How to Use Hide My Email Feature on iPhone
Hide My Email on iPhone creates a random relay address through Apple ID settings or during sign-up in Safari and supported apps.
Messages sent to the relay address forward to the real inbox, which helps protect privacy for Apple accounts without exposing a personal address.
The feature requires iCloud+ and works best with apps that support Sign in with Apple.
Steps
- Open Settings, tap the Apple ID name, then select iCloud and Hide My Email.
- Tap Create New Address to generate fake email details, add a label, and save the address.
- Copy the new relay address and use it for sign-ups, newsletters, or one-time account creation.
- To use Hide My Email during account setup, choose Sign in with Apple in a supported app or website, then select Hide My Email when prompted.
- To manage an address later, return to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Hide My Email and deactivate or relabel the address.
| Option | Best For | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Create New Address in Settings | Manual control for any signup | Requires copy and paste |
| Hide My Email with Sign in with Apple | Fast account creation in supported apps | Not available on every site |
Common Issues and Fixes
- Hide My Email option is missing — Likely cause: no iCloud+ plan or outdated iOS version. Fix: enable iCloud+ and update iPhone software.
- Emails are not forwarding — Likely cause: forwarding inbox is changed or disabled. Fix: open Hide My Email settings and confirm the forwarding address.
- A website rejects the relay address — Likely cause: some services block private relay domains. Fix: use a normal email address for that service.
- An old relay address cannot receive messages — Likely cause: the address was deactivated. Fix: reactivate the address in Hide My Email settings if available.
- A relay address cannot be matched to a service — Likely cause: no label was added at creation. Fix: rename the address in the list to identify the account.
👍Pros
- Helps protect your personal inbox by using a relay address for sign-ups.
- Relay addresses can be turned off later to reduce spam without changing your main email.
- Works smoothly with Sign in with Apple on supported apps and websites.
👎Cons
- Requires iCloud+ and a compatible iOS version.
- Some websites may reject private relay domains or require a direct email for verification.
- Some mailing lists or verification emails may be delayed or blocked.
Quick Tips
- Know the limits — Hide My Email is not a full anonymous inbox; Apple forwards messages, but activity can still be tied to Apple ID usage.
- Turn off what you no longer need — Disabling a relay address can help stop unwanted emails without changing the main inbox.
- Expect exceptions — Some mailing lists and verification systems may delay or block relay delivery, especially for high-volume emails.
- Use clear labels — A descriptive label avoids confusion when several privacy aliases are active.
Is Hide My Email the same as changing the Apple ID email?
No. Hide My Email creates separate relay addresses for apps and websites. The Apple ID email remains unchanged unless edited in account settings.
Can Hide My Email be used for every website?
Not always. Most websites accept the relay address, but some services reject private relay domains or require a direct personal email for verification.
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