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

Your Apple ID email is the address you use to sign into iCloud, the App Store, Apple Music, and other Apple services. If you want to use a different email — because you've switched providers, created a new account, or straightforward prefer a different address — you can change it yourself in a few minutes. The process is the same whether you're on an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or a web browser.

Before you start, make sure you have access to both your current email address and the new one you want to use. Apple will send a verification code to the new address to confirm the change is really you. If you can't receive emails at either address, you'll need to recover your account first through Apple's account recovery process.

Key Takeaways

  • You need access to both your current email and your new email address before you begin the change.
  • On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password and Security > Change Email to start the process.
  • On Mac, open System Settings > [Your Name] > Password and Security > Change Email.
  • Apple will send a verification code to your new email address, and you must enter it to complete the change.
  • After you change your email, update it in any apps or services that have your Apple ID saved, like email clients or cloud backup settings.

Changing your email on iPhone or iPad

Open the Settings app and tap your name at the top of the screen. Then tap Password and Security. You'll see an option that says Change Email — tap that.

Apple will ask you to enter your device passcode or use Face ID or Touch ID to verify it's you. After you authenticate, you'll see a field for your new email address. Type the email you want to use instead. Apple will then send a verification code to that new address — check your inbox (and spam folder) for an email from Apple.

Once you receive the code, return to the Settings app and enter it in the field that appears. Apple will also send a confirmation email to your old address letting you know the change went through. If you don't see either email within a few minutes, check your spam folder or wait a bit longer — sometimes Apple's emails take a moment to arrive.

Changing your email on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click your name in the sidebar (it appears near the top), then click Password and Security. You'll see Change Email as an option.

Your Mac will ask you to authenticate with your password or Touch ID. After you do, enter your new email address in the field that appears. Apple will send a verification code to that address. Open your email and look for a message from Apple with the code, then return to System Settings and enter it.

Changing your email through iCloud.com

Go to iCloud.com in any web browser and sign in with your current Apple ID email and password. Click your name or profile picture in the top-right corner, then select Account Settings.

On the Account Settings page, click Edit next to your email address. You'll be asked to enter your new email and then verify it with a code sent to that address. The process is the same as on your device — enter the code when it arrives, and the change is complete.

What happens to your old email address

Your old email address doesn't disappear when ready. Apple keeps it as a recovery email for your account for a short time, which means you can still use it to sign into your Apple ID if you need to. This is a safety feature in case you change your mind or made a mistake.

After 30 days, your old email address is fully removed from your account. At that point, you won't be able to use it to sign in anymore. If you want to remove it sooner, you can go back into Password and Security settings and delete it manually — but keep in mind that you'll lose it as a recovery option.

Updating your email in apps and services

Changing your Apple ID email doesn't automatically update it everywhere you've used it. If you use your Apple ID email in other apps — like Gmail, Outlook, or third-party email clients — you'll need to update those manually.

For example, if you've set up iCloud Mail forwarding in Gmail or another email service, you'll need to go into those settings and update the address there. If you use Apple Mail on your Mac or iPhone, the change should sync automatically, but it's worth checking that your email is working properly after you make the change. Send yourself a test email to confirm.

If you can't access your current or new email address

If you've lost access to the email address you're currently using for your Apple ID, you can't change it through the normal process. Instead, you'll need to use Apple's account recovery tool, which you can find at iforgot.apple.com. This process takes longer — usually a few days — because Apple needs to verify your identity through other means, like your recovery phone number or security questions.

If you're trying to change to a new email but can't receive messages there, make sure you're checking the right inbox and spam folder. If the email truly isn't arriving, try again after a few minutes. If the problem persists, contact Apple Support through their website or by calling your local Apple Support number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same email for multiple Apple IDs?

No. Each Apple ID must have a unique email address. If you try to use an email that's already connected to another Apple ID, the system will reject it. If you want to consolidate accounts, you'll need to contact Apple Support — they can help you merge accounts in some situations.

What if I change my email and then want to change it back?

You can change your email as many times as you want using the same process. Your old email stays as a recovery option for 30 days, so you can change back to it during that window. After 30 days, you can still use it if you add it as a new email address, as long as it's not attached to another Apple ID.

Will changing my Apple ID email affect my iCloud data?

No. Your photos, documents, contacts, and other iCloud data stay exactly where they are. The email change only affects how you sign in — it doesn't touch any of your stored information. Your iCloud Mail address (if you have one) also stays the same.

Do I need to change my password when I change my email?

You don't have to, but it's a good idea if you're changing your email because you're concerned about account security. You can change your password in the same Password and Security settings where you changed your email. Just tap Change Password and follow the prompts.

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

The change is usually complete within a few minutes of entering the verification code. However, it can take up to an hour for the change to sync across all Apple services. If you're having trouble signing in with your new email right after the change, wait a bit and try again.