You can change your Apple ID email address through Settings on your device or through Apple's website
Your Apple ID email is the account you use to sign into iCloud, the App Store, Apple Music, and other Apple services. If you want to switch to a different email address, you can do this yourself without calling Apple support. The process takes about 10 minutes and works the same way whether you use an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or a web browser.
The key thing to know upfront: you're changing the email address associated with your existing Apple ID, not creating a new account. Your apps, photos, subscriptions, and purchase history all stay with you. You'll just log in with a different email from now on.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Apple ID email on any device by going to Settings (or System Preferences on Mac), then your name, then Password and Security.
- Apple will send a verification code to both your old email and your new email to confirm the change is real.
- If you want to keep using your old email as a backup recovery method, you can add it as an alternate email instead of replacing it entirely.
- After you change your email, you'll need to sign out and sign back in on any devices that use that Apple ID.
How to change your email on iPhone or iPad
Open Settings and tap your name at the very top. Then tap Password and Security. You'll see a section called "Account" with your current Apple ID email listed. Tap Edit next to that email address.
A screen will appear asking you to enter your new email. Type it in and tap Next. Apple will send a verification code to your new email address — check that inbox and enter the code when prompted. You'll also get a code sent to your old email as a security check. Enter that one too. Once both codes are verified, your email address changes immediately.
How to change your email on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Click your name in the sidebar. Then click Password and Security. You'll see your Apple ID email listed under "Account." Click Edit next to it.
Enter your new email address and click Next. Just like on iPhone, you'll receive verification codes at both your old and new email addresses. Enter both codes to complete the change.
How to change your email through Apple's website
Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in with your current Apple ID email and password. Click Account in the left menu, then click Edit next to your Apple ID email address. Type in your new email and click Continue.
Apple will send verification codes to both email addresses. Enter the code from your new email first, then the code from your old email. Once both are verified, the change is complete. You can now sign into Apple services using your new email address.
What happens to your old email address
When you change your Apple ID email, your old email address is automatically removed from your account. This means you can't use it to sign in anymore. However, if you think you might need that email for recovery purposes later, you can add it back as an alternate email address instead of replacing it.
To do this, go back to Password and Security and look for the section labeled "Alternate email addresses." Click Add and enter your old email. Apple will send a verification code to that email to confirm it's yours. Once verified, you'll have two email addresses on your account — your main Apple ID email and one backup email. You can use either one to sign in, but only the main one shows up as your official Apple ID.
Signing back in on your devices
After you change your email, you may see a notification on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac asking you to sign in again. This is normal. When you do, use your new email address instead of the old one. If you don't see a prompt, you can manually sign out and back in by going to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out, then signing back in with your new email.
If you use multiple Apple devices, you'll need to update the email on each one. The change doesn't sync automatically across all your devices — you have to do it on each device individually. Start with the device you use most often, then work through the others.
Troubleshooting common problems
If you get an error saying your new email is already in use, it means that email address is already tied to another Apple ID. You can't have the same email on two different accounts. If it's an email you own, you'll need to remove it from the other Apple ID first, then try again. If it's an email you don't recognize, contact Apple Support to investigate.
If you don't receive the verification codes, check your spam or junk folder — sometimes Apple's emails end up there. Make sure you're checking the correct inbox for each email address. If codes still aren't arriving after 5 minutes, wait a few minutes and request a new code. If the problem continues, you may need to contact Apple Support, as there could be an issue with your email account's ability to receive messages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Apple ID email if I don't have access to my old email anymore?
No, Apple requires you to verify both your old and new email addresses during the change. If you've lost access to your old email, you'll need to contact Apple Support and go through account recovery. They can help you regain access or verify your identity another way.
Will changing my email affect my iCloud photos or App Store purchases?
No. Your photos, documents, apps, and purchase history are all tied to your Apple ID account itself, not to the email address. They stay with you when you change the email. You'll still be able to access everything after the change is complete.
What if I want to use a new email but keep my old one for signing in?
Add your old email as an alternate email address instead of replacing it. Go to Password and Security, find "Alternate email addresses," and click Add. Both emails will work for signing in, but your new email will be your primary Apple ID.
Do I need to change my password when I change my email?
No, your password stays the same. You're only changing the email address you use to sign in. Your password remains exactly as it was before the change.
How long does it take for the email change to take effect?
The change is immediate once you verify both codes. You can start using your new email to sign in right away. However, it may take a few minutes for the change to sync across all Apple's services, so if you try to sign in somewhere and it doesn't work immediately, wait a few minutes and try again.