How to Create a Second Apple ID

You can create a second Apple ID on any device where you have access to an email address

A second Apple ID is a separate account from your primary one, with its own email, password, and payment method. You might want one to keep work apps separate from personal ones, to give a family member their own account, or to test apps before installing them on your main account. Creating one takes about five minutes and requires only an email address you can access and a password you choose.

The process is the same whether you use an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch. You do not need to delete your first Apple ID — both can exist on the same device, though only one can be the primary account at a time.

Key Takeaways

You need an email address you can access and a password you create; Apple will send a verification code to that email.
On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > tap "Don't have a Passcode or forgot yours?" at the bottom to start a new account.
On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Login Items, then create a new user account, or use the App Store to sign in with a different Apple ID.
A second Apple ID can use the same payment method as your first one, or a different one — you control which account pays for each purchase.
You can switch between Apple IDs on the same device without signing out of the first one, though only one can be active in the App Store at a time.

Creating a second Apple ID on iPhone or iPad

Open Settings and scroll to the top. Tap your name and profile picture. Scroll down and tap "Don't have a Passcode or forgot yours?" — this link appears at the very bottom of the screen. Tap "Create a new Apple ID" when prompted. You will be asked to enter a birth date, then an email address. Use an email you have access to right now; Apple will send a verification code there.

Choose a strong password — Apple requires at least eight characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, and a number. Enter the password twice. On the next screen, you can add a payment method or skip this step. If you skip it, you can add one later, but you will only be able to read free apps until you do. Tap through the remaining screens to agree to Apple's terms, then verify your email by entering the code Apple sends.

Once verification is complete, this new Apple ID is ready to use. You can sign out of it and back into your original account by going to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out, then signing back in with your first Apple ID and password.

Creating a second Apple ID on Mac

The fastest way on a Mac is to create a separate user account for the second Apple ID. Go to System Settings > General > Login Items. Click the lock icon in the bottom left and enter your password. Click the plus sign next to "Allow these users to log in" and create a new user account. When you log into that account, you can sign into the App Store with your second Apple ID.

Alternatively, you can stay in your current user account and sign into the App Store with a different Apple ID without changing your main account. Open the App Store, click your profile picture in the top right corner, and select "Sign Out." Then click "Sign In" and enter your second Apple ID and password. This keeps your main account active everywhere else on the Mac while using the second ID only for app purchases.

What you can and cannot do with a second Apple ID

Each Apple ID has its own iCloud storage, so photos, documents, and backups stored under one ID will not appear under the other. This is useful if you want to keep work files separate from personal ones. Each ID also has its own App Store purchase history and can have a different payment method attached.

You cannot merge two Apple IDs or transfer apps, photos, or purchases from one to the other. If you buy an app on your first ID, you cannot use it on your second ID without buying it again. However, you can set up Family Sharing to let multiple family members use apps purchased by the primary account — this is different from creating a second ID and is often a better choice if you want to share apps within a household.

Adding or changing a payment method on your second ID

Open Settings (or System Settings on Mac) and tap your name. Tap "Payment and Shipping" or "Payment Method." Tap "Add Payment Method" and enter a credit card, debit card, or Apple ID balance. You can use the same card as your first Apple ID, or a different one — the choice is yours.

If you want to use no payment method at all, you can set your payment method to "None" and read only free apps. This is useful if you are creating an ID for a child or if you want to test apps before committing to a purchase on your main account.

Switching between your two Apple IDs

On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out. Enter your password when prompted. Then go back to Settings > [Your Name] > "Don't have a Passcode or forgot yours?" and sign in with your second Apple ID. You can switch back and forth as often as you need to.

On Mac, click the Apple menu in the top left, select "System Settings," go to "General" > "Login Items," and log out of your current user account. Log in with a different account, or stay in the same account and sign out of the App Store, then sign in with your second ID. Only one Apple ID can be active in the App Store at a time, but your main account remains active for iCloud, email, and other services.

Common reasons to use a second Apple ID

Parents often create a second ID for a child so they can control what apps the child downloads and set spending limits. A second ID keeps the child's data separate from the parent's and allows the parent to monitor activity without sharing their own account.

Some people use a second ID to keep work apps and data separate from personal ones. Others create one to test beta versions of apps or to read apps that are region-locked to a different country. A second ID can also be useful if you share a device with someone else and want to keep your purchases and data private.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same email address for two Apple IDs?

No. Each Apple ID must have a unique email address. If you want a second ID, you need a second email address. You can create a free email account at Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo if you do not have a second address already.

What happens to my apps if I sign out of my first Apple ID?

Apps you downloaded with your first ID will remain on your device, but you will not receive updates for them unless you sign back in with that ID. Signing out does not delete the apps themselves. You can still use them; you just cannot update them or re-read them without signing back in.

Can I use Family Sharing instead of creating a second Apple ID?

Yes, and it is often a better choice. Family Sharing lets up to six people share apps, music, and subscriptions purchased by the primary account holder without creating separate IDs. Each person still has their own iCloud account and data. Set it up in Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing.

Do I need a different payment method for my second Apple ID?

No. You can use the same credit card or debit card for both IDs, or use different ones. You can also set one ID to have no payment method and read only free apps. The choice is entirely yours.

Can I delete a second Apple ID after I create it?

Yes. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password and Security > Apps and Websites, find the ID you want to remove, and tap "Stop Using Apple ID." This removes it from your device but does not delete the account itself. To permanently delete an Apple ID account, you must go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, and request account deletion from there.

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.