Your Apple ID is the account you use to access Apple services like the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, and more. It’s important to keep your Apple ID information up to date so you can securely access these services.
Sometimes you may need to change your Apple ID information, like your Apple ID email address or password. You may want to update your email address if you’ve stopped using an old email. Updating your password periodically is also good security practice.
Fortunately, it’s easy to change your Apple ID email address and password right from your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or PC. In this article, we’ll walk through the steps to change your Apple ID email address and password to update your Apple App Store account.
Requirements to Change Apple ID Email or Password
Here are a few requirements to keep in mind before changing your Apple ID email or password:
– You’ll need to know your current Apple ID password to make any changes. If you’ve forgotten your password, you can reset it.
– You can change your email address to any valid email that is not already associated with an Apple ID. It’s best to choose an email you actively use and check regularly.
– Your new password must meet the minimum password requirements: at least 8 characters including a number and uppercase letter.
– You’ll need to have access to the trusted phone number or trusted devices associated with your Apple ID to complete the change.
– Some changes require identity verification for security. You may need to provide personal info or confirm using a verification code.
As long as you meet these requirements, you can update your Apple ID by following a few simple steps.
How to Change Apple ID Email Address
Follow these instructions to change the email associated with your Apple ID:
1. On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, open the Settings app and tap your name at the top. On your Mac, go to System Preferences > Apple ID.
2. Tap Name, ID, and Picture.
3. Tap Edit to the right of your Apple ID.
4. Tap the Email field and enter your new email address.
5. Agree to the Terms & Conditions.
6. Tap Next and follow the verification steps. You’ll get a 6 digit verification code to confirm your new email.
7. Enter the code and tap Continue.
Once you complete verification, your new email will replace the old one as your Apple ID. You can use it to sign in and make purchases going forward.
If you changed your email because your old one was compromised, be sure to also change it for any connected services like iCloud, FaceTime, etc. You’ll also want to update it on devices signed into your Apple ID.
How to Change Apple ID Password
Here are the steps to reset your Apple ID password:
1. Go to appleid.apple.com and click “Forgot Apple ID or password?”
2. Enter your Apple ID email address and click Continue.
3. Choose how you want to reset your password: via email or phone. Email is best if you have access to your old email.
4. Follow the verification steps which will involve entering a code sent to your trusted phone number or device.
5. Create a new password that meets the password requirements.
6. If prompted, complete two-factor authentication to fully validate the password change.
Once you’ve successfully changed your password, you’ll be able to sign in to your Apple ID with your new password going forward. Make sure to also update the password on any trusted devices signed in to your account.
How to Change Apple ID Settings
Aside from changing your Apple ID email and password, there are a few other Apple ID settings you can update:
– Name: You can edit your first and last name.
– Payment method: Update the credit/debit card or payment method for purchases.
– Country/region: Change your country/region to access services available in a different geographical storefront.
– iCloud settings: Manage your iCloud storage plan or restore iCloud data.
– Security: Update trusted phone numbers or devices used for two-factor authentication.
– Subscriptions: View and manage subscriptions like Apple Music or iCloud storage.
– Payment history: Check your App Store and other purchase history.
Most of these settings can be changed using the steps outlined above to edit your Apple ID. Just navigate to the specific section you want to update within the Apple ID management screens.
Unlink Your Apple ID from a Device
If you want to entirely dissociate your Apple ID from a device, you can unlink it:
On iPhone/iPad:
1. Go to Settings > [your name].
2. Tap Sign Out and enter your Apple ID password.
On Mac:
1. Go to System Preferences > Apple ID > Overview
2. Click Sign Out and enter your password.
This will remove your Apple ID account and all associated synced data and settings from that device. You can then link a different Apple ID or set up the device as new.
Manage Apple Subscriptions After Changing Apple ID
If you change your Apple ID email, you’ll need to update it for any associated Apple subscriptions and services:
– App Store and iTunes: Re-enter your updated Apple ID when making future purchases. Previously purchased content will remain accessible.
– Apple Music: Go to Account Settings in the Music app and change your Apple ID email. Your playlists and library will transfer over.
– iCloud: Sign out and back in to iCloud with your new credentials to continue syncing data.
– News, Arcade, Fitness+: Update your Apple ID email in the iOS Settings or Mac System Preferences for each app.
– Device Installment Plan: Contact Apple Support to associate your installment plan with the new Apple ID.
As long as you re-associate your Apple subscriptions and content with your new Apple ID, you’ll have continued access with minimal disruption.
Troubleshooting Apple ID Changes
Here are some common issues and fixes when trying to change your Apple ID information:
– Forgotten Apple ID password: Use the password reset steps outlined above or contact Apple Support to regain access.
– Error verifying new email: Make sure you have access to the email and can receive verification codes. Check spam folders.
– Apple ID email change not reflected everywhere: Log out and back in to all Apple services and devices to sync the updated email.
– Payment issues after changing Apple ID: Contact Apple Support to merge your old and new Apple IDs to consolidate purchase histories.
– Can’t sign in after changing password: Make sure you are entering the new password correctly. Use trusted recovery options to confirm the change was successful.
– Issues with Apple ID security and two factor: Check and update trusted phone numbers and devices if needed. Reset two factor authentication.
If you continue having issues updating your Apple ID, contact Apple Support via live chat or phone for assistance getting back into your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about changing your Apple App Store account:
Does changing my Apple ID email change my iCloud account?
Yes, your Apple ID email is linked to your iCloud account. Changing your Apple ID email will update your iCloud as well. Re-sign in on devices to sync the new email with iCloud services.
Can I merge two Apple IDs into one account?
Unfortunately Apple does not allow merging two Apple IDs. You will need to choose one account as your primary going forward. Contact Apple support to help move purchases and subscriptions from an old Apple ID to a new one.
Will changing my password log me out of apps?
Changing your Apple ID password invalidates previous sign in sessions. You will be required to sign in again using your new password on your devices and Apple apps.
Do I need to update my payment info if I change my Apple ID?
No, your payment methods will carry over when you change your Apple ID email or password. However, you should update your expiration date or billing details if needed.
Can I use a Hide My Email address for my Apple ID?
Yes, you can use a private email address generated through Hide My Email as your Apple ID. This keeps your personal email more private.
Conclusion
Keeping your Apple App Store account details like your Apple ID email and password up to date ensures you have secure access to Apple services. Change these credentials periodically as a good security practice.
To change your Apple ID email, go to your account settings and edit it there after identity verification. You can reset your Apple ID password if forgotten, or update to a new one for better security. Make sure to re-associate any Apple subscriptions with your new account details so you don’t lose access.
Changing your Apple App Store account details is a straightforward process. Just follow the steps outlined here, and contact Apple support if you encounter any issues getting back into your account. Keeping your login credentials current gives you peace of mind that your Apple services and purchases are protected.
