You cannot change the birthdate on an Apple ID created for a child under 13

Apple's system treats birthdate as a permanent record tied to a child account. Once you set it during account creation, Apple does not allow you to edit it through Settings, Family Sharing, or Apple ID management pages. The birthdate controls which features and content the child can access, so Apple locks it to prevent accidental changes that could expose a child to age-restricted material.

If the birthdate was entered incorrectly when the account was created, your only option is to contact Apple Support directly. They can review the request and may update the date if you can show the original entry was a genuine mistake — for example, if you typed 2015 instead of 2016. This is not automatic; Apple evaluates each request individually.

If your child's account was created with the wrong birthdate and they are now older, you still cannot simply update it yourself. The process requires Apple Support involvement, and the outcome depends on whether Apple believes the original entry was an honest error rather than an attempt to bypass age restrictions.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple does not allow parents or account holders to change a child's birthdate through any standard settings or online tool.
  • Contacting Apple Support is the only way to request a birthdate change, and they will only approve it if the original entry appears to have been a mistake.
  • The birthdate controls which apps, content, and features a child can access, so Apple treats it as a security setting rather than editable personal information.
  • If you need to change the birthdate, have the original account creation details and any proof of the error ready before you contact support.

Why Apple locks the birthdate on child accounts

The birthdate on a child's Apple ID determines what content they can see and which features they can use. Apps rated for ages 12+ will not appear in the App Store for a 10-year-old account, and certain privacy settings are stricter for younger children. If a parent could change the birthdate at will, a child could simply ask to have their age increased to unlock restricted content.

Apple also uses the birthdate to comply with laws like the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the United States, which sets different rules for children under 13. The locked birthdate is part of how Apple documents that it followed the law when the account was created. Allowing changes would create a legal liability for Apple.

How to contact Apple Support about a birthdate error

Start by visiting support.apple.com and selecting "Account & Billing" from the menu. Search for "change birthdate" or "edit date of birth," and you will see an article explaining that you cannot do this yourself. At the bottom of that article is a link to contact Apple Support — choose either chat, phone, or email depending on what works for you.

When you contact them, explain that the birthdate was entered incorrectly when the account was created. Have ready the child's name, the Apple ID email address, the incorrect birthdate that is currently on file, and the correct birthdate. If you have any documentation — such as a screenshot of the account creation screen showing the error, or a record of when the account was made — include that as well.

Apple Support will review your request. If they determine it was a genuine mistake, they can update the birthdate in their system. If they suspect the request is an attempt to bypass parental controls, they will decline. The process typically takes a few business days.

What happens if the birthdate cannot be changed

If Apple Support denies the request, you have two options: keep the account with the incorrect birthdate, or create a new account with the correct information. Creating a new account means the child loses access to any apps, games, or purchases tied to the old account, and you will need to set up Family Sharing again.

Before you decide to create a new account, check what is actually tied to the old one. Open the App Store on the child's device, tap the profile icon, and scroll down to see "Purchased" — this shows what apps and in-app purchases belong to that account. If there are significant purchases or apps the child uses regularly, losing access to them may not be worth the switch.

Setting up a new child account with the correct birthdate

If you decide to create a new account, go to appleid.apple.com and select "Create your Apple ID." Choose the option for a child account and enter the correct birthdate this time. You will need to provide a payment method and set up Family Sharing so you can manage the account.

Once the new account is created, you can transfer some content — like photos or documents stored in iCloud — by signing into the old account, backing up the data, and then restoring it to the new account. However, apps and purchases do not transfer; the child will need to re-download free apps, and paid apps will need to be purchased again (or you can gift them if they are available for purchase).

This process takes time and can be frustrating, which is why it is worth trying to get Apple Support to update the existing account first. Many parents find that a clear explanation of the mistake results in approval.

How to avoid birthdate errors when creating a child account

When you first set up a child's Apple ID, double-check the birthdate before you confirm. The date you enter cannot be changed easily, so take the extra 10 seconds to verify it matches your child's actual birthdate. If you are unsure of the exact date, look it up on a birth certificate or ID before you proceed.

Also be aware that once you create a child account, you cannot convert it to an adult account later. If your child turns 18, they will need to create a new adult account if they want to manage their own Apple ID without parental controls. This is another reason to get the birthdate right from the start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my child's age if they are now over 13?

No, the birthdate is locked regardless of the child's current age. You would still need to contact Apple Support and explain that the original entry was a mistake. If your child is now a teenager, Apple may be more willing to approve the change if the error is clear, but there is no may provide.

What if I created the account myself and put in the wrong birthdate by accident?

Contact Apple Support with the same information — the incorrect date on file, the correct date, and an explanation that it was entered by mistake. Support will review the request and decide whether to approve it. Having the account creation date or any documentation of the error helps.

Will changing the birthdate affect my child's apps or purchases?

If Apple Support approves the change, your child keeps all existing apps and purchases. The only thing that changes is which new content becomes available in the App Store based on the updated age rating. Some apps that were previously hidden may now appear, and some may become hidden if the corrected age is younger than the original entry.

Can I request a birthdate change through Family Sharing settings?

No, Family Sharing does not include a birthdate edit option. The only way to request a change is through Apple Support directly. You cannot do it through Settings, iCloud.com, or any other Apple tool.

How long does it take Apple Support to respond to a birthdate change request?

Most requests are reviewed within a few business days. Response time can vary depending on how busy Apple Support is and how clear your explanation is. Providing detailed information upfront can speed up the process.