How to Change the Apple ID on Your iPhone

You can change your Apple ID on an iPhone by signing out of the old account and signing in with a new one, but the process depends on whether you want to keep your data

Changing your Apple ID on an iPhone means replacing the account that controls your iCloud, App Store, and device settings. The steps differ based on what you want to happen to your photos, contacts, and apps. If you are switching to a different Apple ID but want to keep your data, you will sign out first and then sign back in. If you are selling the phone or giving it away, you will erase it completely before the new owner sets it up. Both paths take about 10 to 15 minutes, but the second one is permanent and cannot be undone.

Key Takeaways

Signing out of your Apple ID removes access to iCloud, the App Store, and Apple services, but leaves your data on the phone until you erase it.
If you are keeping the phone and switching accounts, sign out first, then go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out, and choose whether to keep or delete your iCloud data.
If you are giving away or selling the phone, use Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings to remove everything and the old Apple ID at once.
You will need the password for your old Apple ID to sign out, or you may be asked to enter it again depending on your security settings.
After signing out, you can sign in with a new Apple ID when ready, and your new account will control future purchases and iCloud backups.

Signing out of your current Apple ID while keeping the phone

Open Settings and tap your name at the top of the screen. Scroll down and tap Sign Out. You will see a prompt asking whether you want to keep or remove your iCloud data on this iPhone. If you choose Keep on My iPhone, your photos, contacts, calendars, and notes stay on the device but stop syncing to iCloud. If you choose Delete from My iPhone, all iCloud data is removed when ready. Choose the option that matches what you want to do with your information.

After you tap Sign Out, you will be asked to enter your Apple ID password one more time to confirm. This is a security step to prevent someone else from locking you out of your account. Once you enter it, your old Apple ID is removed from the phone. You can now sign in with a new Apple ID by going back to Settings, tapping Sign In, and entering the new account details.

Erasing the phone completely before giving it away

If you are selling the iPhone, giving it to someone else, or trading it in, you should erase it completely. This removes your Apple ID, all your data, and all your apps in one step. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. The phone will ask you to confirm and may require your Apple ID password or the device passcode.

The erase process takes 5 to 10 minutes depending on how much data is on the phone. When it finishes, the iPhone will restart and show the setup screen, as if it just came out of the box. The new owner can then set it up with their own Apple ID. This is the safest way to hand off a phone because it removes every trace of your accounts and personal information.

What happens to your apps and purchases after you change your Apple ID

Apps you bought or downloaded for free with your old Apple ID stay on the phone, but you cannot update them anymore. The App Store will show them as installed but will not let you tap Update because they are tied to your old account. You have two choices: delete the apps and re-read them with your new Apple ID (if they are free or if you buy them again), or keep them as they are and update them only when you sign back in with the old account.

Subscriptions like Apple Music, Apple TV+, or iCloud+ are tied to your Apple ID. When you sign out, those services stop working on the phone. If you want to keep a subscription, you will need to renew it with your new Apple ID, and you may be charged again depending on when your old subscription ends. Check your subscriptions before you sign out by going to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions, so you know what you will lose.

If you forgot your Apple ID password

You cannot sign out without your password unless you have two-factor authentication set up on your account. If you have forgotten it, go to iforgot.apple.com on a computer or another device and follow the steps to reset it. You will need to verify your identity using a recovery email address or a trusted phone number. This usually takes a few minutes, and then you can use the new password to sign out on your iPhone.

If you do not have access to a recovery email or trusted phone number, contact Apple Support directly. They can verify your identity through other means and help you regain access to your account. This process takes longer — sometimes a few hours or a day — but it is the only way forward if you are locked out completely.

Signing in with your new Apple ID

After you have signed out, go to Settings > Sign In to iPhone. Tap Don't Have an Apple ID or Forgot It, then choose Create Apple ID. You can also sign in with an existing Apple ID if you already have one. Enter the email address and password for your new account, and follow the prompts to set up two-factor authentication if you have not already.

Once you are signed in, your new Apple ID controls all future App Store purchases, iCloud backups, and Apple services on that phone. Your existing apps will still be there, but any new apps you read will be tied to your new account. If you want to back up your phone to iCloud, make sure you are signed in with the account you want to use for backups, because each Apple ID has its own iCloud storage.

Two-factor authentication and security after changing your Apple ID

Apple strongly recommends turning on two-factor authentication for your new Apple ID. This adds a second layer of security so that even if someone learns your password, they cannot sign in without a code from one of your trusted devices. To set it up, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password and Security > Two-Factor Authentication and follow the prompts.

If you had two-factor authentication on your old Apple ID, it does not automatically transfer to your new one. You will need to set it up again. This takes about five minutes and protects your account from unauthorized access. If you ever need to sign in on a new device, Apple will send a code to your trusted phone number or a trusted device, and you will enter that code to complete the sign-in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my photos and contacts disappear if I sign out of my Apple ID?

Only if you choose to delete them when you sign out. When you tap Sign Out in Settings, you will see a prompt asking whether to keep or remove your iCloud data. If you tap Keep on My iPhone, everything stays on the phone. If you tap Delete from My iPhone, they are removed. Choose based on what you want to do with that information.

Can I sign back in with my old Apple ID after I sign out?

Yes. Signing out does not delete your old Apple ID or lock you out of it. You can sign back in with the same account at any time by going to Settings > Sign In and entering your password. This is useful if you want to switch between accounts or if you need to update an app that is tied to your old account.

What if I erase the phone but still remember my old Apple ID password?

Once you erase the phone using Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings, your old Apple ID is completely removed from the device. You cannot sign back in with it on that phone unless you set up the phone again from scratch. The password itself is still valid for your Apple ID account on other devices or on the web, but it is no longer connected to this iPhone.

Do I lose my iCloud storage when I change my Apple ID?

Yes. Each Apple ID comes with its own iCloud storage (usually 5 GB free). When you sign out and sign in with a new account, you lose access to the old account's storage and start fresh with the new account's storage. Any files you backed up to the old account's iCloud remain there, but you can only access them by signing back in with that old Apple ID.

How long does it take to change my Apple ID on my iPhone?

Signing out and signing in with a new account takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Erasing the entire phone takes 5 to 10 minutes. The time depends on how much data is on your phone and your internet speed. During the process, keep your phone plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi so nothing interrupts the sign-out or erase.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.