensure that you don’t lose any data unintentionally. If you’re using a newer version of macOS, select the red “Delete Account …” button.
Locate a Deleted User’s Data
Image credit: Kaitlyn Baker via Unsplash All screenshots taken by Brahm Shank
