iTunes Death Policy: How to Disable and Delete iTunes Account
Apple does have a way to completely delete an iTunes account, but they do not recommend doing this because an iTunes account is linked up to several other applications. They warn if you cancel the account you will no longer be able to re-download or upgrade Apps that you have purchased or authorize new computers to play content you have previously purchased.
If you do not wish to have all the consequences of canceling an iTunes account, there are alternatives that allow you to retain full access to the items purchased that have digital-rights management (DRM) while still preventing the account from being used to make additional purchases.
1) Remove Billing Information
You can remove the billing information from the account at any time so that it can’t be used to make purchases. By doing this, you retain the ability to authorize computers to play the items with DRM that have purchased with the account. Furthermore, the account will still be open incase you should want to use it later. Here are the instructions for removing the billing information while keeping the account open:
1. Open iTunes, and go into iTunes Store
2. Click ‘Account’ in righthand toolbar
3. Sign-in with Apple ID or AOL account
4. Click ‘Edit Payment Information’ button
5. Delete all information entered
2) Disable Your Account
iTunes Store can disable the account, which will prevent it from being used to make purchases. You will still be able to play the items purchased with the account but you will not be able to re-download or update Apps that have been purchased. Directions for disabling your account will be explained below.
Deleting Your iTunes Account
iTunes warns that by canceling an account, you may lose the ability to play the items with DRM that were already purchased from the iTunes Store or be able to re-download or update Apps. In addition, you cannot reactivate the cancelled account. The account name is also the Apple ID, and canceling the account will therefore change registration information for any product that was registered with that Apple ID. This can make it difficult to sign in to other Apple websites that ask for an Apple ID and password.
In order to delete or disable the account, you must send an email to iTunesStoreSupport@apple.com with the following information in addition to requesting to delete or disablethe account:
- The billing address listed on the account
As well as one of the following:
- The last four digits of the credit card used for the iTunes Store account
- The order number of the most recent purchase
- The name of any item purchased using the account
Apple will verify the information and disable or cancel the account (whichever is your request), and send you an email confirmation.
