You can change your Apple ID email through Settings on any Apple device, or through your account page on a web browser

The email address tied to your Apple ID is how Apple contacts you and how you sign into your devices. If you want to use a different email, you can swap it out yourself without calling Apple support. The process takes a few minutes and works the same way whether you change it on an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or online.

You have two options: change your primary email address (the one you use to sign in), or add and remove secondary email addresses linked to your account. Most people change the primary email when they've switched to a new email provider or want to use a work email instead of a personal one.

Key Takeaways

  • Your primary Apple ID email is what you type in to sign into your devices, and changing it requires you to verify the new address before the switch takes effect.
  • You can make the change on any iPhone, iPad, or Mac by going to Settings > [Your Name] > Account, or online at appleid.apple.com.
  • Apple will send a verification code to your new email address, and you must enter it to confirm the change.
  • If you forget your current password, you'll need to reset it using your trusted phone number or recovery key before you can change your email.
  • Secondary email addresses (aliases) can be added or removed without verification and are useful if you want multiple ways to sign in.

Changing your primary email on iPhone or iPad

Open Settings and tap your name at the top of the screen. Tap Account, then tap Edit next to your name and photo. Scroll down and tap Change Email. You'll see your current primary email listed.

Tap Use a Different Apple ID, then enter the new email address you want to use. Apple will send a verification code to that new email. Check your inbox (including spam folders) and enter the code when prompted. Once verified, the new email becomes your primary Apple ID.

After you change your email, you'll need to sign out and sign back in on any other devices using your new email address. This can take a few minutes to sync across all your Apple devices.

Changing your primary 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 at the top of the sidebar, then click Account. Click Edit next to your name and photo.

Scroll down and click Change Email. Enter your new email address and click Next. Apple will send a verification code to the new address. Enter the code when prompted, and your primary email will update.

Changing your email through the web

Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in with your current Apple ID email and password. Click Account in the top menu, then click Edit next to your name and photo. Scroll to the Account section and click Change Email.

Enter your new email address and click Next. A verification code will be sent to the new address. Enter the code on the next screen to confirm the change. Your primary email is now updated.

Adding or removing secondary email addresses

Secondary email addresses (also called aliases) let you sign into your Apple ID with multiple emails without changing your primary one. They're useful if you have both a work and personal email but want to keep one as your main account.

To add a secondary email, go to appleid.apple.com or Settings > [Your Name] > Account, then click or tap Edit. Look for the Reachable At section and click or tap the plus sign to add a new email. Type the email address and click Add. Unlike primary email changes, secondary addresses don't require verification.

To remove a secondary email, go to the same screen, find the email in the Reachable At section, and click or tap the minus sign next to it. Confirm the removal when prompted.

What to do if you can't remember your password

If you've forgotten your Apple ID password, you won't be able to change your email until you reset it. On any device, go to the Apple ID sign-in screen and tap Forgot Apple ID or Password. Follow the prompts to reset using your trusted phone number or recovery key.

Once your password is reset, you can then change your email using the steps above. If you don't have access to your trusted phone number or recovery key, you may need to contact Apple Support to regain access to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my new email to work everywhere?

The email change takes effect immediately after verification, but it can take a few minutes to sync across all your devices. If you're still having trouble signing in on another device after 15 minutes, try signing out and signing back in manually.

Can I change my email if I'm locked out of my account?

No. You need to know your current password or have access to your trusted phone number or recovery key to make any changes to your account. If you've lost access to all of these, contact Apple Support for help recovering your account.

What happens to my old email address after I change it?

Your old email address is no longer tied to your Apple ID and can be used for a different account. If you think you might need it again, you can add it as a secondary email address instead of removing it entirely.

Do I need to update my email on iCloud.com or other Apple services?

No. Changing your Apple ID email automatically updates it across iCloud, the App Store, Apple Music, and all other Apple services. You don't need to make separate changes anywhere else.

Can I use a work email as my Apple ID?

Yes. You can change your primary Apple ID email to any valid email address, including a work email. Keep in mind that if you leave your job, you may lose access to that email and won't be able to sign into your Apple ID, so consider adding a personal email as a secondary address as backup.