I'm trying to find out how Apple manages email addresses that were used with deleted Apple IDs. A while back, I set up a new Apple ID with my main email (a Gmail address) when I got a new iPhone. Later, I learned that I could have just changed the email on my original Apple ID, but I chose to delete the new one, thinking I could easily reuse the email. However, it turns out that deleting an Apple ID permanently blocks the associated email from being reused.
Since then, I've made several attempts to use that email on my existing Apple account, but to no avail. Password resets don't work, and creating a new Apple ID with that email gets instantly rejected. From what I've gathered in various discussions, it seems like Apple enforces this email block at a system level.
Some users have mentioned that after a long wait (around six years), Apple may purge some data, allowing previously used emails to be available again. Additionally, there are tales of senior support staff occasionally lifting these blocks, but it seems to happen infrequently and isn't a sure bet. While I know about workarounds like plus-addressing, those can be hit or miss since Apple might still see them as variations of the blocked email.
I'm interested to hear if anyone here has had success reusing a blocked email after a long period and how they went about it. I'd prefer to consolidate all my Apple services under one email, but I'm trying to figure out if that's a realistic goal or if I should just get used to a new permanent email.
1 Answer
From what I've read, in some countries, the block can last up to 10 years due to different regulations. In Germany, for example, the email address remains unusable for a decade following deletion because of tax laws. So, if you're in a similar situation, it could take quite a while before you can use that email again.
Good to know! I'm in Norway, so I guess it might be the same for us too.