When purchasing an Apple product, you are required to sign up for an Apple ID. This ID will be used for various purposes including App Store Purchases, iCloud access, device activation, and more. Since Apple ID serves as the primary authentication point for your Apple device, it is essential to ensure that your ID credentials remain secure. One of the basic steps you can take to ensure your Apple ID remains secure is to change it every once in a while or if you suspect any security breach.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to change your Apple ID on a Mac. We will also cover some of the challenges you might face while attempting to change your Apple ID, things you need to prepare before changing the Apple ID and additional tips that will help make the process easier and more efficient.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Changing Apple ID on A Mac
The process of changing the Apple ID on a Mac can be quite complicated if you are not familiar with the steps involved. For instance, you cannot change the email address used by your Apple ID account since it will affect all the services and subscriptions associated with the account.
Another challenge that you might face is if you forget your Apple ID password. In such a situation, you will need to authenticate yourself to reset the password, but this might be challenging if you have not set up two-factor authentication or provided answers to your security questions.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before changing your Apple ID on a Mac, you need to ensure that your computer is running on the latest version of macOS. Additionally, ensure that you sign out of all the services and apps that use the Apple ID account you want to change. Also, ensure you have access to the email address associated with the new Apple ID account. This is because you will receive a verification code on that email address when setting up the new Apple ID account.
You might also need to prepare your credit card information since it might be required while updating payment details for some services linked to your Apple ID account, such as App Store Purchases and Apple Music.
Method 1: Via Apple Website
Step 1:
Open a web browser and navigate to the Apple ID website (https://appleid.apple.com)
Step 2:
Sign in using your current Apple ID email address and password.
Step 3:
On the Apple ID homepage, click on the "Manage Your Apple ID" button.
Step 4:
Under the "Account" section, click on the "Edit" button located next to the primary email address.
Step 5:
Enter the new email address that you want to use as your new Apple ID.
Step 6:
Click the "Save Changes" button located at the bottom of the screen.
Pros:
– This method is relatively straightforward and easy to follow.
– It does not require any technical skills or experience.
– You can use any web browser to change your Apple ID.
Cons:
– It is more time-consuming compared to other methods.
– You might need to verify your identity by entering a code sent to your email address or phone number.
Method 2: Via Apple Support
Step 1:
Go to the Apple Support website (https://support.apple.com).
Step 2:
Click on the "Contact Support" button located at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3:
Select "Apple ID" from the list of available topics.
Step 4:
Choose the "Changing your Apple ID" sub-topic.
Step 5:
Select the option to receive a call from Apple Support.
Step 6:
Follow the instructions provided by the Apple Support representative to change your Apple ID.
Pros:
– You can get assistance from an expert.
– It is an excellent option if you are not comfortable changing your Apple ID yourself.
Cons:
– It is more time-consuming compared to other methods.
– You might need to wait for a long time to receive the call from Apple Support.
Method 3: Via System Preferences
Step 1:
Click on the Apple menu and select "System Preferences."
Step 2:
Click on the "Apple ID" icon located at the top of the screen.
Step 3:
Click on the "Change Email Address" button located under the "General" tab.
Step 4:
Enter the new email address that you want to use as your new Apple ID.
Step 5:
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.
Pros:
– This method is relatively straightforward and easy to follow.
– It is the fastest method to change your Apple ID.
Cons:
– You might need to verify your identity by entering a code sent to your email address or phone number.
Why Can’t I Change My Apple ID?
1. Two-Factor Authentication:
A: If two-factor authentication is enabled on your Apple ID account, you will need to authenticate yourself using a trusted device before proceeding with the change of Apple ID.
2. Forgot Apple ID Password:
A: If you forgot your Apple ID password, you will need to reset it via your trusted device or request to receive instructions via the email address provided.
3. Email Address Already In Use:
A: If the email address you wish to update your Apple ID to is already in use with a different Apple ID account, you will not be able to make changes.
Additional Tips
1. Backup:
Before changing your Apple ID on a Mac, backup all your important data to prevent data loss.
2. Keep Old Apple ID:
It is advisable to keep your old Apple ID since deleting it might affect all the services and subscriptions associated with the account.
3. Verify New Email:
Ensure that the email address associated with the new Apple ID account is valid and accessible.
4. Delete Old Email Address:
You can delete the email address associated with your old Apple ID account once you have confirmed that the new email address is functional.
5 FAQs about Changing Apple ID on A Mac
Q1: How often should I change my Apple ID?
A: It is advisable to change your Apple ID every few months, especially if you suspect any security breach.
Q2: Can I use my old email address with a new Apple ID?
A: No, you cannot use the same email address with different Apple ID accounts.
Q3: Will changing Apple ID affect my App Store purchases?
A: No, it will not affect your App Store purchases.
Q4: Can I change the email address associated with Apple ID on my iPhone?
A: Yes, you can change the email address associated with an Apple ID on your iPhone.
Q5: How long does it take to change my Apple ID?
A: The time needed to change your Apple ID depends on the method you use, the availability of support staff and the speed of your internet connection.
In Conclusion
Changing your Apple ID on a Mac might seem daunting at first, but it is an essential step you should take if you suspect any security breach or just to keep your account secure. Hopefully, this blog post has provided you with all the methods, tips and solutions to some of the challenges you might face when changing your Apple ID. Remember to back up your data, verify your new email address and keep your old Apple ID safe.