You can change your Apple ID to a different email address, but the process depends on whether you want to keep your old account or merge it with a new one
Apple does not let you rename an existing Apple ID directly. Instead, you have two paths: create a new Apple ID with a different email address and transfer your data over time, or change the email address associated with your current account. The second option is faster if you own both the old and new email addresses. The first option is necessary if someone else owns the new email or if you want a completely fresh start.
The steps differ depending on whether you are changing the email on an existing account or setting up a new ID entirely. Both take about 15 to 30 minutes if you have access to both email addresses and your current password.
Key Takeaways
- You cannot rename an Apple ID, but you can change the email address tied to it if you have access to both the old and new email.
- Changing the email on your current Apple ID keeps all your apps, photos, and purchases in one place.
- Creating a new Apple ID is the only option if you do not own the new email address or want to start fresh.
- After changing your Apple ID email, you will need to sign back in on all your devices within a few weeks or they will lock you out.
- Two-factor authentication must be turned on before you change your email, and Apple will send verification codes to both addresses during the process.
How to change the email on your existing Apple ID
Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in with your current Apple ID and password. Click Account Settings in the top right, then select Edit next to your name and email address.
Click the Change Email button. Apple will ask you to enter the new email address you want to use. Type it in and click Next. Apple will send a verification code to your new email address — check that inbox and enter the code when prompted. You may also be asked to verify your old email address the same way. Once both are confirmed, your Apple ID email is updated.
After this change, sign out of your Apple ID on all your devices and sign back in using the new email address. You have about 30 days to do this before Apple locks you out. On iPhone, iPad, or Mac, go to Settings (or System Settings on Mac), find [Your Name] at the top, scroll down, and tap Sign Out. Then sign back in with your new email.
When you need to create a new Apple ID instead
If the new email address belongs to someone else, or if you want to keep your old Apple ID active for a specific reason, you will need to create a separate Apple ID. Go to appleid.apple.com, click Create Your Apple ID, and fill in the form with your new email address, a password, and your date of birth. Apple will send a verification code to the new email — enter it to finish setup.
Once your new Apple ID exists, you can use it on a device or in the App Store while keeping your old account active elsewhere. However, apps and purchases tied to your old ID will not automatically move to the new one. You will need to re-download paid apps using the new ID, and you may lose access to in-app purchases or subscriptions tied to the old account.
What happens to your apps, photos, and subscriptions
If you change the email on your existing Apple ID, everything stays with that account — your app purchases, iCloud photos, subscriptions, and payment methods all remain tied to it. You simply sign in with the new email address instead of the old one.
If you create a new Apple ID, your old apps and purchases stay with the old account. Photos stored in iCloud are tied to whichever Apple ID uploaded them, so switching accounts means you cannot access old photos from the new ID unless you download them first. Subscriptions like Apple Music or Apple TV+ are also tied to the account that paid for them. You would need to cancel and restart them under the new ID.
Two-factor authentication and security during the change
Apple requires two-factor authentication to be turned on before you change your email address. If it is not already on, you will need to enable it first. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security and turn on Two-Factor Authentication. On Mac, go to System Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security and do the same.
During the email change process, Apple sends verification codes to both your old and new email addresses. This is a security measure to confirm you own both accounts. Do not share these codes with anyone. If you do not receive a code, check your spam folder or wait a few minutes for it to arrive.
Signing back in on all your devices
After you change your Apple ID email, you must sign back in on every device that uses that account. This includes iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and Apple TVs. You have about 30 days to complete this before Apple locks you out and prevents you from accessing iCloud, the App Store, or other services.
On each device, go to Settings (or System Settings on Mac), tap [Your Name], scroll to the bottom, and tap Sign Out. You will be asked whether to keep or delete data stored on that device — choose Keep on My iPhone (or iPad, Mac, etc.) to preserve your photos and files. Then sign back in using your new email address and password.
What to do if you forget your old email or cannot access it
If you no longer have access to the email address tied to your Apple ID, you can still change it, but the process is slower. Go to appleid.apple.com and click Forgot Apple ID or password. Follow the recovery steps, which may include answering security questions or using a recovery key if you set one up previously. Once you regain access to your account, you can change the email as described above.
If you cannot recover your account this way, contact Apple Support through support.apple.com. They can verify your identity using your device serial number, purchase history, or other information and help you regain access. This process can take several days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same email address for two different Apple IDs?
No. Each email address can only be tied to one Apple ID. If you try to use an email that is already associated with another account, Apple will reject it during setup or the change process.
What happens to my iCloud storage when I change my Apple ID email?
Your iCloud storage plan stays with your account. If you pay for 200 GB of storage, that plan continues after you change your email. The storage itself is tied to your Apple ID, not the email address.
Do I have to change my password when I change my Apple ID email?
No. Your password remains the same unless you choose to change it separately. However, it is a good time to update your password if it has been a while or if you think someone else knows it.
Will changing my Apple ID email affect my Apple Music or other subscriptions?
No. Subscriptions stay active and tied to your Apple ID regardless of what email address you use to sign in. You will continue to be charged to the same payment method.
How long does it take to change my Apple ID email?
The email change itself takes about 5 to 10 minutes once you have both email addresses verified. However, you then have 30 days to sign back in on all your devices. If you do not complete that step, Apple will lock you out of iCloud and the App Store.