Unofficial archive. This is a read-only, community-run archive of the Apple Support Community. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple Inc.
DBDub
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Re-using previous email address as Apple Id

I previously had a duplicate Apple Id (and account) associated with my hotmail address. I deleted the Apple account a couple of months ago but now want to re-associate the hotmail email address with my primary Apple account but get errors saying 'email address is already in use' or 'cannot process this request'. I have verified that I can no longer sign in to the Apple account associated with the hotmail address, I get a 'no such user' error so seem to be stuck in limbo between the previous account being deleted and not able to re-use the email address. Anyone have any ideas on how to resolve? Thanks!

Posted on Oct 6, 2026 5:02 AM

2 replies

Limnos
User level: Level 10 (462,771 points)

Oct 6, 2026 6:04 AM in response to DBDub

Here's a support article and excerpt applying to your situation:


From: How to delete your Apple Account - Apple Support

“Can I use the primary email address for my deleted Apple Account to create a new Apple Account or with another existing Apple Account?

No, once your Apple Account is deleted, you can’t use the email address that you used with it to create a new Apple Account for as long as Apple retains the one-way hash of the email address. For third-party (non-Apple [i.e. your Hotmail]) domain accounts, the one-way hash is deleted after six years. For other accounts, this is retained according to Apple's retention policy, which is reviewed regularly. In addition, you can’t use that email address with another existing Apple Account except as a rescue email. Also, if your primary Apple Account email address is with a Custom Email Domain, it can never be reused to create an Apple Account after your Apple Account is deleted, even if the domain ownership changes.”

Apple may retain addresses for an even longer period if so required by law —> Legal - Apple Account & Privacy- Apple



WheelieNick
User level: Level 9 (74,110 points)

Oct 6, 2026 5:54 AM in response to DBDub

You cannot reuse the email address from a permanently deleted Apple Account as the primary ID for another account because Apple retains a security hash of the address for up to six years for third-party domains like Hotmail. 

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256371289