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?
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.
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.
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 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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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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Hi Kathy,
Can you set up a new Apple ID using the correct email address?
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 .
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
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 ?
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.
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
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.
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
Hi Phil,
Can you access Find My iPhone on that iPhone 4?
Go to Settings > iCloud.
Toggle off Find My iPhone
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..
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.
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!!!
i have the same problem with my iphone. please help.
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
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.
How to delete an apple account that was set into a company I used to be employed
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.
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,
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.
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?
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.
Will this give me access to emails that were sent to my iCloud?
Once you have access to your Apple ID, you should get access to its iCloud email account, if you set one up.
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.
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
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??
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.
how do i change the password for my sign in to iTunes Store
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.
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.
Hi Phillipa,
You could try Apple’s Account Recovery service.
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
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.
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.
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.
I still can’t get my mail through. I changed my apple I.d. and now I can’t get my mail.
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?
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.
I no longer have an apple phone
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.
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?
Hi Kamar,
Contact Apple support and see if there are any additional options for you to recover your iCloud/Apple ID password.
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.
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
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?
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
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.
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.
HOW CAN I RECOVER PASSWORD FOR THE DEACTIVATED EMAIL ADDRESS?
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.
This is something I’ve been looking to do for ages. Thanks you Mike for sharing.
Halley