Alex Ruben
How To Update Your Apple ID Primary Email on iPhone or iPad
Getting the primary email on your Apple account updated isn’t always straightforward — sometimes things are hidden in settings, or options don’t appear where you’d expect. Maybe you’re switching to a new email, or just want to consolidate your info, but the UI can be a bit confusing or vary depending on your iOS version. Doing this correctly matters because it impacts how you’ll access your Apple ID, iCloud, and related services. Follow these steps because it’s usually simple, but be prepared for a few quirks along the way.
How to Change Your Apple Account Primary Email Address on iPhone or iPad
Access your account settings and find the email options
This part is usually straightforward, but not all device models show the same layout. To get started:
- Open the Settings app. (Yes, that gear icon).
- Tap on your name at the top of the menu. If you’re not signed in, you’ll need to log in first.
- Next, tap on Password & Security. Sometimes, it’s called Sign In & Security depending on iOS version or language settings.
Once inside, you’ll see your account info, including your email. That’s where the magic happens. If you don’t see the email address directly, you might need to go to Apple ID options via Apple ID website, but for most iPhone users, this in-app approach covers it.
Step 1: Select your current primary email
Find the section with your account email — on some setups it’s right there, on others you might need to tap a few options. Tap your current email address or the Edit button (if available). This helps you access the change options.
Step 2: Understand the options available
If you want to update your email, you might see options like Edit next to your email address, or in some cases, a link to Change Apple ID. Sometimes, if your account is based on an @icloud.com or @me.com address, the options can be limited, and you might have to change via the web. Why? Because Apple restricts changing certain email addresses if they’re the primary Apple ID.
Step 3: Change or remove the email address
Depending on the situation, here’s what to do:
- If you want to update your primary email, tap on the email address or the Edit button. Enter the new email — it should be a valid email account you control.
- If you see an option for Remove from Account — this usually only appears if you’re adding a new email or replacing an old one. On some setups, removing your email entirely isn’t an option, especially if the account isn’t connected to other sign-in options.
Note: When changing an email linked directly as your Apple ID, you’ll probably need to verify the new email via a code sent to that address.
Step 4: Confirm your identity and set up the new email
You’ll likely get prompted to enter your device passcode or Apple ID password. Make sure to enter it correctly — this is to prevent unauthorized changes. Once verified, you’ll see prompts to verify your new email address.
Expect a verification email sent to the new address. You need to click the link inside to finalize the change. If you don’t get it immediately, check your spam folder or wait a few minutes.
A little weird, but sometimes the option to change your Apple ID email isn’t available directly on your device. If that’s the case, heading over to Apple ID website might be necessary.
Extra tips & common pitfalls
Here’s what can trip you up:
- Failing to verify the new email — without verification, the change isn’t applied.
- Trying to switch to an email that’s already used for another Apple ID — that won’t work, of course.
- Not updating your recovery options after changing emails — always good to add a backup email or security questions if possible.
- Sometimes, on older iOS devices or if you’re on a beta version, options might not show up as expected or are buggy. Updating iOS can fix that.
On some machines, changing the primary email failed the first time, but after rebooting or signing out and back in, the options appeared. Because of course, Apple has to make it harder than necessary.
Wrap-up
Getting your Apple ID email updated is usually a matter of navigating the settings, verifying your new address, and waiting a few minutes for the change to go through. It’s not always perfectly straightforward, especially if Apple limits certain changes or if you’re using an iCloud-only address. Be patient, double-check your email addresses, and keep your recovery info current to avoid lockouts. Hopefully, these steps help keep your account secure and properly linked to your new contact info.
Summary
- Open Settings and tap your name then Password & Security.
- Select or edit your current email address.
- Enter a new email if possible, verify it via email.
- Update your recovery options after changing emails.
FAQs
What if I forget my Apple Account email?
Visit the Apple ID recovery page to retrieve your account info.
Can I change my iCloud email address?
Yes, but only if your account isn’t based on a @icloud.com email already. Some restrictions apply, especially if it’s your primary Apple ID email.
What causes issues when changing my email?
If options are grayed out or missing, check your iOS version — update if needed — or try on a different device. Sometimes, just waiting a bit or signing out and back in helps.