Apple Account Federation
The technology department will be federating RCSTN accounts with Apple to create managed Apple Accounts for all of our users starting March 5th, 2025.
This webpage may be updated with additional information throughout this process.
What is account federation?
Federating our email domain with Apple means that all staff and students will be able to use the '@rcstn.net' email account to access certain Apple services on Apple devices within the building, instead of having to create and manage a personal Apple account (i.e. Apple ID).
Once the integration process is complete, all RCSTN accounts (includes students and staff) will automatically have an Apple ID that is managed by Robertson County Schools. The Apple ID accounts will be subject to the district Acceptable Use Policy.
Once the integration process is complete, all RCSTN accounts (includes students and staff) will automatically have an Apple ID that is managed by Robertson County Schools. The Apple ID accounts will be subject to the district Acceptable Use Policy.
What if I never created an Apple account using my RCSTN email?
Anyone who has not created an Apple account using your @rcstn.net email may disregard the information below. No further action is needed.
What if I already created an Apple account using my RCSTN email?
If you have created an Apple ID using your @rcstn.net email account in the past, you will be receiving an email from appleid@apple.com with the subject "Update Apple Account" informing you that you will need to update your account. The email from Apple is legitimate and you will need to take action.
I recieved an email from Apple, what do I do?
Please ensure you verify the email sender address "appleid@apple.com" before continuing with the process below.
The following information only applies to those users who have created an Apple account with their work email address (ending in @rcstn.net).
If you have an account and you take no action, your account will not be migrated.
Account Migration
If you choose to migrate your current Apple Account
If you created an Apple ID using your RCSTN email, this means that your files, data, and settings will be transferred to a district managed account.
You will no longer have full control over the account, and your account data (files, photos, videos, voice memos, contacts, messages etc.) contained within the account will be subject to the district Acceptable Use Policy.
If you are not concerned with converting your account to a district-managed account and have minimal or no personal files, this may be the appropriate option for you.
If you are not concerned with converting your account to a district-managed account and have minimal or no personal files, this may be the appropriate option for you.
Skip Migration
If you choose NOT TO MIGRATE to a managed Apple Account
This option is recommended if you use this account for personal use, have made personal app or music purchases, or have a significant amount of personal files (e.g., photos) associated with it. This is process can be completed easily on a personal iPhone or iPad device.
If you decide not to migrate, you will need to rename your account with a new username/email. If you do not rename your account, it will be automatically updated by Apple and given a temporary Apple ID not ending in @rcstn.net.
Detailed information on the process can be found here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/109353
NOTE: If you change to an icloud.com address you cannot, at this point, change it to a non icloud.com address in the future.
If you do not utilize the account you created and have no more use for it, then there's also an option to delete the account entirely. Learn more about this here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102283
RCS Technology will not be able to assist with support for accounts that choose not to migrate. You will need to reach out to Apple support for questions or concerns.
Will I have two personal apple accounts now?
Users with two personal Apple Accounts can opt to migrate purchases made in one account to another. Here's how: https://support.apple.com/en-us/117267
Note: If you have a balance on this account, you can initiate a process to transfer it via Apple Cash.
Example: You choose NOT to migrate your account to a manged RCSTN account, but you already have a personal apple account you have used for years. You can choose to carry over purchases to your existing account.
Example: You choose NOT to migrate your account to a manged RCSTN account, but you already have a personal apple account you have used for years. You can choose to carry over purchases to your existing account.
Why can't I migrate my account?
Account migration may not be available if your account meets certain criteria that prevent migration:
- Outstanding account balance
- You have 'Find My Device' enabled (you can disable this setting and retry)
- Your account is storing health data
- Possible other factors with personal data stored on the account
This criteria is set forth by Apple and we are unable to provide a resolution for account funds, health data, or other possible factors. If you are unable to migrate your account, we recommend you chose to skip migration and change your account information to convert it to a personal account that you will continue to manage.
More information about Apple account federation.
If you would like to read Apple's documentation about this process, you can find it here:
https://support.apple.com/guide/apple-school-manager/about-account-transfers-axmd2954ada2/1/web/1
Good Apple Account literature resource:
Take Control of Your Apple Account by Glenn Fleishman: https://www.takecontrolbooks.com/apple-account/.
If have additional questions not addressed in this email, please reach out to:
Joe Swann
Titles:
Apple Tech
Departments:
Technology
Email: