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Change Apple ID

I would like to change my Apple ID because I have a new email address. I already found out that I can use https://myinfo.apple.com to make this change. But happens to
– my old DRM-protected music in iTunes?
– my DRM-protected TV shows in iTunes?
– my iPhone apps and their settings on my iPhone and in iTunes?
Can I still use all this files??
I also have two Apple Care contracts registered to my Apple ID.

— Markus J., Germany

Comments: 83 Responses to “Change Apple ID”

    14 years ago

    You are just talking about changing the email address used by your Apple iTunes account, right? So it is the same account, but just a change of email. Then it should be like any other account where you just change your email address. The account is the same, it is just your ID for that account that changes. You will have to update applications that have that ID stored, from your old email address to your new one. But that will happen as you try to access your iTunes account and it will prompt you for your ID since your old one won't work.
    If you run into any problems, just call Apple.

    Tommy
    14 years ago

    Hi Gary

    I've got a problem concerning AppleCare.

    Online on Apple.com you can view your current AppleCare protected products, one of mine is an Apple iMac. I opened the link which shows you a page about the registered product and to whom it is registered.

    The thing is that it is not registered to the correct person, it is registered to Tomkins. It should be registered to Tommy... This info has probably changed due to my changing the Account name a couple of days ago. I changed it back to the original name (Tommy)n but that page still says Tomkins instead of Tommy...

    Any ideas?

      14 years ago

      I wouldn't worry about it. You would only use the AppleCare if something goes wrong and I'm sure in that case they are not going to care about the spelling of the name -- as long as your products are register and/or you have the documents.

    Tommy
    14 years ago

    Thanks for your input.

    Btw, the name has been altered to the correct name (I changed the name of the account), it just took a little while. So I guess that the name of to whom the AppleCare belongs changes when you change the name of the account.

    Cheers

    Tommy

    S
    13 years ago

    Hi, I have a problem. My Apple ID for my iphone 4 is the same one used in my iPad. I recently changed the email address & password of the ID through my iPad. Now I can't download any apps on my iphone 4 as it still prompts me for the old email & password. How do I change this?

      13 years ago

      Go into the App Store app, go to the main "Featured" section and scroll to the bottom. There you can tap on a button to view/change account info.

        Kerry
        13 years ago

        You rock! Went thru several incorrect suggestions before I hit on the right one (yours)!

      Frannie
      13 years ago

      I chaned email in iTunes acct on laptop but old email shows on iPod and password used prior is wrong

        13 years ago

        You'll need to dig into your iPod's Setting app and change your Mail settings there too.

    Michael Goldschlager
    13 years ago

    Same problem, but when I followed Gary Rosenzweig's advice, the account that it showing is my new one. When I try to update an app, it reverts to the old email address and then tells me that the password I'm entering is wrong. But it's right. Time to call the support line? Any advice as to where exactly to call? Thanks.

    Suzannah
    13 years ago

    Gary you are a lifesaver. I just changed my email in iTunes and all day I am looking for a solution so I could download/upgrade apps on my iPhone. Your answer helped right away. Thank you

    Bryan
    13 years ago

    I have made all the changes to my Apple ID, on my iTunes account, and on the App Store App that you referenced above; however, when I try to update apps, it still shows my old email address (not the new one) and when I try to do it from my Mac, it tells me that I have never owned the original software and can't update the apps.

    I have called Apple and I have utilized their email support and all if get is to do what I have already done - to no avail.

      13 years ago

      That's a tough one. I don't have any more suggestions. It must be something you missed, obviously. Are you near an Apple Store where you can go to the Genius Bar. If not, I'd call Apple again and work with them until they resolve the issue.

        Bryan
        13 years ago

        Yes - I have an appointment today. Life is full of imponderables and unsolvables. Thanks 'cause I actually thought I was losing my mind!

      Seth
      12 years ago

      I am experiencing the same exact problem and my old email was my college email that has since been deleted so I can't confirm validation of that address! The only reason I changed it was to move my mobile me account to iCloud. What happens if I restore my iPhone thru iTunes on my iMac? Will it just delete everything off of it and then reload it from iTunes? Thanks!

        12 years ago

        There's no reason to restore your iPhone. Just find the settings that still shows your old account and change it. Most likely in the App Store app.

    Saira
    13 years ago

    Hey
    I need to change my apple Id on my iPod with out using my laptop
    Is that possible ?

      13 years ago

      Yes. Run the App Store app, scroll to the bottom, tap on your account. Sign out. Sign back in.

        Kristy
        12 years ago

        This is the solution to the troubles everyone is having with changing their email on their phones. I changed my email address for itunes, icloud, and my iphone online but everytime I went to update my apps it still had my old email and it said my password is incorrect. If anyone else has troubles with this, tell them the same thing: go to the app store app on the phone, scroll to the bottom, sign out, and when they sign back in type their new ID and it will prompt them to confirm their information and Wah-lah! the new ID will show up on their phone :) Thanks for this suggestion, it saved me a trip to the apple store.

    Saira
    13 years ago

    Thank you so much
    I wanted to ask you another thing
    I wanted to make a new account so I clicked the app store app and tried to make one but after I enter all my information it says I am not old enough
    What should I do ?

      13 years ago

      If you are not old enough then there's not much you can do. Have your parents set up an account and use theirs.

    Saira
    13 years ago

    Do you know the minimum age restriction ?
    Anyways thank you for your help

      13 years ago

      I believe it is 13.

        Kendra
        12 years ago

        I entered my age (I am 18) and it still said I was not old enough to make it? What should I do?

    Jerilene Sweitzer
    13 years ago

    Changed my email on my Apple ID. When i sync my iphone for the first time since the change, will i lose all my previous downloads? Do i sign in on the old email or new email first?

    My husband has an ipod and i have an iphone. We use the same credit card number for purchases. How do i download the music to my iphone that he has purchased for his ipod? Or is that even possible?

      13 years ago

      Did you change your email, or just your Apple ID. Big difference. If you have a new email address, just add that as a second account, now your primary one. Keep the old account around to reference the old emails if you need.
      As for downloading music, it doesn't matter about the credit card number. It is whether you share the same Apple iTunes account. If you do, use Home Sharing to transfer the music from his computer to yours. If you have separate iTunes accounts, you can still use Home sharing. See episode 291: http://macmost.com/itunes-9-home-sharing.html
      It sounds like you have a lot of questions. I would recommend a visit to the Apple Store and a sit-down with someone who can show you first-hand.

        Jerilene Sweitzer
        13 years ago

        Perfect! I figured out the Home Sharing. Thank You.

        I wanted my notifications of purchases to go to a different email account. So i guess i changed my Apple ID... (right?) Everything else stayed the same. All i changed was the email. Now,, i did get an update notification for an app today (after changing) and it said i didn't own it or something? My concern is will all my itunes be on my computer in my library when i am ready to sync my iphone under the new email?
        I appreciate your help,, i am going to search to see where there is an apple store located near me.

        Jerilene Sweitzer
        13 years ago

        Gary: I just checked. My Apple ID is my email address. :)

    Kiera
    13 years ago

    My mom has an iPod touch, the same generation as mine. She recently bought the iPhone. One day, she asked mr to download music to it. I also downloaded the 'updated software'. Then I unplugged the iPhone, and plugged my iPod touch in and downloaded the software. Ewe since then, my iPod has displayed my mother's email address/ Apple ID on my iPod ever since. I fixed it before, but now I don't remember how I did it. Why did this happen, and how can I fix it?

      13 years ago

      Check in your settings on the Touch. See what you've got there for MobileMe and everything else. That's the first place I'd look. If that doesn't work, I'd sync again and check and re-check every single screen of the iPod touch sync settings.

    Jen
    13 years ago

    Gary,

    I recently changed my apple ID from my old email address to my new one through my iTunes account on my computer. Now when I entered my new apple ID into my iPhone it says that that "apple ID is already in use. Plugging it into my computer resulted in messages saying my iPhone wasn't authorized. My husband and I share the same apple ID. Do you have any suggestions before I make an appointment at Apple? Thanks!

      13 years ago

      Sounds like you will need to contact Apple to straighten that out. A phone call might work too.

    Jerry
    13 years ago

    Hi

    I'm just wondering if anybody has actually resolved the problem with apps no recognizing a new email addy? I've tapped 'til my fingers are raw but the Apple ID on my iphone remains my old email although the info is correct in itunes. I've re-synched several times and the info hasn't updated.

      13 years ago

      Have you changed it in Mail settings on the iPhone? Look carefully there.

    Jerry
    13 years ago

    OK I figured it out. The problem was actually with itunes on the iphone. The iphone always signs in using the original account until you physically change the default. I had to sign out and then sign in using the new(ish) account.

    Thanks for the input.

    Joe
    13 years ago

    Hi,
    I had a quick ?
    When you change your apple id from an old email to a new email address, do you have to do this or can you just leave your apple id for example joe, instead of joe@XXX.XXX and then assign and email to the email address.

    D
    13 years ago

    I'm in a bit of a problem here.
    I need to know what happens if I change the email address on an Apple ID. The thing is, the address it's currently linked to is incorrect, meaning It's not owned by the same person who owns the Apple ID. Incidentally, my boss, who asked me to try and solve this problem, already tried making a new Apple Id with the proper email address so I'm not even sure changing the address to the right one would be possible.
    Bottom line, can it be solved or I'll have to just abandon the account? If that's the case, what will happen to the apps, videos, etc. downloaded from the original account?

    Most appreciated and sorry for the whole confusion of a problem.

      13 years ago

      I would call Apple. It sounds like a complex situation and it would be better to get advice right from Apple itself.

        D
        13 years ago

        Thanks, I definitely will.

    ian smith
    13 years ago

    how do i change the apple id registered to my phone to the correct one from the wrong account

      13 years ago

      Go into the App Store app and sign out, then sign back in.

    kelly
    13 years ago

    HI I have recently had my Iphone 4 replaced, and when I synic it to the itunes it no longer recognises my user ID or password, I have tried to recover it but to no avail, and im getting no help from Apple either. if i set up a new id can I still get access to everything backed up to my computer that I purchased? Thanks

      13 years ago

      Where, specifically does it not recognize your user ID? At what point is it asking for it, and what is the error message?

        kelly
        13 years ago

        I have re sync the phone, but i have updates that need doing on the apps, when I click to update it, it says that I need to log into my account, so I type in my user ID and password that I have always used and it comes up incorrect id and password

          13 years ago

          You can go to iforgot.apple.com to reset your Apple ID password.

            kelly
            13 years ago

            I have tried, but it does not recognise any of my emails that I type in or my first and second name, or If i try the security question it does not recognise my DOB, I have been on the phone to apple for 4 hours and they tell me that they are sending me an email to rectify the problem, but a week later and I still have no email from them, im at the end of my teather. can I create a new apple id but still keep the purchases and sync it to my back up?

              13 years ago

              I would keep trying to contact them. If you create a new ID, then your purchases will not be recognized under that ID.

                kelly
                13 years ago

                ok thank you for your help

    Julie
    13 years ago

    Hi Gary,

    I am having a similar problem to some of the people above except it is with my iPad. I had to change my Apple ID email address and password last night. I have updated my App Store settings as well as my itunes account and both are logged in with my new Apple ID. When I got to update my apps, it prompts me with my old Apple ID, which is no longer correct. I've signed out and signed back in on my App Store app and my itunes, to no avail. I have also restarted my iPad and synced it again. Am I missing something?

      13 years ago

      Did you change your email address of the account, or create a new account?

    Jennifer L
    12 years ago

    Hi Gary,
    I am so lost, and I am going crazy. lol
    I recently just moved back to the US from the UK. My cc that was on my iTunes account was my ex's. Without realizing, he deleted his card from my account, and I now owe Apple 5 pounds. No big deal, right? Well, I went into 'change region' in iTunes, and for some reason, I cannot put in the info for my US cc because the billing info still says UK....ARRGHHHH...what do I do next? I am stuck, and I cannot figure out what to do.

      12 years ago

      I would call Apple and talk to someone directly.

    Dean
    12 years ago

    hi Gary,

    by mistake I created a new ID, and after that i can`t see my old purchases, and old ID is not available any more. Is there any possibility to get my old ID back?

    sorry for my english

      12 years ago

      Your only hope is to call Apple. See what they say.

        Dean
        12 years ago

        thx

    Stefania
    12 years ago

    My family and I use the same Apple ID to purchase apps from 3 different iPhones(3,3S,4). I own the 3S and i want to change the Apple ID we all use to another without loosing my apps and whatever else is stored in my phone. Is that possible?
    I use 2 PC(windows 7 both :( ) and I want to connect my iPhone with iCloud using the new Apple ID I just created and synch afterwards iPhone with iCloud.
    Thanks

      12 years ago

      No, that's not really possible. You'd probably end up keeping the apps, but be unable to update them or maintain them. You should stick with the Apple ID that you have been using to make purchases. Update that to an iCloud account and use it.

        Stefania
        12 years ago

        So in that case I will share the same data of my phone with the other two iPhones, is that right?? and the other two iPhones will have access in my photos, mails, everything..
        In that case this really sucks..

        Thank you for your immediate response!

          12 years ago

          Yes, pretty much. Unless you turn off those functions of iCloud. The idea is that iCloud is a personal service -- it is YOUR stuff. It doesn't make sense to share contacts and events with others as you are different people.
          There are still ways to "share" some things. For instance. iTunes Home Sharing may offer you the ability to share apps and music between users in your household if you each have your own Mac too.

        Stefania
        12 years ago

        there is no option to transfer them on iCloud with the exsisting account, restore the iPhone in the Factory settings and then transfer whatever i have from iCloud to my iPhone(having the new Apple ID in iPhone)?

          12 years ago

          Not sure why you would restore to factory settings. That would definitely erase the apps. Just set each to have its own iCloud account. When one person buys a new app, you can try to use Home Sharing to send that app from one Mac to another. That may work. Difficult for me to test here though, so I can't say for sure.

    Apple user
    12 years ago

    Hi Gary,
    Would like to ask if changing to a new email address will erase all the apps I'm having now?

      12 years ago

      If you just change the email address of your Apple ID account or iTunes account then no, it should affect anything like that. But if you switch to a completely different account then kinda -- it won't erase your apps, but I'm not sure that you get updates anymore.

    Nikki
    12 years ago

    My current apple ID which is my old email address that I no longer have an account with needs to be changed. I would like to get all my apps that I already purchased under this ID before I try and change it, but I am unable to do that because when I try to download the already purchased apps it is asking me to verify my email address, which I am unable to do due to the face that I no longer have an account with Comcast.
    Is it possible to get my apps back without verifying that email address?
    Also, when I try to switch to the email address I would like to use as my new apple ID it won't allow me because I used it under my son's iPod touch and it says that email address is already in use....how would I switch it?

      Gary
      12 years ago

      Just call Apple.

    Eric C
    12 years ago

    I now have an Apple ID (eg. erik@yahoo.com) that was created when I purchased a Mac from Apple Online Store couple years ago. I now want to change the Apple ID name (maybe change to eg. tommy@gmail.com).

    Question 1:
    Will I lose my warranty for other Mac products that was registered using the first Apple ID (erik@yahoo.com)?

    Question 2:
    Will the first Apple ID (erik@yahoo.com) be forever deleted from Apple's database?

    Question 3:
    Can I, in future, retrieve back previous Apple IDs so that, for example in future, I can have both Apple IDs again (ie. erik@yahoo.com & tommy@gmail.com)?

    Thanks.

      12 years ago

      Can't answer any of those for sure. My guess would be:
      1: No. You are still the same person.
      2: Yes. Where would it still exist if you change it?
      3: Are you talking Apple IDs or Apple accounts? It seems you just want to change your ID on a single account. If so, it would be the same account, so the question doesn't make sense.

    Eric C
    12 years ago

    Oops... guess I'm confused about: what is the difference between an Apple ID & Apple accounts?

      12 years ago

      An Apple ID (an email address) is the ID for an Apple account.

    Eric C
    12 years ago

    Is it only one Apple ID for one Apple account... or can two (or more) Apple IDs be linked to one Apple account?

      12 years ago

      You can have multiple email addresses associated with one Apple account for various purposes -- these are alternates. There is always a primary. But it is still just one account. Same music, purchases, rentals, books, apps, iCloud stuff, etc.
      Go to http://appleid.apple.com and maybe you'll get some clarity from logging into your account there.

    Eric C
    12 years ago

    Just a few more questions:

    Can I change the name of an existing Apple Account (eg. change from "erik@yahoo.com" to "tommy@gmail.com") and then create a new Apple Account that has the same name as my previous Apple Account ("erik@yahoo.com")?
    This means that, at the end of the day, I end up with 2 Apple Accounts (one named "erik@yahoo.com" & another named "tommy@gmail.com") - will it cause conflicts?

    Thanks for answering so patiently.

      12 years ago

      Don't know. Never tried it. But having two Apple accounts will make life difficult, especially if you are using iCloud. I don't understand why you want a second account.

    Aimee
    12 years ago

    Hello! My husband and I just purchased iPhones - I have a 4 and he, a 4s ... it seems as though when I was "creating" his new iPhone information, I inadvertantly used his email address to create an iCloud/.me email account, while using my AppleID. Now I am unable to change this primary email to match my information. We have since deleted all of his info from my itunes/AppleID and created his own itunes account, but seem unable to fix the .me account issue .... shaould I just go to the apple store for help??? Thanks so much for your time & guidance! ~Aimee

    pete
    12 years ago

    Hello Gary and thanks in advance - like many others I'm losing my mind here: my former Apple ID / Password combo - which I've been using for years - no longer works (the password is said to be invalid upon entry) - like many others my verification info is outdated / lost (including expired email account and a birthdate which i made up ..d'OH). In my confusion I created a new Apple ID and password but it's not the one I've been using which also happens to have lots of credit in the Apple store with. any idea how I can resolve this mess?? thanks again!

      12 years ago

      The only solution here is to call Apple.

        pete
        12 years ago

        Thank You for the reply - just as a follow up: after a good long while on hold with Apple (and 2 representatives there) I was informed that my only option was to email iTunes support (which I now have) and, that this phone call concludes my remaining free support short of purchasing AppleCare.
        I'm Praying i can resolve my AppleID issues via email and good luck to anyone in similar trenches! Pete xx

    Keith
    11 years ago

    Apologies for reigniting an old thread.
    Could you please explain how I can register an AppleCare product for my iMac, during which process an apple I'd is created. Then when I try to access the iTunes Store using the same apple I'd it says I can't?
    Thanks

      11 years ago

      So are you saying that you never had an Apple ID before and the first time you created one it was in relation to setting up AppleCare? Not sure how that would work. Whatever went wrong, you'll need to call Apple to sort that out.

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