Learn how to add, change, or delete the different types of email addresses that you can use with your Apple ID account.
Email addresses that you use with your Apple ID
You can use your Apple ID email address or your additional email addresses on file in your account, along with your password, to sign in to your Apple ID. You might also be able to use the phone numbers on file in your account to sign in. You can find these email addresses and phone numbers in Settings (or System Settings) > your name > Sign-in & Security.
The additional email addresses can also help friends and family communicate and share with you through Messages, Photo Sharing, and other features.
We might also use your email addresses on file to send you information about your account.
Apple ID email address
In most cases, your Apple ID is also the primary email address of your Apple ID account.
Additional email addresses
Add extra email addresses to help people find you on Apple services like FaceTime, Messages, and Find My. These email addresses can also be used to sign in to your Apple ID.
Rescue email address
Apple uses this to send you important account and security related information. Most people have a notification email address instead of a rescue email address. But if you don't use two-factor authentication or two-step verification (learn how to check what security method you use), you have the option to add a rescue email address to your account for more security. You can see this option when you sign in to appleid.apple.com.
Before you can use a new or updated Apple ID, we'll send you a verification email to make sure that the email address belongs to you.
If you receive suspicious email, learn how to identify fraudulent email.
Apple ID email address
When you create an Apple ID, you enter an email address. This email address is your Apple ID and the username that you can use to sign in to Apple services like Apple Music and iCloud. It's also the contact email address for your account. Be sure to check your inbox regularly. We'll send you email notifications to help you manage your account.
Change your Apple ID email address
After you sign out of all Apple services and devices that use your Apple ID, learn how to change your Apple ID email address.
Reset your Apple ID password
If you know your current Apple ID password and want to change it, learn how to change your Apple ID password on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
If you've forgotten your Apple ID password and need to reset it, learn how to reset your Apple ID password.*
Get a verification code
With two-factor authentication, you'll need a verification code to sign in with your Apple ID on a new device or browser. Learn how to get and use the code on a trusted device, or get a text or phone call.
* If you use two-factor authentication, in some cases you might be able to speed up the account recovery process or reset your password immediately by verifying a six-digit code sent to your primary email address.
Additional email addresses
Many of us have more than one email address that friends and family use to reach us. You can add additional email addresses that you commonly use to your Apple ID account, so people can easily find and communicate with you on Apple services like FaceTime, Messages, Shared Albums, and Find My, and collaborate with Pages, Numbers, and Keynote.
Add an additional email address
Sign in to appleid.apple.com.
Select Personal Information.
Choose Email & Phone Numbers, then select the Add button
.Enter your additional email address. Make sure that you're not already using it as an Apple ID.
We'll send a verification to that address. Didn't get the email?
Enter the verification code and select Continue.
Delete an additional email address
Sign in to appleid.apple.com.
Select Personal Information, then select Email & Phone Numbers.
To delete one of your additional email addresses, click the Remove button
next to the address.
Rescue email address
You can have a rescue email address only if you don't have two-factor authentication or two-step verification. A rescue email is optional but recommended.
If you ever forget your security questions, you can use your rescue email address to reset them. We also send any account security-related notifications to your rescue email address.
If you have two-factor authentication or two-step verification, you have a notification email address instead of a rescue email address and won't need to remember security questions.
Add or change a rescue email address
Sign in to appleid.apple.com.
Select Sign-In and Security.
Select Rescue Email. You might be asked to answer one or more security questions or enter your Apple ID password before you continue.
To add a rescue email address, select Add email. Then enter your rescue email address, then select Save changes. We send a verification to that address. Didn't get the email?
To change a rescue email address, enter the new address. We send a verification to that address. Didn't get the email?
Enter the verification code and click Continue.
If you had a rescue email address on file when you upgraded to two-factor authentication or two-step verification, that email becomes your notification email. You can also use these steps to edit your notification email address. If you remove the notification email, you won't be able to add a new one.
Delete a rescue email address
Sign in to appleid.apple.com.
Select Sign-In and Security.
Select Rescue Email. You might be asked to answer one or more security questions or enter your Apple ID password before you continue.
To delete a rescue email address, select Remove email, and select Remove to confirm.
Reset your security questions
If you've forgotten the answers to your security questions, learn how to verify your identity and reset your security questions. If you set up two-factor authentication or two-step verification, you won't need to remember any security questions.
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Apple ID Email Address:
- Your Apple ID email address is the primary identifier for your Apple ID account.
- It serves as the username for signing in to Apple services like Apple Music and iCloud.
- This email address is also the contact email address for your account.
- Regularly check your inbox for email notifications regarding your account.
Additional Email Addresses:
- You can add extra email addresses to your Apple ID account for use in services like FaceTime, Messages, and Find My.
- These additional email addresses can also be used to sign in to your Apple ID.
- They facilitate communication and sharing through Messages, Photo Sharing, and other features.
- To add an additional email address, sign in to appleid.apple.com, select Personal Information, choose Email & Phone Numbers, and then click the Add button.
Rescue Email Address:
- The rescue email address is used for important account and security-related notifications.
- It becomes crucial if you don't use two-factor authentication or two-step verification.
- You can add or change a rescue email address by signing in to appleid.apple.com, selecting Sign-In and Security, and then choosing Rescue Email.
- It's recommended to have a rescue email address in case you forget your security questions.
Changing Email Addresses and Password:
- To change your Apple ID email address, sign out of all Apple services and devices using your Apple ID, and then follow the instructions to change it.
- If you know your current Apple ID password and want to change it, learn how to change it on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- If you've forgotten your Apple ID password, learn how to reset it.
Two-Factor Authentication:
- Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your Apple ID.
- You'll need a verification code to sign in on a new device or browser.
- Learn how to get and use the code on a trusted device or through text or phone call.
Deleting Email Addresses:
- To delete additional email addresses, sign in to appleid.apple.com, select Personal Information, choose Email & Phone Numbers, and click the Remove button next to the address.
Deleting Rescue Email Address:
- To delete a rescue email address, sign in to appleid.apple.com, select Sign-In and Security, choose Rescue Email, and then click Remove email.
Resetting Security Questions:
- If you forget the answers to your security questions, learn how to verify your identity and reset them.
This comprehensive information covers the various aspects of managing email addresses and security features associated with your Apple ID account. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on any topic, feel free to ask.
