Have you ever browsed the internet and come across a website where you were asked to enter your Apple ID? Well, the Apple ID is how Apple identifies you when you use their products, services, and sites. It is a unique identifier of you, the user, and is used to identify you while signing in to various Apple services. For example, your Apple ID is needed whenever you want to shop on Apple store, download iTunes Store content, access iCloud and more.
Since your Apple ID is so important, you may find yourself needing to change it. Maybe you have forgotten your username and/or password, or maybe you just want to change it for another reason. Whatever the reason is, changing your Apple ID can be quite complicated, and you will need to be aware of the implications of your action. In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about how to change your Apple ID.
The Different Ways of Making Changes To Your Apple ID
The process of changing your Apple ID actually depends on which devices you have. Depending on the device, you may be able to update your Apple ID straight from the device, but in other cases you may need to go onto a computer. Thus, the changes that you can make to your Apple ID may also vary based on your specific device. Here are the steps to changing your Apple ID, according to the device you have.
iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch
Changing your Apple ID from your handheld device is the easiest way to do it. Here are the steps to do so:
- Go to Settings and select iTunes & App Store
- Tap on your Apple ID
- Press Sign Out
- Enter your new Apple ID and Password
- Tap Sign In
Mac or PC
If you are using a Mac computer or PC, you can change your Apple ID by doing the following:
- Go to appleid.apple.com
- Select Manage your Apple ID
- Sign in with your current Apple ID
- Click on Password and Security and then Edit
- Now select Change Apple ID
- Enter the email address you would like to use as your new Apple ID
- Enter the password you would like to use for your new Apple ID and confirm it
- Click Save Changes
- Enter your current password when prompted
- Click Sign Out
The consequences of Changing Your Apple ID
Changing your Apple ID may have some implications that you need to be aware of before doing so. Depending on what Apple services you use, these implications may be more or less relevant to your situation. Here are some of the consequences that may arise from changing your Apple ID:
• Your Apple Store shopping history may not be linked to your new Apple ID.
• You may not be able to re-download any of your previously purchased content (apps, movies, music, books, etc.).
• Your iCloud Drive content and data could be lost.
• Any bookmarks or website login details may be deleted.
• You will not be able to access any content in your iBooks library.
• Your FaceTime contacts will not be linked to you anymore.
• Any stored credit/debit card information will need to be entered again.
It is important to be aware of the implications of changing your Apple ID before doing so. All of the information you have connected to your current Apple ID may be inaccessible unless you transfer it over to your new Apple ID. This means everything from your music library, to photo albums, to stored credit cards. Therefore, if you are sure that you need to change your Apple ID, make sure to take all of the necessary steps to ensure your data will remain intact, or transferred over to your new Apple ID.
