Does Your Apple ID Have to Be an Email Address?
Some Apple users end up wishing to change their Apple ID.
There might be various reasons for that.
You might if it’s possible to change your Apple ID to something other than the original email address you used, or if you can forego using an email address at all.
Your Apple ID is the key to accessing everything on your iPhone, iPad, Mac and other Apple device.
You can change your Apple ID if the email address you previously used has become obsolete and you no longer use it. But do you have to use an email address at all?
Does Your Apple ID Have to Be an Email Address?
Your Apple ID does have to be an email address, it can’t just be your name or another handle. The email address that you use as your Apple ID is your primary means of communicating with Apple about your account, so it must be an active email account that you are able to access.
Your Apple ID allows you to sign in to your Apple account and access all of Apple’s services.
When you sign up using an email address, you can use iMessage, FaceTime, Apple Music, iCloud, and the App Store, to name just a few common services.
Apple also sends you helpful information about your account through the email address you use for your Apple ID.
In addition to the main email address you use to log into your Apple account, you are required to use other email addresses.
Those alternate email addresses are helpful for enabling people you know to find you if they can’t get you on your Apple ID directly.
You also have what’s known as a rescue email address that serves as an extra backup.
Can you use a Gmail account for an Apple ID? This is a common question among Apple users. The answer is: yes, you can use Gmail for your Apple ID.
Upon creating your Apple ID for the first time or using a new email address for it, Apple will email you to verify that it’s indeed your email account.
This is to prevent potential fraud from occurring with a stranger gaining access to your account.
Can You Use an Email Address You No Longer Have Access to for your Apple ID?
You might wonder, does Apple ID have to be a valid email address? In most cases, the answer is yes, but it’s possible to be using an older email address you haven’t used in some time that’s no longer valid.
For example, if you originally signed up for an Apple ID using a longtime Yahoo account but haven’t logged into it for years, it can still be used, but it’s best not to keep using it.
A fresh Apple ID login is better because you can have access to any email messages Apple sends you.
This is especially important in the event of an emergency such as someone trying to use your account on their own Apple device.
Can You Change Your Apple ID?
You might wonder what kind of email do you need for Apple ID.
Overall, Apple will accept any legitimate email handle for use with your ID.
However, you can take certain steps if you would prefer to change your Apple ID.
Although it used to be necessary to create a new account if you wanted to use a different Apple ID, that’s no longer the case.
Now, you no longer have to use the same old third-party email handle you’ve used for years.
First, you should log out of all your Apple devices.
This makes things easier when you create a new Apple ID login. Apple provides you with a set of instructions via its website.
Go to AppleID.Apple.com and sign in.
You will be taken to a page entitled “Sign-In and Security” and can then select “Apple ID.” Enter the email address you wish to use for your Apple ID.
Next, you should choose the option “Change Apple ID.” You can switch it to another third-party email address and follow the steps after entering the verification code Apple sends you or change it to one with “@icloud.com” as its handle.
The “@icloud.com” option offers you to start fresh with your Apple ID.
You can also use “@me.com” or “@mac.com.” if you prefer to not continue using a third-party email address.
More Apple users are choosing this route so that their Apple ID appears more professional instead of casual.
Can You Change Your Apple ID Right on Your Apple Device?
You can change your Apple ID directly on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac.
This can tell you what do you do if you don’t have your Apple ID email.
Even if you still have access to the email address you use for your Apple ID, you are free to change it.
Sometimes, you might be in a situation where you no longer need, want or even have access to a certain email account.
For example, you stopped using the email address more than a year earlier or it was your college email address and you have since graduated and it’s now obsolete.
From your Mac, you should follow the same steps by accessing AppleID.Apple.com on the browser of your choice.
You can use Safari, Chrome, Firefox or any other browser.
Log into your Apple account and enter your Apple ID and password.
After you have successfully signed in, click on “Edit.” which is found on the top right of your screen on the Account option.
Go to the next screen and select “Change Apple ID.” A popup should appear that allows you to enter a new email address to use for your Apple ID.
Press “Continue” and follow the steps.
Apple might require you to answer two security questions. You will then receive a verification code in the email address you provided.
If you’re using an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, go to Settings and tap on your Apple ID.
Choose “Name, Phone Numbers, Email” and then enter the password for your Apple ID.
Tap on “Edit” when you get to the next screen.
You can then delete your current email address that serves as your Apple ID by pressing “Delete.” Afterward, tap “Continue.”
You may be asked to answer two security questions to verify your identity.
After you do that, you can go to another screen and enter an email address you wish to use for your Apple ID.
Press “Next” and then follow the instructions on the screen to finish.
Changing your Apple ID take several steps, but it’s a straightforward process.
If you prefer something more formal-looking, you can use the “@icloud.com” option as your Apple ID.