An Apple ID is the email address you use as a login for just about everything you do with Apple, including using iCloud to store your content, buying songs from the iTunes Store, and downloading apps from the App Store.
When you set up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you can use the same Apple ID for both iCloud services and purchases on the iTunes Store, App Store, and iBooks Store. Or, you can also use one Apple ID for iCloud services and a different Apple ID for Store purchases (including iTunes in the Cloud and iTunes Match). You'll get all the benefits of iCloud whether you use the same Apple ID for iCloud and Store purchases, or different IDs for each. To change the Apple ID signed in to iCloud or iTunes on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, sign out and use the steps below to sign back in with the updated Apple ID.
Use the same Apple ID for both Store purchases and iCloud (recommended)
We recommend that you use the same Apple ID for Store purchases and iCloud. Using multiple Apple IDs might be confusing and might cause issues with accessing purchased content or using some services.
iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- When you first set up your device running iOS 5 or later, enter the Apple ID you use for iTunes in the setup screens. It will be used for Store purchases and iCloud.
- If you skipped the setup process, enter your Apple ID in Settings > iCloud and Settings > iTunes and App Stores.
Mac or PC
- Enter your Apple ID on your computer:
- Mac: Enter your Apple ID in Apple () menu > System Preferences > iCloud.
- Windows 8: Enter your Apple ID in the iCloud Control Panel. To access the iCloud Control Panel:
- Move the pointer to the upper-right corner of the screen to show the Charms bar.
- Click the Search charm.
- Then click the iCloud Control Panel on the left.
- Windows 7 and Vista: Enter the same Apple ID in Control Panel > Network and Internet > iCloud.
- Enter your Apple ID in iTunes:
- iTunes 10: Store > Sign In.
- iTunes 11 or later: iTunes Store > Quick Links: Account.
If you're using Windows 7 or 8 and can't see the menus, learn how to turn on iTunes menus.
Use one Apple ID for iCloud and a different Apple ID for Store purchases
You can use different Apple IDs for iCloud and Store purchases and still get all of the benefits of iCloud.
iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- When you first set up your device with iOS 5 or later, enter the Apple ID you want to use with iCloud. If you skipped the setup assistant, sign in to Settings > iCloud and enter the Apple ID you’d like to use with iCloud.
- In Settings > iTunes and App Stores, sign in with the Apple ID you want to use for Store purchases. You might need to sign out first to change the Apple ID.
Mac or PC
- Enter the Apple ID that you want to use with iCloud on your computer:
- Mac: Enter your Apple ID in Apple () menu > System Preferences > iCloud.
- Windows 8: Enter your Apple ID in the iCloud Control Panel. To access the iCloud Control Panel:
- Move the pointer to the upper-right corner of the screen to show the Charms bar.
- Click the Search charm.
- Then click the iCloud Control Panel on the left.
- Windows 7 and Vista: Enter the same Apple ID in Control Panel > Network and Internet > iCloud.
- Enter the Apple ID you want to use for Store purchases in iTunes:
- iTunes 10: Store > Sign In.
- iTunes 11 or later: iTunes Store > Quick Links: Account.
If you're using Windows 7 or 8 and can't see the menus, learn how to turn on iTunes menus.
Once a device or computer is associated with your Apple ID for your iTunes Store account, you cannot associate that device or computer with another Apple ID for 90 days. Learn more about associating a device or computer to your Apple ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I merge multiple Apple IDs into one?
No. You can't merge two or more Apple IDs into a single one. You can, however, use one Apple ID for iCloud services and another Apple ID for Store purchases (including iTunes in the Cloud and iTunes Match). See “Using one Apple ID for iCloud and a different Apple ID for Store Purchases” for details.
Can I change the name of my Apple ID?
Yes. For example, if you get a new email address, you can change your Apple ID from your old address to your new address. @mac.com and @me.com Apple IDs cannot be renamed.
I have purchased music, apps, or books with multiple Apple IDs. How can I get all of this content onto my iOS device?
First, copy all of your purchased content so that it's on the same Mac or PC with iTunes. This computer should be the one you sync your device with.
- iTunes for Mac: How to copy purchases between computers
- iTunes for Windows: How to copy purchases between computers
Next, authorize your computer to play content with each Apple ID in iTunes. After your computer is authorized for all of your content, it can be synced to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
How do I restore an iOS device from an iCloud Backup if I use different Apple IDs for iCloud and store purchases?
When you're first prompted for your Apple ID during the restore process, enter the Apple ID you use for iCloud. After your device restarts, you will be presented with another Apple ID prompt before items from the App Store and iBooks Store begin restoring. This time, sign in with the Apple ID you use for Store purchases.
I have an expired @me.com email address as an Apple ID. Can I use it with iCloud and receive email at that address?
Yes, if it is an @me.com address. To use your expired MobileMe account for iCloud, follow the iCloud setup instructions and enter your expired @me.com email address as your Apple ID. Your @me.com address it will be reactivated for email when you sign up for iCloud.
You will need an active email address associated with your Apple ID to set up iCloud. To add an active email address, go to My Apple ID, sign in with your expired @me.com email address, and add an active email address to your account.
Learn more
For more information on Apple IDs, see Frequently Asked Questions About Apple ID.