It’s easy to create an Apple ID and use it to access Apple services, but what do you do if you want to change your Apple ID? Fortunately, it’s quick and easy to do this.
You can change your Apple ID either through your device or the Apple website. Whether you want to update your account information, switch to a different email address or phone number, or if you need to reset your password, you can follow these simple instructions and be on your way.
It’s important to note that changing your Apple ID will not affect any of the data stored on your device. This includes music, messages, contacts, photos, documents and more.

What Is an Apple ID?
If you own an Apple device—whether it’s an iPhone, iPad, MacBook, or Apple Watch—an Apple ID is essential for accessing the full range of features and apps that come with it. The Apple ID is essentially your key to the Apple ecosystem, and serves as an all-in-one account that allows you to access services such as the App Store, iCloud, and Apple Music. With your Apple ID, you can also use FaceTime and iMessage to stay connected with friends and family.
Your Apple ID consists of an email address and a password associated with it. It’s important that you keep your password secure but also easy enough to remember so that you can access your account quickly; if your account ever gets hacked or compromised, then changing your password should be the first thing you do before any suspicious activity can take place.
How to Change Your Apple ID Name
It’s easy to change the name associated with your Apple ID. Updating your Apple ID name can make it easier for family and friends to recognize you when they’re sending messages or buying music through iTunes. Here’s how to change it:
- Sign in to your Apple ID account page.
- Click “Edit” next to your current name.
- Enter the first and last name you want associated with your account and click “Save Changes”.
- After clicking save, a verification code will be sent to you via email; enter the code on the next page and click “Verify”.
- Your new Apple ID name will now appear in the Account section of your Apple ID account page, as well as any stores where you use it as a payment method (iTunes Store, App Store, etc.).
Once you’ve completed these steps, your updated name will be visible on services like iCloud, FaceTime and iMessage, in the greeting text of emails sent from any shared family accounts, and when you access shared content like photo albums or calendar events with family and friends who also have an Apple ID.
How to Change Your Password and Security Settings
Changing your Apple ID password and security settings is an important step to take in order to keep your account secure. Here’s a quick guide on how to do it:
- Head over to the Apple ID website and log in with your existing account credentials.
- Once you are logged in, click on the ‘Edit’ button next to your current password.
- Enter a new password into the space provided and confirm it by re-entering it again.
- Your password should now be changed! Make sure that you also update any other security settings such as two-step verification or two-factor authentication that are available with your Apple ID account, as these can help protect you from potential fraud or identity theft.
What to Do if You Forgot Your Password
If you can’t remember your Apple ID password, then don’t worry; there are a few ways to reset it or recover it.
Resetting Your Password
The first step is to try and reset the password. To do this, you’ll need to go to the Apple ID website and click on the ‘Forgot Apple ID or Password’ link. You’ll then be asked to enter your Apple ID and select how you’d like get reset your password: either via an email address or answer security questions. Once you’ve entered that information, you’ll be able to create a new password and gain access to your account again.
Recovering Your Password
If you’re unable to reset your password using the steps above, then you may need to recover it instead. To do this, go back to the same page in the first step (Apple ID website), and click on ‘Can’t access your account?’ link instead of ‘Forgot Apple ID or Password’. You’ll then be asked for more information about yourself in order to verify that it’s really you trying to gain access back into the account. Once verified, you’ll be able to create a new password for yourself and regain access again.
How to Deactivate Your Apple ID
Changing your Apple ID isn’t as complicated as it may seem. Here are the basics for deactivating your Apple ID and creating a new one:
Step 1: Sign Out of All Apple Services
The first step is to sign out of all Apple services, such as the iTunes Store, App Store, iCloud and any other associated services. This ensures that no one else will be able to access your account while you are in the process of changing your information.
Step 2: Change Your Email Address
Next, you need to change the primary email address on your account. You can do this by visiting https://appleid.apple.com and signing in with your current credentials. From there, click on the “Edit” tab and enter a new email address – this will be the address used for verifying new purchases and accessing other services associated with your account.
Step 3: Create a New Password
Once you have changed your email address, you will need to create a new password for your Apple ID account. Make sure to choose something that is strong yet easy to remember – a combination of letters, numbers and/or symbols would be ideal for secure protection online.
Once these three steps have been completed, you will have successfully changed your Apple ID.
Tips and Best Practices for Securing Your Apple ID
It’s important to keep your Apple ID secure, and there’s no better way to do it than to follow a few simple tips and best practices.
Use Strong Passwords
The most important tip for keeping your Apple ID secure is to use strong passwords. Try to create unique passwords for each account, as well as choosing passwords that won’t be easily guessed. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols where possible.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Enabling two-factor authentication on your Apple ID can help provide an additional layer of security to your account. With this enabled, you will be required to enter a code sent via text or email in order to gain access to your account, ensuring that only you have access.
Monitor Your Account Activity
You should make sure to routinely check the activity associated with your Apple ID account. This way, you can quickly spot any suspicious activity and take appropriate action if necessary. Make sure that the devices that have access to the account are ones that you are familiar with and trust.
By following these tips and best practices for securing your Apple ID, you can ensure that you have peace of mind when it comes to keeping your account safe from potential attackers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, changing your Apple ID should be a quick and easy process. To begin, make sure that you have the correct information for your new account and that you have access to the email associated with it. After that, navigate to settings in the Apple ID website, where you can enter the new information and complete the change. Finally, take the time to update any connected devices to ensure that you have access to all of your Apple services. Taking these steps will ensure that your new Apple ID is set up properly and that you can access your services with ease.