what to know
- You can disconnect your iPad from your iPhone by signing out of your Apple ID on the iPad.
- Alternatively, you can disable per-app iCloud sync in your iPad's iCloud settings.
This article explains how to disconnect your iPad from your iPhone and how to stop syncing between the devices in various situations.
When you set up using your Apple ID, your iPad, iPhone, and other Apple devices will be synced. This setting is generally useful, but if you don't want to sync your data all the time, this method will completely disconnect your iPad from iCloud and, in the process, completely disconnect your iPad from your iPhone.
Files and settings are not synced between the two devices.
Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Open your Apple ID settings by tapping your Apple ID username displayed at the top of the Settings Options menu.
Click to exit .
Signing out will completely remove your iPad from your Apple ID and disable synchronization between all apps and services.
Removing your iPad from your Apple ID is the only way to completely disable all sync features, but it's inconvenient. Disconnecting your Apple ID will disable features like Apple Pay and prevent you from accessing purchased Apple subscriptions.
You can instead turn off iCloud sync to disable it for selected apps. Here's how to do it.
Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Open your Apple ID settings by tapping your Apple ID username displayed at the top of the Settings options menu.
Click iCloud .
Under the "Apps that use iCloud" heading, you'll see a list of items with a toggle switch. Most of them are turned on by default. Turn off services that you don't want to sync between your iPad and iPhone.
This method is a better way to manage data synchronization between devices because it allows you to continue using basic Apple ID features, such as not having to purchase apps again, using subscriptions across devices, and saving contacts and text messages.
Turning off iCloud sync for an app or feature will disable any cloud backup associated with that feature. For example, turning off sync for the Photos app means you won't be able to automatically back up any photos you take with your iPad.
Handoff is an Apple device feature that lets you pass activity from certain apps, such as Safari, across devices. For example, you can launch a web search on your iPad and then use Handoff to listen to the conversation on your Mac.
However, this feature can be annoying if multiple family members use the iPad. Here's how to turn it off.
Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Click General .
Select "Airplay and Switch" .
Click the switch next to "Relay" to turn it off.
This guide focuses on iPads, but these tips generally apply to other iOS devices, including iPhones. For example, if you don't want text in the Messages app to appear on other devices, you can turn off iCloud sync for Messages on your iPhone.
FAQTo prevent your iPhone photos from syncing to your iPad via iCloud, go to Settings on your iPad > select your Apple ID username > iCloud > Photos . Turn the switch next to iCloud Photos to the off position.
You can turn off Find My iPad on your iPad via Settings > Your Name > Find My iPad . You can also remove your iPad from your Find My Devices list on iCloud.com. Go to Find My iPhone > All Devices > Select your device > Select Remove from Account .
To prevent your iPhone messages from appearing on your iPad, go to Settings > Messages and turn off iMessage . Next, go to "Send & Receive" and deselect the email address and number associated with your Apple ID.
