You can change your Apple ID email on any device where you're signed in

To change your Apple ID email address, you go to your account settings on an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or at appleid.apple.com in a web browser. The process takes about five minutes and doesn't require you to create a new account. Apple will send a verification code to both your old and new email addresses to confirm the change is real.

The email you use for your Apple ID is the one you enter when you sign into the App Store, iCloud, Apple Music, and other Apple services. If you want to use a different email going forward, you can change it without losing your apps, photos, or other data tied to that account.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Apple ID email from Settings on iPhone or iPad, System Settings on Mac, or by visiting appleid.apple.com on any device.
  • Apple sends verification codes to both your old and new email addresses, so you need access to both to complete the change.
  • Your apps, purchases, and iCloud data stay with your account after you change the email — nothing is lost.
  • If you can't access your old email address, you can use account recovery to regain control of your Apple ID first.

Changing your email on iPhone or iPad

Open Settings and tap your name at the top of the screen. Tap Name, Phone Numbers, Email. You'll see your current Apple ID email listed under "Reachable At." Tap Edit in the upper right corner, then tap the red minus button next to the email you want to remove. Tap Delete to confirm.

Now tap the plus button to add a new email address. Type in the new email you want to use, then tap Next. Apple will send a verification code to that new email address. Check your inbox, enter the code when prompted, and tap Verify. You'll also receive a verification code at your old email address — enter that code too when the screen asks for it. Once both codes are verified, your Apple ID email has been changed.

Changing your email on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Settings. Click your name at the top of the sidebar, then click Name, Phone Numbers, Email. You'll see your current Apple ID email under "Reachable At." Click Edit, then click the minus button next to the email you want to remove and confirm the deletion.

Click the plus button to add a new email address. Type the new email, click Next, and wait for the verification code to arrive in that inbox. Enter the code, then enter the verification code that Apple sends to your old email address. Both codes must be verified before the change takes effect.

Changing your email on the web

Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in with your current Apple ID email and password. Click Account Settings, then click Edit next to Name, Phone Numbers, Email. Under "Reachable At," click the minus button next to your current email and confirm the deletion.

Click the plus button, type your new email address, and click Add. Apple sends a verification code to the new email — check your inbox and enter it. You'll also receive a code at your old email address. Enter both codes when prompted, and the change is complete. You can now sign into Apple services using your new email address.

What happens to your data and purchases

Your apps, app purchases, in-app purchases, iCloud storage, photos, documents, and any other data tied to your Apple ID stay exactly where they are. Changing the email address does not affect any of this. You'll still be able to download your apps, access your iCloud files, and use any subscriptions you've paid for.

The only thing that changes is the email address you use to sign in. If you're signed into multiple devices, you don't need to sign out and back in — your devices will continue working normally. However, if you ever need to sign in again on a device, use your new email address instead of the old one.

If you can't access your old email address

If your old email no longer works or you don't have access to it, you can't complete the verification step that requires a code sent to that address. In this case, you'll need to use Apple's account recovery process first. Go to iforgot.apple.com, enter your Apple ID email, and follow the steps to regain access to your account.

Account recovery can take several days because Apple verifies your identity through security questions, a trusted phone number, or a trusted device. Once you've regained access, you can then change your email address using the normal process. If you're locked out of your account entirely, contact Apple Support — they can help you prove ownership and reset your email.

Removing an old email address you no longer use

Apple lets you have multiple email addresses tied to one Apple ID. If you've added a new email but want to keep your old one as a backup, you can do that. If you want to remove the old email completely, follow the same steps as changing your email — just delete it instead of adding a new one.

You must have at least one email address on your Apple ID at all times. If you only have one email right now, you need to add a new one before you can delete the old one. This prevents you from accidentally locking yourself out of your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an email address that's already tied to another Apple ID?

No. Each email address can only be connected to one Apple ID. If you try to add an email that's already in use, Apple will tell you it's not available. You would need to remove it from the other Apple ID first, or use a different email address.

Will I lose my iCloud email address if I change my Apple ID email?

No. Your iCloud email address (the one that ends in @icloud.com) is separate from your Apple ID email. Changing your Apple ID email doesn't affect your iCloud email address or any mail stored there.

How long does it take for the email change to go into effect?

The change takes effect immediately after you verify both codes. You can sign into Apple services with your new email address right away. If you're signed into devices, they'll continue working without interruption.

What if I change my mind and want to switch back to my old email?

You can add your old email address back to your Apple ID anytime by following the same steps to add a new email. Once it's verified, you can use either email to sign in. You can then remove the newer email if you prefer.

Do I need to update my email in the App Store separately?

No. The App Store, iCloud, Apple Music, and all other Apple services use the same Apple ID email. When you change it in your account settings, it updates everywhere automatically.