The Apple ID – officially called the "Apple Account" since iOS 26 – is the central key to all Apple services: iCloud, App Store, Apple Music, iMessage, FaceTime, and more. Without an Apple Account, almost nothing in the Apple ecosystem works. This article shows how to create a new account, change the primary email address, and permanently delete the account if needed.
Apple renamed the term "Apple ID" to "Apple Account" with the release of iOS 26 in September 2025. In Settings, on the Apple website, and throughout Apple documentation, it now refers to "Apple Account." Functionally, nothing has changed – the login remains the same, and all data and purchases are retained.
An Apple account is created when you first set up a new iPhone and then automatically syncs across all Apple devices signed in with the same account. This includes iCloud data, app purchases, subscriptions, payment information, and security settings such as two-factor authentication.
Create an Apple Account
An Apple account is usually created directly during the initial setup of a new iPhone – the setup assistant guides you through the process step by step. If you already own a device and need another account, you can also create one via the settings or online.
During initial setup
When setting up a new iPhone, the setup assistant automatically offers the option to create a new Apple account. Simply follow the on-screen steps: enter your email address (or create a free iCloud address), choose a secure password, enter your date of birth and country, and set up two-factor authentication.
Retrospectively on the iPhone
If you need an additional Apple account—for example, to separate personal and business purchases—you can sign out of your existing account on your iPhone and create a new one. Open Settings and tap "Apple Account" at the top. Tap "Create New Apple Account." Follow the on-screen instructions: email address, password, date of birth, country. Specify a payment method or select "None." Confirm your phone number for verification. Open the confirmation email from Apple and verify your email address.
On the internet
You can create an Apple account at account.apple.com even without an Apple device – for example, on a Windows PC or Android smartphone. The process is identical: email address, password, security questions, two-factor authentication.
Account for children
Children under 16 (in Germany) cannot have their own separate account. Instead, the child's account is created via Family Sharing. Detailed instructions can be found in our article Creating an Apple Account for Children & Using Family Sharing.
Change your Apple Account – primary email address
Many users confuse "changing Apple ID" with changing their password. In reality, there are two different actions: changing the primary email address of the account (i.e., the login name) and changing the password.
Change email address
The primary email address – that is, the username you use to log in to Apple – can be changed later. The easiest method works directly on the iPhone.
Open Settings and tap your name at the top. Tap "Sign-in & Security." Tap your current email address. Select "Remove from Account" or "Change Email Address" (the exact option depends on whether it's an iCloud address or a third-party address). Enter your new email address and confirm.
Important: If you have an iCloud email address (@icloud.com), the old address will be changed, but iCloud Mail and all existing messages will remain. The new address will replace the old one as your login.
Alternatively, you can make the change via account.apple.com. There, under "Login & Security," you can edit your primary email address.
Change Password
Those who only want to change their password can find step-by-step instructions in our article Change your Apple account password via device and web.
Delete Apple Account – permanently
Deleting an Apple account is irreversible. All associated data, purchases, subscriptions, iCloud content, and services are permanently removed. Apple offers no way to recover a deleted account.
Check before deleting
Several points should be checked off before the account is deleted.
Back up all iCloud data (photos, documents, contacts, calendar) locally—either on your iPhone, on a Mac, or by downloading it from privacy.apple.com. Cancel active subscriptions (Apple Music, iCloud+, Apple TV, third-party subscriptions). Sign out of your Apple account on all devices. Disable "Find My" on all devices to remove the activation lock. Use up any remaining credit (App Store, iTunes).
Since the beginning of 2025, Apple has offered the option to migrate purchases between two Apple accounts. So, if you have a second account and want to keep your purchases, you can transfer them before deleting them.
Delete account
Deletion is requested via Apple's privacy portal.
Open privacy.apple.com in your browser and sign in with your Apple account. Under "Delete your account," click "Request deletion of your account." Specify the reason for deletion. Follow the instructions and choose a contact method through which Apple can provide updates. Apple will send you an alphanumeric access code. Keep this code safe—you will need it to cancel the deletion while the request is being processed.
Processing takes up to seven days. The account remains active until final deletion. After that, all data is irrevocably removed from Apple's servers.
Deactivate Account instead of deleting it
If you're unsure whether to permanently delete your account, you can temporarily deactivate it instead. This option is also available at privacy.apple.com. Deactivating your account doesn't delete your data; it only blocks access. You can reactivate it later.
Remove Apple Account from iPhone (without deleting the Account)
If you sell or give away your iPhone, you don't need to delete your account – it's enough to log out on the device.
Open Settings and tap your name at the top. Scroll down and tap "Sign Out." Enter your Apple ID password and confirm. Choose whether to keep a copy of your iCloud data on your device. Tap "Sign Out."
After that, the device can be reset. You can find complete instructions in our article Resetting your iPhone: All reset methods under iOS 26.
Common problems and solutions
"Account cannot be created"
This message appears if too many accounts have been created in a short period of time, the email address is already in use, or the device is not running the latest software. Update iOS to the latest version and use a different email address. Alternatively, create the account at account.apple.com.
Forgot your password?
You can reset your password under Settings > Apple Account > Sign-in & Security. Alternatively, you can use iforgot.apple.com. Two-factor authentication or using a trusted device will speed up the process.
Merge two Apple Accounts
Apple doesn't offer a direct way to merge two accounts into one. The best solution is to transfer purchases using the new migration feature and then delete or deactivate the account you no longer need.
One Account for everything
The Apple Account is the foundation for every Apple device. Once set up, you benefit from seamless synchronization, secure purchases, and access to all Apple services. You can change your email address at any time, and you should update your password regularly. If you no longer need the account, you can securely delete or temporarily deactivate it via Apple's privacy portal. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
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Frequently Asked Questions: Creating, changing, and deleting an Apple ID
There is no functional difference. Apple renamed the term "Apple ID" to "Apple Account" with iOS 26. The login, data, and all services remain identical.
When setting up a new iPhone for the first time, the setup assistant guides you through the process automatically. Enter your email address, password, and date of birth, specify your payment method, and verify the confirmation email.
Yes. Go to Settings > Your Name > Sign-in & Security, tap your current email address, and enter a new one. For iCloud addresses, the old address will be replaced, but your mail and messages will remain.
The deletion is irreversible. All iCloud data, purchases, subscriptions, and linked services will be permanently removed. The account cannot be recovered afterward.
Sign in to privacy.apple.com and submit your request under "Delete Your Account." Apple will send you an access code to cancel the request. Processing takes up to seven days.
Yes. At privacy.apple.com there is an option to temporarily deactivate your account. Your data will be retained and you can reactivate the account later.
Yes, since the beginning of 2025, Apple has offered a migration feature that allows purchases and other content to be transferred between two Apple accounts. This is particularly useful if an old account needs to be merged or deleted.
