How to Change Your Apple ID on an iPhone or iPad + Fixes

Your personal Apple Account (previously called Apple ID) is what enables you to purchase and download apps, music, videos, and so on from the App Store. It also allows you to sign into services such as iCloud and Find My iPhone. If you want to keep all your associated data without making a new account, you can easily change the email address. To make store purchases on another Apple Account, you can create and sign into another account. Here's how to change your Apple ID email on an iPhone.

Quick Steps

Open Settings and tap your Apple Account.
Tap Sign In & Security.
Tap Edit next to "Email & Phone Numbers".
Tap the (-) Remove icon and tap Delete.
Tap Choose Another Email.
Enter a new email address, and then tap Continue.

Section 1 of 4:

Using Your iPhone or iPad

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1
Open the Settings app. This is the grey cog icon.
- Instead of creating a new Apple Account, you can just change the associated email. This way, you won't lose data.
2
Tap your Apple Account. You can find this at the very top. You’ll see your name and profile picture or initials.
- If you aren't already signed into your Apple Account, enter your email address and password to do so now.
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A red minus icon will appear next to your current Apple Account.
A new option will appear.
A pop-up warning will open.
If you're asked to enter your device passcode, enter it now.
8
Enter a new email address and tap Continue. Make sure to spell it correctly.
- A verification code will be sent to the email address.
9
Enter the verification code. This will confirm your new Apple Account email.
- It may take a few days for the new Apple Account email to update.

Section 2 of 4:

Using the Web

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1
Sign into https://account.apple.com/. You can use a desktop or mobile browser. Select Sign In on the center of the page, and then enter your login information.
- If you don't have access to your Apple Account on a trusted device, you can use the Apple website instead.
- You may be asked to provide a code before you can log in. If you don't have a device nearby, select Didn't get a verification code? and select Text Me or More Options.
  - You'll need the phone number associated with your Apple Account.
This is on the left side of the page.
3
Remove all devices associated with your account. If you don't do this, or if you have Stolen Device Protection turned on, you'll be blocked from changing your Apple Account on the web.
- Select a device from the list.
- Select Remove from account.
- Repeat for all devices.
This is on the left side of the page.
This is the top tile.
A new window will open.
This will be your new Apple Account.
This is the blue button at the bottom-right corner.
9
Enter your password and tap Continue. Make sure to spell it correctly.
- A verification code will be sent to the email address.
10
Enter the verification code. This will confirm your new Apple Account email.
- It may take a few days for the new Apple Account email to update.

Section 3 of 4:

Logging Into Another Apple Account

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1
Open the Settings app. This is the grey cog icon.
- Use this method if you want to log out of your current Apple Account and create or sign into a new Apple Account on your iPhone.
This is at the top of the screen.
You may need to scroll down to find this; it's at the very bottom of the page.
4
Enter your Apple Account password. This is for security reasons.
- You may be asked if you want to keep a copy of your data on your device. If you do, tap OK.
5
Tap Sign Out twice. You'll be logged out of your Apple Account.
- Return to the main Settings page.
This is at the top of the page where you would usually see your Apple Account.
7
Tap Don't have an Apple Account or forgot it?. This will be underneath the Apple Account field.
- If you already have another Apple Account, enter the information to log in now.
The setup process will begin.
You'll be asked to enter your birthday, name, email address, password, and phone number.
10
Verify your information. Once you've added a phone number and email address, you'll need to verify both. Enter the confirmation code sent to your phone and email to verify.
- Your new Apple Account will be created. You'll now be able to access all Apple services, such as iTunes, iCloud, the App Store, and more.
- If you want to switch back to your other Apple Account, go to Settings > Apple Account > Sign Out. Tap Sign in to your iPhone and enter your login information.

Section 4 of 4:

Troubleshooting

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If you try to use an iCloud email that was created within the last 30 days, you may be asked to try again later. In this case, let the account sit for at least a month before using it.
If you're unable to use an email address, make sure a family member isn't already using the email. Check their settings to confirm. If they are, you can remove it from their account with the steps above.

Community Q&A

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Question

How do I create a new Apple idea on iPhone?

Community Answer

For iOS 10.2 and earlier, settings, iCloud, and create a new apple ID. From there it should be fairly straightforward.

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What can I do if I do not remember my Apple ID or password?

Community Answer

You can put the answers to your secret questions in the "forgotten password" area and change your password.

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Tips

To change the currently logged-in Apple Account on an iPhone, you just need to open the Apple Account menu in Settings, tap the Apple Account field at the top of the screen, and tap "Sign Out". You can log in with a different existing Apple Account from here.

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Since certain app data is pertinent to your Apple Account, you may lose information like Game Center rankings or Notes if you switch from one existing Apple Account to another.

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Warnings

Be sure to sign out of your Apple Account on all devices if you ever sell one of them.

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Your security questions and passwords should be memorable to you and completely nonsensical to anyone else. Try using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.

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