You can create an iCloud email address through Apple ID settings on any device, or through iCloud.com on a computer

An iCloud email address is an email account that Apple creates for you when you set up an Apple ID. If you already have an Apple ID but never created an iCloud email, or if you want a second iCloud email address, you can add one through your Apple ID settings. The process takes about five minutes and works the same way whether you use an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or a web browser.

You do not need to buy anything or pay a subscription — iCloud email is included free with every Apple ID. The email address you create will work immediately in Mail, on iCloud.com, and on any Apple device where you sign in with that Apple ID.

Key Takeaways

  • You create an iCloud email address through your Apple ID settings, not through the Mail app itself.
  • Your new iCloud email works right away on iCloud.com, in the Mail app, and on any device signed in with your Apple ID.
  • You can create up to three iCloud email addresses per Apple ID, though you can only use one as your primary address.
  • If you forget your iCloud email address, you can find it in Apple ID settings under Account or in the Mail app settings.

Creating an iCloud email on iPhone or iPad

Open the Settings app and tap your name at the top of the screen. Tap iCloud, then scroll down and tap Mail. If you see an email address already listed, that is your current iCloud email. To add a new one, tap Add an Email Address or Add Email Alias (the wording depends on your iOS version).

Type the email address you want to use in the text field. Apple will check whether that address is available — if someone else has already claimed it, you will see a message saying the address is taken and you will need to try a different one. Once you find an available address, tap Next and confirm your choice. The new email address appears in your Mail app within a few seconds.

If you do not see an iCloud section in Settings, your device may not be signed in to an Apple ID. Go back to the top of Settings, tap Sign in to your [Device], and enter your Apple ID email and password first.

Creating an iCloud email on a Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs). Click your name at the top of the sidebar, then click iCloud. You will see a list of services connected to your Apple ID, including Mail.

If Mail is already turned on, click Manage next to it. Look for an option that says Add Email Alias or Add an Email Address. Type the address you want, check that it is available, and click OK. The address will sync to your Mail app and any other Apple devices signed in with the same Apple ID.

Creating an iCloud email through iCloud.com

Go to iCloud.com in any web browser and sign in with your Apple ID email and password. Click the settings icon (it looks like a gear) in the top-right corner and select Account Settings. Click Accounts in the left sidebar, then look for a section labeled Email Addresses or Email Aliases.

Click the + button or Add Email Address link. Type the address you want to create, and Apple will tell you immediately whether it is available. If it is, click Create or Save. You can then use this address to send and receive mail through iCloud.com right away, and it will appear in the Mail app on your devices within a few minutes.

What to do if your preferred email address is already taken

iCloud email addresses are first-come, first-served — once someone claims an address, no one else can use it. If the address you want is taken, you will need to choose something different. Try adding numbers, a middle initial, or a short word to make it unique. For example, if sarah.jones@icloud.com is taken, you might try sarah.m.jones@icloud.com or sarahjones22@icloud.com.

You can also use a period (.) or hyphen (-) in your address. Apple treats these as part of the address, so sarah.jones@icloud.com and sarahjones@icloud.com are two different addresses. If you keep getting a message that an address is taken, try variations with these punctuation marks.

Using your new iCloud email address

Once you create an iCloud email address, it works everywhere your Apple ID works. You can send and receive mail through the Mail app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. You can also access it through iCloud.com by signing in and clicking the Mail icon. If you have multiple iCloud email addresses, you can choose which one to send from by tapping or clicking the From field when you compose a new message.

Your new address will not automatically become your primary Apple ID email unless you change it in settings. Your primary email is the one Apple uses to contact you about your account and to send password reset links. If you want your new iCloud email to be your primary address, go to Apple ID settings, click Account, and look for an option to change your primary email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create more than one iCloud email address?

Yes, you can create up to three iCloud email addresses per Apple ID. All three will work in your Mail app and on iCloud.com. However, only one can be your primary email address — the one Apple uses to contact you about your account.

What is the difference between an iCloud email and an email alias?

An iCloud email address and an email alias are the same thing in Apple's system. Both are email addresses you can send and receive mail from using the same Apple ID. The terms are used interchangeably depending on which device or website you are using.

Do I need to pay for an iCloud email address?

No. iCloud email is free and included with every Apple ID. You do not need an iCloud+ subscription to create or use an iCloud email address.

I created an iCloud email but it is not showing up in my Mail app. What should I do?

Wait a few minutes for the address to sync across your devices. If it still does not appear, sign out of your Apple ID in Settings and sign back in. On a Mac, try restarting the Mail app. If the address appears in iCloud.com but not in Mail, check that Mail is turned on in your iCloud settings.

Can I delete an iCloud email address I no longer want?

Yes. Go to your Apple ID settings, find the email address you want to remove, and look for a delete or remove option. Note that you cannot delete your primary email address — you must change your primary email first, then delete the old one.