How and why to use multiple Apple IDs on the same Mac

There are a few reasons why Apple users sometimes use multiple Apple IDs on the same Mac. Here’s how to get it working.

In a previous TechRepublic article, I wrote about how to customize and maintain Apple IDs across multiple devices; but what if you use multiple Apple IDs on the same Mac within the same user account? This is useful if you use two Apple IDs: one for personal and one for business.

Why do you want to use two Apple IDs?

There are many reasons why you might want to use two Apple IDs on the same Mac.

Employers often prohibit the use of business equipment for personal reasons.

Businesses regularly use keylogger and surveillance software on work machines, and you probably don’t want your personal finances, private emails, and texts with partners and friends to be accessible to your boss.

There are other reasons related to legal and liability issues that justify maintaining two Apple IDs.

Separation of personal and business Apple IDs

Hopefully you’re already using a separate Apple ID, right? Follow the best practice recommended by many: Don’t use your business machine for personal use.

SEE: Secure your business’s devices with this sample mobile device security policy from TechRepublic Premium.

Avoid using your personal Apple ID for business purposes within the Apple ecosystem. It’s too easy for your work and personal life to mix, resulting in personal information becoming available to your co-workers or employers. If you don’t already maintain two Apple IDs, one for work and one for personal life, do so soon.

Use a personal Apple ID to avoid repeated app purchases

There’s one reason you occasionally need to use your personal Apple ID on your work Mac: to load apps you’ve already purchased. This is possible if:

• He carefully observes and takes the necessary steps.
• Your organization allows and does not block signing in and out of the App Store and installing software.

This way, you can use the programs you previously purchased on your personal account on your work Mac without having to make the purchase again.

Use a personal Apple ID to load purchased apps onto a work device

Let’s say you bought an app from the App Store with your personal Apple ID, but you want to use that program on your work Mac. The option to install the app on your work Mac won’t appear when you open the App Store if you’re signed in with your work Apple ID (Figure A).

Figure A

You can confirm this by clicking on the Apple ID name in the lower left corner of the screen and viewing previously purchased programs (Figure B).

Figure B

Instead, you can sign out of the Apple ID you created for work on the App Store screen. After that, you can only log back in with your personal ID long enough to download and install the software previously purchased with that account. After you’ve downloaded and installed the app, sign out of your personal Apple ID on the App Store screen, then sign in again with your business Apple ID.

Because you only associate your personal Apple account with the Mac App Store at work for a short period of time, your photos, files, and other iCloud-based services are not affected. That’s why it’s important to sign in and out from the App Store screen, not the iCloud settings in your Mac’s System Preferences.

Signing in and out of the App Store using macOS Ventura

Signing in from the App Store with macOS Ventura is easy using your Apple ID. Click the App Store Login option that appears in the lower left corner (Figure C), when you are logged out.

Figure C

To sign out of an Apple ID from the App Store while the App Store is open, click Store in the Mac menu bar. Then click Logout. An app purchased with your personal Apple ID will continue to work and update, even if you sign in to the App Store again using the Apple ID you created for work.