The full guide about how to change your Apple ID email
When you create your Apple ID, you need to provide an email address. If you can't access that email anymore or wish to update the email linked to your Apple ID (now Apple Account), you have the option to change it.
In this article, I'll show you how to change your Apple ID email and share a few personal tips.
Why change your Apple ID email? | What to know |
Eligibility | You can only change to a non-Apple email (like @gmail.com). If it's an Apple email (@icloud.com), you can't switch to another non-Apple email. |
Access to email | Make sure you have access to the new email you want to use. |
Account status | Your Apple ID should be in good standing; resolve any issues with your account first. |
Backup important data | Before making changes, back up your data with AnyTrans for iOS to avoid losing it. |
Verification | You will receive a verification email, so keep an eye on your inbox. |
Reasons to change Apple ID email address
Let me list a few reasons you might want to change your Apple ID email address. For example, I created my Apple ID ten years ago. I used a Yahoo Mail account. Now I no longer want it. A colleague of mine once mentioned that he feels embarrassed using an old email he set up in his youth. Now, that email doesn't represent who he is anymore, and he's really keen to change it to something more adult and professional.
Change your email address from Apple ID
Below are the steps for changing your email on Apple ID:
- Visit applied.apple.com from any browser.
- Click the Sign In button. (You may need to scroll down).
3. Type in your Apple ID and password.
4. Go to Sign-In and Security, then choose Email & Phone Numbers.
5. In the window that opens, click Remove next to the primary email.
6. Follow the instructions to enter. Then verify your new primary email address.
If you did not receive Apple's verification email, don't worry. Below are a few things you can do to find it:
- First, try to search in your inbox. Check your spam folder as well.
- And make sure you're searching in the right email account that is linked to your Apple ID.
- You can resend the AppleID email.
- If you're still not receiving any emails, please contact your email provider for assistance.
What to do if your email address is already being used with an Apple ID
In case the email address you're trying to change your Apple ID to is already being used as an Apple ID email, there are some things I recommend you try.
Important: Before you proceed, make sure you have access to the email you want to switch to.
Create a third email account in case your Apple ID information is needed.
Once you have access to the email address that you want to switch your Apple ID to and from, follow the steps below:
- Visit iforgot.apple.com from a web browser.
- Click Reset Password.
- Enter the email address that's already associated with an Apple ID.
- Type the characters in the image.
- Click Continue.
- Select how you want to unlock your account. Get an email.
- Click Continue.
- Open the email Apple sends you and click Reset now.
- Enter a new password for your Apple ID.
- Re-enter the password.
- Click Reset Password.
This process will disassociate the email from the old Apple ID. Once that's done, you can go ahead and add that email to your new Apple ID account.
Remember, Apple sends verification emails when you add, remove, or verify your Apple ID. That's why it's important that you have access to your email throughout the Apple ID change email process.
How to change your Apple ID on iPhone
You can change your Apple ID email address directly from your iPhone using the following steps:
- Open Settings and tap your Apple ID at the top of the screen.
- Tap the Sign-In & Security.
3. Tap the Edit button next to the Email & Phone Numbers.
4. Tap the red icon with a minus next to the email associated with your Apple ID.
5. Next, tap the Delete button that appears next to the email address.
6. Now you can Choose Another Email.
7. Enter your password and verify with 2FA if prompted.
8. Add the new email address you want to use, and tap Continue.
9. Type in the passcode sent to the email address you want to use and finalize the change process.
How do you change your Apple ID: Final thoughts
In this article, I explained how to quickly change your Apple ID email address in a browser and on your phone. It really shouldn't be too hard. I showed the instructions to my mom, and she said she could handle it – though that's the same mom who once tried to microwave an egg :D
If you want to try the apps that I've mentioned — Canary Mail, AnyTrans for iOS, and CleanMy®Phone – they are all on Setapp, and you can use them at no cost for 7 days. If you need to tackle more tasks like editing photos, speeding up your Mac, tracking goals, downloading YouTube videos, and more, such apps are on Setapp, too. Sign in now and discover your new favorites!
FAQ
How do I remove an email address associated with my Apple ID?
To remove an email address associated with your Apple ID:
- Sign in to appleid.apple.com.
- Go to Sign-In and Security > Email & Phone Numbers.
- In the window that opens, click the Remove button next to the primary email.
- Follow the instructions and verify your new primary email address.
Can I change my Apple ID email?
You can change the email address associated with your Apple ID:
- Go to appleid.apple.com.
- Click the Sign In button.
- Type in your Apple ID and password.
- Go to Sign-In and Security > Email & Phone Numbers.
- Click Remove next to the primary email.
- Follow the instructions to enter. Then verify your new primary email address.
Why can't I change my iCloud email?
If you can’t change your iCloud email, it means that you’re probably using an official Apple email (@icloud.com, @me.com, @mac.com), and you can't switch it back to a non-Apple email.