For those familiar with Apple devices, navigating the Apple ID login is a routine affair. Initially, creating an Apple ID necessitated using a third-party email like Gmail or Yahoo. However, until recently, integrating an Apple domain address was unfeasible. While interchange between third-party emails was an option, Apple has now enabled the seamless transition from third-party email IDs to Apple domain addresses.
While Apple streamlines Apple account management by enabling direct use of an Apple domain address for device logins, switching to this method is irreversible. The caveat is clear: once you transition to an Apple domain address, you cannot revert to a third-party email. You commit for life. If you’re prepared, let’s proceed.
Migrate to iCloud Email
On iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch
Note: Successfully tested on an iPhone 8 Plus with iOS 11. This method applies to iOS devices running version 10.3 or later.
1. On your iOS device, open Settings and tap your name (displayed at the very top) to access your account settings. Then, open the ‘Name, Phone Numbers, Email’ section.
2. Here, tap ‘Edit’ next to ‘Contactable At’ and remove the third-party email ID by tapping the red ‘minus’ button.
3. You’ll now be prompted to add a new email address, which will be used as the Apple ID. Tap ‘Continue’ to add your Apple domain address.
Note: This method won’t work with Apple ID accounts lacking an iCloud mail account linked. The screen will display an error stating that @icloud.com isn’t a valid email address.
4. After inputting your Apple domain address, click ‘Next’ to enter a verification number sent to that email to change your Apple ID from a third-party email to an Apple domain. And voila, you’re done!
As seen above, the process to change your Apple ID is simple and straightforward. However, you can’t switch your Apple ID from your current email to an Apple domain while setting up iCloud Mail.
Attempting to alter my Apple ID on my personal account resulted in the creation of a new iCloud Mail address, automatically added to the ‘Reachable At’ section as an alias. This negates the necessity for the Apple ID change process, allowing you to utilize either your third-party email or the iCloud address for logging into your account.
Using the Apple ID Account Page
While changing the Apple ID on iOS devices is simpler, you can also do so by accessing your account page on the web. Follow these steps:
1. Go to appleid.apple.com and log in to your Apple account. You’ll need to verify your identity by answering two security questions chosen during the initial setup.
2. In the accounts section, click the “Edit” button next to the ‘Reachable At’ section.
3. Now, under the Apple ID section, click on ‘Add More…’ and enter the Apple domain address you plan to use as your new login ID.
4. Finally, you’ll need to click on “Continue” to see your Apple ID change if you have entered a valid @iCloud.com, @me.com, or @mac.com email address.
Apple ID: Login With An Apple Domain Address
If you’ve had trouble logging into your Apple devices with a Gmail or Yahoo email address, you can now merge your data into Apple’s ecosystem by logging in with your Apple domain address. The previously associated third-party email address becomes an additional email address for your Apple account. This means you can still log in with the third-party email address, but all account-related communication will be sent to the iCloud Mail account. If you have any queries about the switching process, let us know in the comments below.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
