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You are here: Home / Apple Services / How to Change an Apple ID Email You No Longer Have Access To

How to Change an Apple ID Email You No Longer Have Access To

By Mike Peterson 94 comments Last updated February 17, 2019

Change Apple ID Email (Without Access To It)

For the most part, email accounts are things we always have access to. But there are some exceptions.

Some types of email accounts, like work emails and school emails, depend on our current status. Because of that, we can lose access to those email accounts pretty easily.

That’s normally not an issue, but it’s not ideal if you lose access to an account that’s tied to another service or website — like your Apple ID, for example.

If your Apple ID is associated with an email account that you no longer have access to, you might want to change it. Here’s how.

Contents

  • What Can You Do?
  • What If I Don’t Remember my Password?
    • If You Don’t Use Two-Factor Authentication
    • If You Use Two-Factor Authentication
    • Have a Recovery Key?
  • How to Avoid Any Issues For Next Time

What Can You Do?

Luckily, if you still remember the password to your Apple ID, then you can change the email address associated with your account in a couple of ways.

  • Go to this website (appleid.apple.com).
  • Sign in with your defunct email address and your password.
  • Under the Account section, click Edit.
  • Click Change Apple ID under the Apple ID section.
  • Enter the email address you’d like to use as your new Apple ID.
  • Click continue.

If you’re logged into an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch device, and you’re running at least iOS 10.3 or later, then you can change your Apple ID email address straight from your device.

  • Open Settings
  • Tap on your Apple ID card at the top.
  • Select on Name, Phone Numbers, Email.
  • Choose Edit.
  • Tap on the red mark next to your old email to delete it.
  • Choose Continue on the window that pops up.
  • Enter the email address you’d like to use instead.
  • (Note: Apple may ask you to validate via security questions before you can continue.)
  • Tap Next.

What If I Don’t Remember my Password?

If you don’t remember the password to your Apple ID (and you don’t have access to the email address on your account), you might not be entirely out of luck.

RELATED:  Apple ID is Disabled, How-To Go About Resolving the issue

The Apple ID website allows you a couple of options, depending on what security option you have set up.

AppleId email account

If You Don’t Use Two-Factor Authentication

If you’ve inputted security questions, then you can choose to answer those questions during the password reset process to reset your password.

Have you lost your device? You can try going through the password reset steps on a friend’s or family member’s iOS device. Just open Find My iPhone, ensure that the email field is blank, and tap Forgot Apple ID or Password.

If You Use Two-Factor Authentication

You can also reset your Apple ID password on a trusted iOS device by going to Settings > iCloud > (Your Name) > Password & Security > Change Password.

On a trusted Mac device, go to the Apple > System Preferences, and click on iCloud. Click Account Details and then on Forgot Apple ID or password.

If all else fails and you have two-factor authentication set up, you can always try Apple’s account recovery process. It’s the last resort for when you can’t sign in or reset your Apple ID.

  • Apple Two-Factor Authentication Account Recovery

If you have two-factor authentication setup, you lost your password and your trusted device; there are cases when your Apple account could be permanently lost.

Have a Recovery Key?

If you updated your Apple ID from two-step verification to two-factor authentication in iOS 11+ or macOS High Sierra+, AND you have a recovery key, use that recovery key to help reset your password.

Learn more about Recovery Keys in this Apple whitepaper.

How to Avoid Any Issues For Next Time

Even if you change your Apple ID email address, remember that an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure. To avoid any issues in the future, follow these steps.

  • Never use a corporate, school or work email for your Apple ID. There are plenty of email providers that offer free accounts — opt for something you’ll never lose access to.
  • Set up a secondary email account. Apple lets you add a “rescue email address” that’ll save you in a pinch should anything happen to your primary email.
  • Set up two-factor authentication. Generate a recovery key and write it down in a safe place. Don’t lose it.

We hope that you found these tips helpful. Please let us know in the comments below if you have any questions.

mike - apple
Mike Peterson

Mike is a freelance journalist from San Diego, California.

While he primarily covers Apple and consumer technology, he has past experience writing about public safety, local government, and education for a variety of publications.

He’s worn quite a few hats in the journalism field, including writer, editor, and news designer.

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Reader Interactions

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Show 94 Comments

  1. Amy McMahon says

    January 15, 2023 at 8:17 AM

    Hi,
    I am trying to help my sister get access to her iCloud account and to log into her less than one year old IMac. She has forgotten her log in, and her iCloud password, and everything seems to lead back to having the iCloud password. We got so far as having apple unlock something to all us to reinstall the OS, so i thought we had it, only to have the next screen come up and say, enter your Apple ID. We gave up for a month or so, but it does not seem fair that both her iPhone and new IMac are sitting in her closet now, it was causing too much stress to look at them every day. She went out an purchased a burner phone and ditched her iPhone!!!!!
    I am looking for a way to get escalated apple support? Does anyone know how to do this? I can not bare to watch my sister go through this, and she feels terrible about it, she has adhd, and things like passwords and procedures are terrible difficult. How can we get professional apple support for this?

    Reply
  2. SANDRA PHYLLIS DAVIDSON says

    November 18, 2022 at 1:21 PM

    My apple ID is currently “[email protected]” but I changed my email address years ago to the one above. I can’t seem to change it on my iphone XR or on the apple account online. A message keeps popping up saying either the new email address is in use or invalid?! Autofill on my phone always displays the old aol.com account and it would be much more convenient to change the ID to the bt account. Please can you help? Thank you in advance 🙂

    Reply
  3. Rochelle Brandwin says

    June 26, 2022 at 4:52 PM

    I no longer have access to my new email account but it is listed as my Apple ID. When I try to change it to my real Gmail account it says it’s already being used and it won’t let me change it to that address

    Reply
  4. michael Dimler says

    June 20, 2022 at 5:15 PM

    this is my old Email from work that I used to asset up my I tunes account 20yrs ago. Ino longer have access to that email account. i still have access to my old songs but when I tried to go to the store to purchase some new music and used my old password they said for security reason I had to get a new password but they would only send it to my old email account that I no longer have access to I tried answering the old security questions but they were from so long ago I couldn’t answer them. Now they won’t acknowledge the old
    email. Any Suggestions? I am afraid if try any more on my own I will lose my old 5000+songs

    Reply
  5. Lovemore kambudzi says

    May 24, 2022 at 10:59 AM

    Hi , I bought my iPad in Germany couple years ago, now Im trying to unlock Apple ID but it’s locked for security reasons and it needs my phone number which I don’t have access to now , since I live in another country, what can I do to unlock it,. Please help me ?

    Reply
  6. Paul G says

    April 18, 2022 at 2:30 PM

    As with others, I am trying to resurrect an Apple ID that was used at my place of business. I have the ID, I think I have the password, and I have my phone registered for receiving confirmation texts. But none of that matters, because Apple insists on sending an email TO THE ACCOUNT I CAN’T GET TO, to verify that I am who I say I am. In what world is that logical? If I could get to the email, I would not need to reset my password! I wasted a lot of time with the Apple help desk, I’ve tried all kinds of variations on getting the ID reset but keep getting put into 7 day or longer Apple jail. I’m now at the point where I need to give it up, and it’s a royal pain. It’s a wonder that Apple managed to invent the iPhone if this is how smart they are.

    Reply
  7. NDIVHUWO mUSWESWE says

    March 17, 2022 at 2:07 AM

    And if you have forgotten your icould email, how do you reset everything and start afresh

    Reply
  8. Scott says

    March 12, 2022 at 11:40 AM

    Ok, I had started to write a long comment about an issue…but after reading some of the others…I decided not to. First, I think that the morons at Apple should just get rid of the friggin Cloud because say a friend gave you or gives you an old phone they no loner use, and then they either forgot that info or you cannot get in touch with them..its basically a friggin paperweight. I mean, cmon man…next, I purchased a ton of music through iTunes back in 2005 while in the Army. Had em all on my iPod and a few years later it was stolen. I had already decided that i would never pay $400 or more for a iPhone so kind of forgot about all my muisc. Well the other day I somehow logged into my Library but it is missin songs and then some of the songs that are in my library will not play. It will just skip it and move to the next song that will play. And I had a different Email Account at the time I originally did all that and I cannot even access it anymore no matter how hard I try. So what, Is it just a Apple Slogan like “well, thanks for bying all our shit but cant help ya and just buy more shit or take a hike…have a wonderful day.” If anyone has had this issue and was able to fi it or resolve the issue lol, please let me know. Thank you

    Reply
  9. Malcolm Jupp says

    January 11, 2022 at 8:01 AM

    Tried, tried and tried again. Just doesn’t work.
    The system refuses to accept the iCloud email address that I already have!
    Apple id remains with the talktalk address!
    Given up bothering.

    Reply
  10. Grayson says

    November 22, 2021 at 10:32 AM

    I can’t do this. I dont’ have access to the old email or the verfication phone number. Please help

    Reply
  11. Lina Anthony says

    November 17, 2021 at 10:29 PM

    Hi, l want to delete my original Apple ID as email address no longer exists. I can’t remember password so when I was asked to enter my DOB as a security question bloody phone said it was wrong. I think I know my own birthday! Please help!! This is doing my head in.. Please and thank you

    Reply
  12. Robert says

    August 29, 2021 at 1:50 PM

    I have a suggestion for every one of us whom can’t access our Apple account. Stop buying Apple products, tell apple their stupid secured passwords suck and make their products worthless. Bought a new Samsung can change lost email and passwords at any time. I can change my email and password at my bank, which is way more important than a stupid phone. BWY jailbreak the phone and never use anything from aPPLE Jailbroke apps are better anyway

    Reply
  13. PRP says

    June 4, 2021 at 2:50 AM

    My “rescue” email address no longer exists, since the mail provider is now defunct (myway.com). How can I change that address to a valid one that IS NOT my username?
    Anyone can help?
    Thanks,

    PRP

    Reply
  14. LdB says

    May 6, 2021 at 5:34 AM

    Hi there,
    Got same problem as Heba: trying to change Apple ID Email but Apple is still requesting me to enter my old’s email password and showing an email address which doesn’t exist anymore. Even when following Apple’s suggested steps. I can’t change anything in Settings without getting a request for the Apple ID.
    Please advise with a step to step procedure to follow. Thx

    Reply
  15. Elizabeth Henderson says

    April 26, 2021 at 8:56 AM

    What do you do if you can not reemeber the password, recovery email is no longer active and the answers to your security question , what is your birthday keeps telling you that you are wrong?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 22, 2021 at 4:12 AM

      I have exactly the same problem as Elizabeth, any answers yet please?

      Reply
    • Jodie says

      September 21, 2021 at 8:05 PM

      I have same problem too!

      Reply
  16. Heba says

    February 26, 2021 at 4:38 AM

    Hey thanks for the nice Article.
    I still have a big problem ! I can’t seem to remember the password to the Email I used more than 12 years ago to set up my Apple ID. Now I’m trying to change Apple ID Email but Apple is still requesting me to enter my old’s email password. I tried a Bruch of passwords that didn’t work and even tried to retrieve the Password on the E-mail’s official Website with no luck , since I can’t remember some of the details I used back then to set up the Email.
    Is there any chance I can still change my Apple ID email ? Any tips ?
    Thanks in Advance 🙂

    Reply
    • Christina Caruso says

      August 7, 2021 at 12:56 AM

      Did you ever get this resolved? I have the exact problem.

      Reply
  17. Kenyea says

    February 22, 2021 at 8:15 PM

    I no longer have access to my iCloud that I used to open my iPhone and now I cannot get in my iPhone what is the best way I can make a new iCloud to get my my iPhone

    Reply
  18. Skyler Waldron says

    February 3, 2021 at 6:11 PM

    I’m trying to figure out how I can sign into my iCloud and Apple account when the email I used for my Apple account is no longer in service and I do not know how to recover a new password or anything how can I do that please help me out

    Reply
  19. stacy wynn says

    February 2, 2021 at 2:12 PM

    This is new email address. I am trying to set up a new Mac book but I do not know my old email password.

    Reply
  20. Niranjan says

    December 23, 2020 at 5:54 PM

    I need open my i phone this mail

    Reply
  21. Juliette Harris says

    December 12, 2020 at 12:26 PM

    Here is a clearer statement of the problem that I describe in the previous comment: My new iPhone is associated with an old email address that Apple says it no longer supports. Apple only supports my current email address. So I cannot activate my new iPhone because there is no way to initiate the verification process with a phone that is associated with an unsupported email address.

    Reply
    • Don says

      December 12, 2021 at 1:18 PM

      I have an old 2009 MacBook Pro that I decided to upgrade the memory and put in a new battery. I want to change to a SSD. My problem is that I have a now defunct email address signed is as administrator and I have no idea what the password is. I currently have an iPhone, new MBA, iPad and I cloud account associated with a new email. The App Store has both my new one and the not working one. I can’t make any purchases or changes on this MacBook because it keeps going back for the administrators permission. I was able to add my new email and account but it will only make changes under the old one. I need to access the old account or change it to download the OS I need to put in the SSD. Please help. Thanks.

      Reply
  22. Juliette Harris says

    December 11, 2020 at 5:33 PM

    I can not complete activating my new iPhone because it shows my Apple ID as being an inactive email address from a place where I used to work. When I try to re-set the old email by using the password for it, I get a reply saying that the old email is no longer supported by Apple. That’s not surprising. I did get a new Apple ID that uses my new email address. But my new iPhone still shows my old inactive email address. When I try to complete the activation of my new phone in “Settings”, my old email address is shown on at the top of the screen, not my current email address which is supported by Apple. So I cannot get in to “Settings.”

    Reply
  23. Kelisha folkes says

    November 9, 2020 at 7:25 AM

    I don’t have my iphone and I need to login to my instagram account but I have to send a code but I don’t have my email so I want to make a new one if it’s possible?!

    Reply
  24. Eamon Moran says

    November 3, 2020 at 1:05 PM

    Can someone help me with this situation, don’t remember password for an email ID that I no longer have access to … it was an old work email I used at the time

    Reply
    • DIXIE-ANN N SAWIN says

      November 19, 2021 at 11:32 AM

      same problem here too – please help.

      Reply
  25. Nick Roberts says

    October 30, 2020 at 7:17 AM

    These instructions do not work for me. My iPad was originally supplied by my employer, and set up so that my work email account was my Apple ID. I added my private email account as the rescue address. I am now retired, so have only my private address. I have purchased the iPad.
    I tried to delete my work email address (which has been closed) as my Apple ID . I deleted it, and was asked to choose a new account. When I entered my private email account, I was told that my new Apple ID cannot be the same as my rescue email address.
    I deleted my rescue email address, and attempted to change my Apple ID. The system still “thinks” that my deleted private email account is my “rescue address” and so will not let me change my Apple ID. It still thinks my private email account – which I had deleted – is my rescue address, even after restarting the iPad.

    Reply
  26. Peyman Ghaforian Masodzadeh says

    August 27, 2020 at 4:37 AM

    Hi. When I was making my apple ID, unfortunately, I registered my last working email and now I have no more access to that email and My apple ID is disabled now. I can not edit my ID and change my email because I can not sign in. even I forgot the security questions. I will be highly appreciate if you can help and support me in this regard. My phone not working now.

    Reply
  27. michelle shields says

    August 26, 2020 at 1:08 PM

    I have an old apple ID and I cant remember the password… I no longer have access to the email. I fail the security questions… My issue is I got a new I phone and i cant restore a couple aps because they are under the old apple id account ( like my gmail). I dont need this old account-I just want access to all of the stuff on my phone 🙁 Please help me!!! Thank u

    Reply
  28. Teri says

    August 14, 2020 at 5:26 AM

    Does your Apple ID have to be a working email address?

    Reply
  29. Jaymie Ciccone says

    August 11, 2020 at 11:41 AM

    Easy peasy lemon squeezy! Thank you!!!

    Reply
  30. Salma Soliman says

    August 5, 2020 at 5:29 AM

    I forgot my apple ID password. and the email i used it was locked. I enter the security question but it seems I don’t get them right. I have new apple ID, but I am not able to update the device or download apps. though I changed the ID the Icloud still give me the old apple id. help please.

    Reply
  31. Meherin nigar Anila says

    July 21, 2020 at 9:28 PM

    I changed my email,first name,last name only of my Apple ID on 14th July Tuesday but before that day on 13th July I changed my password. I did not change anything else such as billing information or location. On Friday 17th july settings wanted me to sign in to my changed Apple ID. Shockingly when I gave my password it said verification failed. So, I clicked “Forgot Password”. and they asked me to type the Apple ID. I typed both my first and changed Apple ID in turn but it said “The person is not active”. Thus I clicked “Forgot Apple ID” and typed my first name,last name and email and the answer was no matching information found. So that friday night I created a new Apple ID which I deleted on Saturday as the account has the same email as my very first Apple ID. Today, 20th July I went to a service centre and they created a new Apple ID. Through my new Apple ID I am accessing iTunes and App Store and this site too. However, I cannot access iCloud and settings is reminding me to sign in to the changed Apple ID which says “Verification failed”, “This person is not active”, “No matching information found”. I know I made a mistake while trying to change my very first Apple ID. I live in Bangladesh where there is no official Apple Centre and I cannot call Apple as my local SIM does not support the foreign number. Please I want this issue to be solved as quickly as possible

    Reply
  32. Michael Pocock says

    May 20, 2020 at 11:03 AM

    My iPad died and I have bought a new one but I cannot retrieve the apps that I paid for on the old iPad.

    It seems to be due to a change of email address as when I set up the old iPad I used my Sky email address for my Apple ID but after leaving Sky for an email I changed to a Gmail account which is the only ID that iTunes will accept.

    I originally also set up an iCloud email but iTunes doesn’t recognize that one.

    Does that mean that my previous ID using Sky email address has been deleted or is there a way to retrieve it and restore my apps to my new iPad? nb my Sky email account is still active.

    Mike

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      May 21, 2020 at 6:26 PM

      Hi Michael,

      Just to confirm, you created a different Apple ID using the Gmail account rather than updated the email address for the Apple ID created using your Sky email.

      If you can still access your Sky email account, then you should be able to regain access the that Apple ID. Apple rarely deletes Apple IDs so it should be active. You this Apple lookup tool to confirm if your Sky Apple ID account is still available.

      Reply
      • Michael Pocock says

        May 22, 2020 at 4:15 AM

        I have tried the Apple lookup tool and it did not find an ID with my Sky email address.

        It may be that I just updated my email address.

        It’s complicated by the fact that I didn’t have an iPhone when I bought my original iPad but bought one subsequently which was set up using the Gmail ID.

        However, none of the paid-for apps were transferred to the iPhone 5 but when I am trying to set up the new iPad it can only find the apps on the iPhone.

        Reply
      • Michael Pocock says

        May 22, 2020 at 7:36 AM

        Further to my last message I have hunted around and found a print-off of a purchase from the iTunes store dated 19/08/2014 which was from an email to my sky email address (unfortunately I have deleted all emails before 2016). This has the receipt number 120082089982. The order ID is MGTFX1TY2S and the item ordered was Collins Bird Guide from Touch Press LLP. The receipt date is 18/08/2014 and it was billed to my MasterCard. I have further printed iTunes receipts for books purchased. Hope that might help.

        Reply
        • Elizabeth Jones says

          May 22, 2020 at 8:56 AM

          Hi Michael,

          Actually that was my next suggestion–to see if you have any of the receipts–check to see what Apple ID is listed. Is that the ID you tried to lookup?

          You could try contacting Apple Support; however, if the Apple ID you now use is different from the Apple ID listed on the invoice, they will likely not honor the purchase since apps are purchased by Apple ID rather than per individual.

          But it’s always worth a shot!

          Reply
  33. Kathy says

    April 26, 2020 at 8:53 AM

    I’m setting up my brother’s new iphone and when entertaining the Apple ID email I accidentally omitted one letter, but didn’t realize my mistake until late in the process. Due to the incorrect Apple ID I’m unable to sign in to verify the password. I would like to know how to change the incorrect Apple ID to the correct Apple ID.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      April 27, 2020 at 10:39 AM

      Hi Kathy,

      Can you set up a new Apple ID using the correct email address?

      Reply
  34. Kees Sprokkelenburg says

    April 26, 2020 at 8:32 AM

    Sold a old iPad yesterday but the new owner is having problems as it is not completely reset to factory setting.
    Apparently there is still a name showing in ICloud that we can not delete as it was created 2 years ago and do not know password .

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      April 28, 2020 at 6:37 PM

      Hi Kees,

      Do you know where the old Apple ID is showing in iCloud? Is it in Settings > Apple ID or something like the App Store?

      If it’s showing up under Settings > Apple ID > Find My, that means the device is still under your Apple ID and has activation lock turned on. In that case, you will need to recover your Apple ID password so you can remove that old iPad from your list of devices.

      If you know and have access to the email you used to create the Apple ID, you can recover it via Apple’s iForgot site.

      If the Find My is not associated with your Apple ID, that means iCloud activation lock is not activated. In that case, the buyer should then be able to reset all the information using iTunes/Finder or the erase all content and settings function in the Settings app.

      Learn more about factory resetting an iPad in this article: How to Successfully Restore an iPad to Factory Settings — A Complete Guide

      Reply
  35. navi says

    April 23, 2020 at 4:53 AM

    Hi

    I have Ipad mini which is 7 years old, I did not used it for long and now I don’t have access to email id registered , I don’t have password and even I don’t remember all recovery question & answer except my birthday.

    How can I reset my email id and password please ?

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      April 23, 2020 at 7:17 AM

      Hi Navi,

      Since you tried nearly everything, your final option is to go through Apple’s Apple ID Recovery process–this can take up to two weeks and sometimes more as they validate information.

      go to Apple’s iForgot site. Provide as much information as you can about your previous Apple ID.

      Reply
  36. Annsharon kobusingye says

    April 22, 2020 at 8:29 AM

    Hi, I forgot my password for iCloud and AppStore when I try to reset the password it says ID and password incorrect and want update messenger and WhatsApp.

    I can’t update anything.

    Please can you assist me to find the password used for the iCloud password?

    I use an iPhone 5

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      April 22, 2020 at 9:15 AM

      Hi Annsharon,

      Do you have access to the email you used to set-up your Apple ID? Usually, your Apple ID is that email address, but not always.

      Try first using Apple’s Lookup tool and enter your email and name and see if it locates your Apple ID.

      Once you know your Apple ID and confirm the email associated with it, you can follow the steps to reset or recover your Apple ID password by using the Forgot Password link on the account page.

      Reply
      • Leslie says

        June 2, 2020 at 8:09 PM

        I’m in the same situation. What if I know my old email address that I set it up with but not my passcode? If won’t do any good to send me a passcode if I can’t access that email account because it no longer exist. I have a new email with a new provider.

        Reply
  37. Phil says

    April 10, 2020 at 2:44 AM

    I am trying to reset an old iphone 4 that is still linked to an old apple ID
    It says the ID or password is incorrect, and when I try reset the password it then states This Apple ID is not valid or not supported.

    I am logged into this same ID on the phone but it would appear that it has been inactive or locked.
    Please assist on how I delete this or reactivate / unlock this ID

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      April 11, 2020 at 9:25 AM

      Hi Phil,

      Can you access Find My iPhone on that iPhone 4?

      Go to Settings > iCloud.
      Toggle off Find My iPhone

      Reply
  38. Matthew says

    March 25, 2020 at 12:30 AM

    Hello there.. ok so here’s my issue.

    My ex-boyfriend bought me an iPad many years ago, and all of my personal stuff is connected to his email address.

    I know his email, but not his password..it was so long ago that I can’t even get ahold of him anymore, nor do I want to, let alone have his phone number.

    I have very important pictures of my baby and many other things that I really want to recover somehow, but am afraid I’ll never get back..it is my iPad, so I still have the iPad, and his email is attached to the iCloud on my settings, so I have that.

    Pleeeeaaaaseeee help!! Thank you in advance..

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      March 25, 2020 at 10:52 AM

      Hi Matthew,

      We assume the iPad is signed in with your ex’s Apple ID and that all your iCloud services like Photos are turned on. Given that, it’s unlikely you will be able to recover anything without the assistance of your ex.

      However, let’s try a few things that might work.

      Since pictures are your main concern, let’s try and toggle off iCloud and see if you can download pictures without entering the Apple ID.

      Go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud and tap Photos. Toggle off iCloud Photos and choose Download Photos & Videos–if it asks for the Apple ID and password, then you are out of luck. But sometimes it does not (depends on your current iOS/iPadOS version.)

      If you have proof of purchase in your name, you may be able to get Apple to assist you with resetting the iPad back to factory standards–but they will not be able to help you retrieve any data since it is tied to your ex’s Apple ID (and all data is assumed to be his, not yours.)

      On a side note, if this iPad is using your ex’s Apple ID and you cannot get him to remove it, do not update the iPad’s software. When updating its operating system, Apple often asks to re-enter the Apple ID and password. Since you do not have this info, it could brick your iPad and make it unusable.

      Ideally, you want to get a hold of him somehow (through a friend or another third-party if necessary) and ask him to assist you. That might be the only way if the above did not work.

      Reply
  39. Jade Paden says

    February 25, 2020 at 2:04 PM

    I have a iPad 2 that no longer have access to email or password, I spoke with apple and they had me reset the iPad, now its taking me through the original setup but then it says this iPad is associated with a previous apple ID!

    So now I’m worse off than before, I cant even get in it now! Please help!!!

    Reply
    • Amy says

      March 6, 2020 at 10:06 PM

      i have the same problem with my iphone. please help.

      Reply
  40. edna says

    February 22, 2020 at 2:59 AM

    May I know if I can still access my Apple I’d after years of being inactive? Also, can I use an Android phone for the recovery process? Thanks

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      February 22, 2020 at 8:27 AM

      Hi Edna,

      Apple does not shut down Apple IDs unless there is suspected fraud or the Apple ID is otherwise compromised (and reported to Apple.)

      So it’s highly likely you can indeed still access it! And you should be able to start the recovery process using an Android device and any supported web browser.

      Start by logging into Apple’s iForgot site and then enter your Apple ID (if you remember it) or choose the option to look up your Apple ID using your full name (first and last) and the email address you used with your Apple ID.

      You do need to know a few things to recover your Apple ID–as mentioned in the article.

      Reply
  41. Agnes says

    February 2, 2020 at 6:15 PM

    How to delete an apple account that was set into a company I used to be employed

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      February 2, 2020 at 7:47 PM

      Hi Agnes,

      If the Apple ID was created and managed by your company and you don’t have access to that account credentials and password, then only that company can remove it.

      If the device is yours and not the company’s, ask them to remove the device from that company account so you can connect it to your Apple ID.

      The device might also be supervised, especially if the device was purchased by the company rather than you.

      Depending on how the company set up your device, you may or may not be able to remove the management.

      You can find out if the device is supervised by looking at the Settings for your device. A Supervision message displays at the top of the main Settings page.

      See if there is a profile installed that you can remove. Go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management and see if there is a listed profile for that company. If so, tap it and press Remove Profile.

      If that is not allowed, you need to contact the company to have them remove the supervision.

      Reply
  42. Hadli says

    January 20, 2020 at 6:07 PM

    I have been locked out of my Icloud account my recovery email that is associated with the account is an I cloud email and I cannot get to may email because I am locked out of my Icloud account. Any suggestions ?

    Thank you in advance,

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      January 21, 2020 at 11:49 AM

      Hi Hadli,

      Did you register any other email address for your Apple ID account, like a rescue email address or a notification address?

      If not, your best option is to contact Apple ID Support. Explain to the customer support team member that your problem is related to your Apple ID–that way you won’t be charged for their assistance.

      Then let them know that your icloud email is your Apple ID and that you cannot recover it because you don’t have access to that email.

      Reply
  43. AB says

    December 29, 2019 at 9:30 AM

    I am trying to change my apple id on my phone since i have moved abroad. My current apple id is based in england however my app store and other facilities are logged in with a dutch apple id. When trying to change the actual apple id, and using the email address i used for the app store it says i can’t as the email address is already in use. What do i do?

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      December 30, 2019 at 7:37 AM

      Hi AB,

      Since you have an email address that’s already linked to an Apple ID, you cannot link a different Apple ID to that email. Can you choose a different email address instead of the one you use with the Dutch Apple ID? Alternatively, you could change the email address associated with your Dutch Apple ID.

      Apple only allows you to associate a single email address with an Apple ID–it’s a one-to-one relationship.

      Reply
  44. Erika says

    December 21, 2019 at 6:49 AM

    Will this give me access to emails that were sent to my iCloud?

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      December 21, 2019 at 2:30 PM

      Once you have access to your Apple ID, you should get access to its iCloud email account, if you set one up.

      Reply
  45. dc says

    November 30, 2019 at 10:57 AM

    I was able to change my Apple ID from my old email address directly using my phone, but when I look under <Settings and tap on my name, the OLD email shows up under my picture, however, when I tap on <Name, phone numbers, email the NEW email address shows up. I thought the change would automatically occur and now it is more confusing that I have 2 different emails showing up.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      December 2, 2019 at 11:12 AM

      HI DC,

      Try closing the Settings app and restarting your phone. It should update after that.

      If not, let us know

      How to close an app
      1. On an iPhone or an iPad with no home button from the Home screen, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause slightly in the middle of the screen
      2. On an iDevice with a home button, double-click the Home button and swipe right or left to find the app that you want to close
      3. Swipe right or left to locate the app you want to close
      4. Swipe up on the app’s preview to close it

      Reply
  46. Nyasha says

    November 21, 2019 at 11:10 AM

    My wife forgot her Apple ID password.

    Her rescue email is the iCloud email she used as her Apple ID, the email she’s trying to reset.

    So she has no access to the multiple reset password links Apple has been sending her for years now.

    She never set up two-factor authentification and she can’t remember the answer to her security question.

    Her iPad that is linked to this Apple ID is “locked for security reasons” and she won it at a Christmas work party so she has no proof of purchase.

    Is there a solution??

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      November 22, 2019 at 9:34 AM

      Hi Nysha,

      Unfortunately, you and your wife have run through all of the steps Apple allows to access an Apple ID account.

      The best option is to try and think of those security question answers and visit Apple’s iForgot website.

      Reply
  47. wanda says

    September 23, 2019 at 8:58 PM

    how do i change the password for my sign in to iTunes Store

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      September 24, 2019 at 8:48 AM

      Hi Wanda,

      Your iTunes & App Store password is the same as your Apple ID or a different Apple ID, if you have more than one Apple ID.

      So if you want to change your Apple ID password (and by default also the password for the iTunes store), follow these steps.

      Reply
  48. Philippa Stroebel says

    September 6, 2019 at 5:50 AM

    Hello – this email is a now defunct email and no longer anywhere! How do I change my email address as I do not remember my password at all.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      September 7, 2019 at 10:04 AM

      Hi Phillipa,

      You could try Apple’s Account Recovery service.

      Reply
  49. Mandy Randall-Gavin says

    August 20, 2019 at 4:01 AM

    Hi Michael

    Thanks for this, but it didn’t help. I can’t remember my password and of course Apple is still sending authorisation codes/links to my defunct email address, which of course is my current AppleID.

    What can I do to change this to my current email address? Appreciate your help Michael, thank you
    Mandy

    Reply
  50. Holly wright says

    July 8, 2019 at 11:39 AM

    Hi,
    I’m just confused because for some reason my Apple ID has been locked so I can’t get on it even though I know the password for it, the problem is that to unlock it I need to the use the email but I can’t access that email anymore an so I’m not sure how I can get back onto my Apple ID?

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      July 8, 2019 at 1:47 PM

      HI Holly,

      In your situation, we recommend either initiating account recovery or calling Apple Support and see if they have any other options for your unique circumstances.

      Reply
  51. Karen moore says

    May 11, 2019 at 5:59 AM

    I can access the old log in to open my iTunes. It says the email does not exist but it’s the email they sent me.

    Reply
  52. Sharon says

    May 8, 2019 at 1:13 PM

    I still can’t get my mail through. I changed my apple I.d. and now I can’t get my mail.

    Reply
  53. Kian says

    May 4, 2019 at 11:42 PM

    My email that was associated with my iCloud account is now defunct and I have forgotten the password for it.

    On top of this I do not know which email my Apple ID is linked to so I cannot use many features on my phone at all.

    Is there any way to fix this problem without just wiping my phone?

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      May 6, 2019 at 9:12 AM

      Hi Kian,

      First, look at Settings > Your Name (if shown) and tap on it. It should show you your Apple ID email address underneath your picture.

      Other places to look for that Apple ID:

      Tap Settings > Passwords & Accounts and tap iCloud Account
      Tap Settings > Messages > Send & Receive
      Tap Settings > FaceTime

      If using an older iOS, tap Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars

      If you have a computer that’s also using your Apple ID

      On Windows

        Open iCloud for Windows
        Open iTunes, then choose Account > View My Account. If you’re signed in to iTunes with your Apple ID, you’ll see your account name and email address

      On a Mac

        Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > iCloud
        Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Internet Accounts, then look for accounts with iCloud
        Open iTunes, then choose Account > View My Account
        Open App Store > Store > View My Account
        Open Books > Store > View My Apple ID
        Open FaceTime > Preferences > Settings
        Open Messages > Preferences > Accounts

      If none of those are options:

      It’s possible that you can recover your Apple ID and associated iCloud account using Apple’s account recovery service.

      Go to Apple’s iforgot site and enter in your Apple ID (if you know that) or use the link to look up your Apple ID by trying email addresses you think might be connected.

      Reply
  54. Bernard Schatz says

    April 25, 2019 at 7:16 PM

    I no longer have an apple phone

    Reply
    • SK says

      April 26, 2019 at 9:05 AM

      Hi Bernard,

      If you don’t have your Apple phone anymore, and your email address is no longer the same, you can try using Apple’s account recovery service.

      Reply
  55. kamar says

    April 14, 2019 at 2:04 PM

    Hi,
    I forgot my icloud password on one of my old ipad 2. The account is associated with my email [email protected] but I don’t have access to this email since my icloud account is locked.

    I tried to rest the password but I only have two options.

    Option 1 is to get a link through my icloud email which is locked and can’t access into it.

    Option two is through the answering security questions and I got stuck with a question that I can’t remember.

    Will be any other way to unlock my account if I know the password?

    Reply
    • SK says

      April 16, 2019 at 11:16 AM

      Hi Kamar,

      Contact Apple support and see if there are any additional options for you to recover your iCloud/Apple ID password.

      Reply
  56. Kate Tunstall says

    April 7, 2019 at 2:05 AM

    I want to view photos on my tv. On the tv it asks me to sign into to iCloud. On the tv screen it has my deceased husband’s email address to sign in to iCloud. How do I change the email address so I can sign in with my own Apple account?

    I do not know what my husband’s password was.

    Reply
    • SK says

      April 7, 2019 at 9:53 AM

      Hi Kate,

      Sorry to learn of your loss. Our sympathies.

      Sign out of your Apple TV

        Go to Settings > Accounts > iCloud
        Choose Sign Out
        Once signed out of your husband’s ID, sign back in with your Apple ID

      That should work, if not, let us know.

      Liz

      Reply
  57. Dave Nickles says

    March 6, 2019 at 10:37 AM

    My email address ([email protected]) that is used for my
    apple ID is defunct, and I want to change it to my current email. Your program will not let me. Why not?

    Reply
  58. Derrick says

    February 22, 2019 at 11:31 AM

    I tried getting rid of the iCloud.com on my phone
    I tried the steps you suggested
    But apple wanted me to change my iTunes password, I did that several times, now I have changed my iTunes password I can’t get a ‘forgot password’ for this iCloud
    I don’t want it, I have never used it
    So how do I change the password or better still delete it, just get rid of it
    I’m fed up with it keep asking for a password

    Reply
  59. Caz says

    February 17, 2019 at 12:11 AM

    Hey, @SK, in order to access Password and Security, one would need to input their password. So it seems unlikely to recover a password with those steps given to JAY. I may be missing something here.

    I’m having the same problem with no password, a deactivated email and forgotten security questions for one of my pals. I tried the steps you showed JAY and couldn’t go further than tapping Password and Secutiry and encountering a popup asking for the password. Just a heads up.

    Reply
    • SK says

      February 17, 2019 at 9:16 AM

      Hi Caz,

      You’re correct! If you don’t have access to the old email account AND don’t remember the password for the Apple ID, it’s unlikely you can recover your Apple ID account and update it to a new email address.

      You can try to call Apple and talk to Account Security and ask for access to your old Apple ID account. Some readers tell us Apple helped them out–and others say this didn’t work.

      So it’s mixed results when talking to Apple’s Support team for Apple IDs.

      Reply
  60. JAY says

    January 19, 2019 at 1:18 AM

    HOW CAN I RECOVER PASSWORD FOR THE DEACTIVATED EMAIL ADDRESS?

    Reply
    • SK says

      January 19, 2019 at 9:15 AM

      Hi Jay,

      If you forgot your password, on one of your devices go to Settings > Apple ID Profile at the top > Password & Security > Change Password.

      Follow the steps on-screen to update your password.

      Reply
  61. Halley says

    March 31, 2018 at 10:01 AM

    This is something I’ve been looking to do for ages. Thanks you Mike for sharing.

    Halley

    Reply

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