You cannot change the birth date on an Apple ID once it is set

Apple locks the birth date associated with your Apple ID and does not allow you to edit it yourself through Settings, iCloud.com, or any Apple support tool. This is by design — the birth date controls which content you can read, which features you can use, and whether you need parental consent for purchases. Changing it would let someone bypass age restrictions.

If the birth date on your account is wrong, you have two paths: create a new Apple ID with the correct date, or contact Apple Support to request a manual change if you can prove the original entry was a genuine error.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple does not let you change your birth date yourself through any settings menu or website.
  • A wrong birth date affects which apps you can read, whether you need parental approval for purchases, and access to mature content.
  • You can create a new Apple ID with the correct birth date, but you will lose access to apps, subscriptions, and media bought under the old account.
  • Apple Support can manually change your birth date if you contact them with proof the original entry was a mistake, though the process takes time and is not may provide.
  • If you are under 18 and your account is linked to a parent's Family Sharing, your parent or guardian may be able to update your birth date through their account.

Why Apple locks your birth date

Your birth date determines your age rating restrictions across the App Store, Apple Books, Apple Music, and other Apple services. If you could change it freely, a young person could lower their age to unlock restricted content, or an adult could raise their age to bypass parental controls. Apple treats the birth date as a security boundary, not a preference you can adjust.

The birth date also controls whether you need parental consent to make purchases. Accounts for users under 18 in most countries require a parent or guardian to approve spending through Family Sharing. Allowing self-service changes would defeat that protection.

Creating a new Apple ID with the correct birth date

The simplest path for most people is to create a fresh Apple ID. Go to appleid.apple.com, click "Create your Apple ID," and enter the correct birth date during setup. You will need an email address (a new one or an existing one you do not use for another Apple ID) and a phone number for verification.

Before you create the new account, understand what you will lose: any apps, games, books, music, or subscriptions tied to your old Apple ID will no longer be accessible on devices signed into the new one. You cannot transfer purchases between accounts. If you have a paid subscription (Apple Music, Apple TV+, iCloud storage), you will need to renew it under the new ID or cancel the old one to stop being charged.

After you create the new ID, sign out of your devices using the old account and sign in with the new one. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out. On a Mac, go to System Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out. You will be asked whether to keep a copy of your data on the device — choose "Keep a Copy" if you want to preserve photos, notes, and other local files.

Requesting a manual change through Apple Support

If the birth date was entered incorrectly by mistake — for example, you were born in 1995 but the account shows 1985 — you can contact Apple Support and request a one-time correction. This is not a may provide process, and Apple will ask for proof that the original entry was genuinely wrong.

Start by visiting support.apple.com and selecting "Account & Billing." Choose "Apple ID" and then "Other Apple ID questions." You can request a callback, start a chat, or schedule a call with an Apple Support agent. Explain that your birth date was entered incorrectly and ask whether they can update it. Have your ID ready and be prepared to answer security questions to verify you own the account.

Apple may ask for a photo of your ID, a utility bill, or other documentation showing your actual birth date. The process can take several days or longer. There is no may provide they will approve the change — it depends on how different the dates are and how convincing your proof is. If they decline, your only option is to create a new account.

If your account is part of Family Sharing

If you are under 18 and your Apple ID is linked to a parent's or guardian's Family Sharing group, the account organizer (usually your parent) may be able to update your birth date. They cannot do it through a standard settings menu, but they can contact Apple Support on your behalf and request the change, since they manage the family group.

Ask your parent or guardian to call Apple Support or start a chat at support.apple.com. They will need to verify they are the account organizer and provide proof of your correct birth date. This route sometimes moves faster than a request from the account holder themselves, because Apple can verify the relationship through the Family Sharing setup.

What happens after your birth date is updated

Once your birth date is corrected — whether through a new account or a manual change — your age restrictions will update when ready. If you were locked out of certain apps or content because your account showed you as too young, you will now see those options. If your account showed you as older than you actually are and you are under 18, parental controls may set up if your account is part of Family Sharing.

If you created a new account, you will need to re-read your apps from the App Store. Paid apps you bought under the old account will not transfer, but you can re-read free apps at no cost. Subscriptions will not carry over — you will need to renew them under the new account or cancel the old ones to avoid duplicate charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my birth date if I just created my Apple ID yesterday?

No. Apple does not allow self-service changes to birth date regardless of how new the account is. You would need to contact Apple Support with proof the date was wrong, or create a new account with the correct information.

Will I lose my iCloud photos and files if I create a new Apple ID?

Your iCloud data is tied to your old Apple ID. When you sign out and sign in with a new ID, you will lose access to files stored in iCloud under the old account. You can read them before switching if you save them to your device first, but they will not automatically move to the new account.

What if Apple Support says they cannot change my birth date?

If Apple declines to make a manual correction, creating a new account is your only option. Make sure you read or back up any important data from the old account before you switch, since you will not be able to access it once you sign out.

Does my parent need to do anything if my birth date is corrected?

If your account is part of Family Sharing, your parent may see a notification that your age has changed. Parental controls and spending limits may adjust automatically based on your new age. Your parent can review these settings in the Family Sharing section of their account.

Can I use a different email address for my new Apple ID?

Yes. Your new Apple ID can use any email address you have access to, including one you already own. It cannot be an email address already linked to another Apple ID, but you can use a Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or iCloud address you have not registered before.