How to Switch iCloud Accounts on iPhone (2026)

I own a couple of accounts that i use on various social media platforms. I’ve also created and used several Gmail accounts. But when it comes to my Apple account, formally Apple ID, I never bothered to create multiple accounts. That’s because I want all my devices to access all my Apple content seamlessly. If you’re unlike me though, you may need to have multiple Apple accounts. So if you want to know how to switch iCloud accounts on your iPhone, this guide is for you.

What You Need to Know When Switching Between iCloud Accounts

Alright, let’s say you have two iCloud accounts and you want to switch from one account to another on your iPhone. You should note that by doing so, some of your data may stay on your device. This could include contacts, photos, and calendar events. The same is true for apps, music, books, and podcast subscriptions. So, when you switch to another iCloud account, you won’t be able to update them if you’re currently logged into another account and not the one you used to purchase those items. You can only do so if you switch back to the original iCloud account.

Switch iCloud Account on iPhone in iOS 18 or newer

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap [your name].
3. Tap Sign-In & Security.
4. Tap your primary email address to make changes.
5. To remove this email address from your account, tap Remove from Account. If you want to keep the current email address associated with your Apple Account but change to a different primary email address, turn off Primary Email.
6. You’re prompted to choose another primary email address. You can either choose one of your other email addresses associated with your account as the new primary, or add a new primary email address.
7. Follow the onscreen steps to enter and verify your new primary email address.

Switch iCloud Account on iPhone in iOS 17 or earlier

Sign Out of Your Current iCloud account

Before you can switch iCloud accounts on your iPhone running iOS 17 or earlier, you need to sign out of your current iCloud account. Follow these steps on your iPhone.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap your name at the top of the screen.
3. Scroll all the way to the bottom and tap Sign Out.
4. Enter your Apple Account password and tap Turn Off.
5. Turn on the data that you want to keep a copy of on your device.
6. Tap Sign Out.
7. Tap Sign Out again to confirm that you want to sign out of iCloud.

Switch iCloud Accounts on iPhone

Once you’ve signed out of your current iCloud account, you can now sign in using another iCloud account. Here’s how:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Apple Account.
3. Enter your Apple Account email address or phone number and your password. If prompted, enter the six-digit verification code sent to your trusted device or phone number to complete sign-in.

How to Add a Second Apple account

It’s worth noting that you can use more than one Apple account on your iPhone. This applies to content such as emails, contacts, notes, and more. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Mail, then tap Mail Accounts.
2. Tap Add Account, then select iCloud.
3. Enter your Apple Account email address, then tap Next.
4. Enter your Apple account password, then tap Next.
5. After verifying your info, tap the services that you want to turn on.
6. Tap Save.