What you can change on your Apple ID and what you cannot

Your Apple ID is the account you use to sign into iCloud, the App Store, Apple Music, and other Apple services. You can change several pieces of information — your password, recovery email, phone number, payment method, and name — but you cannot change the email address itself once it becomes your Apple ID. If you need a different email as your main account, you will need to create a new Apple ID entirely.

Most changes take effect when ready, though some (like payment method updates) may take a few minutes to sync across Apple's servers. Changes to your password or security settings log you out of all your devices, so you will need to sign back in.

The easiest way to make changes depends on what you are changing. Password and security settings are fastest on a Mac or PC through Apple's website. Name, phone number, and payment method are easier on an iPhone or iPad because the settings are built into the system. We will walk through both paths.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password, recovery email, phone number, name, and payment method, but not the email address that is your Apple ID.
  • Password changes log you out of all devices, so plan to sign back in on anything you use regularly.
  • On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security to change your password or add a recovery email.
  • On a Mac or PC, visit appleid.apple.com, sign in, and use the Account section to modify most information.
  • Two-factor authentication must be turned on to change certain settings, and Apple will send a verification code to your trusted phone or email.

Changing your password on iPhone, iPad, or Mac

On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings and tap your name at the top. Tap Password & Security, then tap Change Password. You will see a field for your current password and two fields for your new password. Type a password that is at least eight characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — Apple will tell you if it is too weak. Tap Change or Update Password when you are done.

On a Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), click your name in the sidebar, then click Password. Click the lock icon in the bottom left, enter your Mac password, then click Change Password. Follow the same rules for strength. On a Windows PC, go to appleid.apple.com in a web browser, sign in, click Account, then click Security. Click Change Password and follow the prompts.

After you change your password, Apple will sign you out of all your devices. You will need to sign back in on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or any other device where you use that Apple ID. Have your new password ready before you start the change.

Adding or changing a recovery email and phone number

A recovery email and recovery phone number let you regain access to your account if you forget your password or lose access to your main email. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security. Scroll down to the Recovery Email section and tap Add Recovery Email or Edit. Type the email address you want to use (it should be one you check regularly and that is not another Apple ID). Tap Next and follow the prompts to verify it.

For a recovery phone number, stay in Password & Security and scroll to Recovery Phone Number. Tap Add Recovery Phone Number or Edit, type the number, and choose whether it is for calls, text messages, or both. Apple will send a verification code to that number — enter it to confirm. You can add up to three recovery methods total (one recovery email and up to two phone numbers).

On a Mac or PC, go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, click Account, then click Edit next to Rescue Email or Phone Number. Follow the same process to add or change the information and verify it with a code.

Updating your name and contact information

Your name on your Apple ID appears on receipts, in the App Store, and in iCloud. To change it on iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Name, Phone, Email. Tap Edit next to your name and type the new name you want to use. Tap Done. This change takes effect when ready.

You can also change the phone number associated with your account here. Tap Edit next to your phone number, type the new one, and tap Done. This is different from a recovery phone number — this is the main contact number on file for your account.

On a Mac or PC, go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, click Account, then click Edit next to Name. Type your new name and click Save. To change your main phone number, click Edit next to Phone Number in the same section.

Changing your payment method and billing address

Your payment method is what Apple charges when you buy apps, music, or subscriptions. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Payment Method. Tap Edit, then choose to add a new card or remove an existing one. If you are adding a card, enter the card number, expiration date, and security code. Enter your billing address and tap Save.

You can store multiple payment methods and choose which one to use at checkout. To set a default, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Payment Method and tap the card you want to use first.

On a Mac or PC, go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, click Account, then click Payment Method. Click Edit, add or remove a card, and enter your billing address. Changes to payment methods may take a few minutes to sync, so do not make a purchase when ready after updating.

Turning on two-factor authentication for extra security

Two-factor authentication adds a second step when you sign into your Apple ID from a new device or browser. After you enter your password, Apple sends a code to a trusted phone or email, and you must enter that code to finish signing in. This makes it much harder for someone else to access your account even if they know your password.

On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security and look for Two-Factor Authentication. If it is not already on, tap Turn On Two-Factor Authentication and follow the prompts. Apple will ask you to verify a trusted phone number. On a Mac or PC, go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, click Account, then click Security. Click Turn On Two-Factor Authentication and follow the same steps.

Once two-factor is on, you cannot turn it off — Apple considers it essential for account security. If you lose access to your trusted phone or email, you can add a new trusted device or contact Apple Support to regain access.

What to do if you cannot sign in to make changes

If you forget your password or cannot access your recovery email, you will need to use Apple's account recovery process. On any device, go to iforgot.apple.com. Enter your Apple ID email address and click Continue. Apple will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery phone number, recovery email, or a trusted device you have already signed into. Answer the security questions or enter the code Apple sends, then you can reset your password.

If you do not have access to any recovery method, contact Apple Support through appleid.apple.com or by calling Apple directly. Have your original receipt or proof of purchase for an Apple device ready — Apple uses this to verify you own the account. The recovery process can take several days if you have lost access to all your trusted contacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Apple ID email address to a different email?

No. Once an email becomes your Apple ID, it cannot be changed. If you need to use a different email, you must create a new Apple ID with that email address. You can then transfer purchases and data from your old account, though this process has limits — contact Apple Support for help with transfers.

What happens to my apps and subscriptions if I change my password?

Your apps and subscriptions stay with your account. Changing your password does not affect them. You will be signed out of all devices and need to sign back in, but once you do, everything will work as before.

Do I need two-factor authentication to change my Apple ID information?

Not for most changes. However, if you want to change your password or add a recovery method, Apple may ask you to verify your identity with a code sent to a trusted phone or email. Two-factor authentication makes this verification automatic and more find.

How long does it take for changes to my Apple ID to take effect?

Most changes (name, phone number, password) take effect when ready. Payment method changes may take a few minutes to sync across Apple's servers. If you do not see a change after 15 minutes, sign out and sign back in on the device where you made the change.

What if my recovery phone number is no longer active?

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security and tap Edit next to Recovery Phone Number. Remove the old number and add a new one. Verify the new number with a code. If you cannot access any recovery method, use iforgot.apple.com to start the account recovery process.