You cannot change the birth date on an Apple Account once it is set

Apple locks the birth date on your account and does not allow you to edit it yourself through Settings, iCloud.com, or any Apple app. This is by design — Apple treats your birth date as a core identity detail tied to your account security and age-based service restrictions.

If the birth date on your account is wrong, you have two paths: contact Apple Support to request a manual change, or delete your current account and create a new one with the correct information. The first route is slower but keeps your existing apps, purchases, and data. The second is faster but means starting over.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple does not let you change your birth date yourself — you must contact Apple Support or create a new account.
  • If you contact Support, explain why the date is wrong and have your ID ready; they may ask you to verify your identity before making the change.
  • If you create a new account, your old purchases and apps stay tied to the old account and do not transfer automatically.
  • The birth date matters because Apple uses it to enforce age restrictions on certain apps, content, and features like Screen Time parental controls.

Why Apple locks your birth date

Your birth date controls which apps and content you can access. Apps rated for ages 12 and up, 17 and up, or 18 and up are filtered based on your account's birth date. If you could change it freely, you could bypass these restrictions. Apple also uses your birth date to verify your identity if you forget your password or need to recover your account.

Because of this, Apple treats the birth date as a permanent part of your account identity, similar to how you cannot change your Social Security number on a bank account without formal verification.

How to contact Apple Support to change your birth date

Go to support.apple.com, select your device type, and search for "change birth date" or "update account information." You will see an option to contact Apple Support by phone, chat, or email. Phone is usually fastest — Apple Support can often handle the request in one call if you have your ID ready.

When you contact them, explain that your birth date was entered incorrectly when you created your account. Have your government-issued ID available (passport, driver's license, or state ID). Apple will ask you to verify your identity and may ask why the date needs to change. Be straightforward: if you were born in 1985 and your account says 1995, say so.

The change is not instant. Apple may take a few business days to process the request after you hang up. You will receive an email confirming the change once it is complete.

Creating a new Apple Account with the correct birth date

If you want to avoid the verification process or do not have ID available, you can create a new Apple Account with the correct information. Go to appleid.apple.com, click "Create your Apple ID," and fill in the form with your real birth date. You will need an email address and a phone number to verify.

The downside is that your old account and new account are separate. Any apps you bought on your old account, any photos in iCloud on the old account, and any subscriptions tied to the old account stay there. You will need to repurchase apps or re-sign into services on your new account. If you have a lot of purchases or data, this can be tedious.

Before you create the new account, sign into your old account on your devices and note which apps you own and which subscriptions are active. Then you can recreate them on the new account.

What happens to your old account

Your old Apple Account does not disappear when you create a new one. It stays active unless you delete it. If you want to keep your old purchases accessible, you can keep the old account on your devices — you can have multiple Apple IDs signed in at once on most Apple devices, one for iCloud and one for the App Store, for example.

If you want to delete the old account entirely, go to appleid.apple.com, sign in with the old credentials, and look for "Delete Account" or "Deactivate Account" in the settings. Apple will ask you to confirm and may require you to settle any outstanding balances or subscriptions first. Once deleted, you cannot recover the account or any data tied to it.

Age restrictions and why the birth date matters

If your account shows you are under 13, Apple restricts certain features. You cannot set up Apple Pay, cannot make in-app purchases without parental approval, and cannot access some apps. If your account shows you are 13 or older but under 18, parental controls can still be applied by a parent or guardian.

If your birth date is wrong and it is preventing you from using a feature you should have access to, that is another good reason to contact Apple Support. Explain the situation and they can often expedite the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my birth date on my iPhone without contacting Apple?

No. There is no setting in the iPhone, iPad, or Mac that lets you edit your birth date. You must either contact Apple Support or create a new account. The birth date is locked at the account level, not the device level.

Will changing my birth date affect my iCloud data or photos?

No. Your iCloud data, photos, and backups are tied to your account itself, not to the birth date field. Changing the date will not delete or move anything. If you create a new account instead, the old data stays on the old account.

How long does it take Apple Support to change my birth date?

If you call or chat, Apple can often confirm the request the same day. The actual change usually takes a few business days to process. You will get an email when it is done. Email requests may take longer — usually five to seven business days.

What if I do not have a government ID to verify my identity?

Apple may still process the request without ID if you can answer security questions about your account, such as recent purchases or recovery email addresses. Call Support and ask what they can do with the information you have available.

Can a parent change a child's birth date on their account?

Not through parental controls. A parent can set up Screen Time and app restrictions, but cannot edit the birth date. If the child's account has the wrong birth date, the parent needs to contact Apple Support with the child's ID or proof of guardianship.