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My iPad and Mac are using my Apple ID but my phone is using a different one. When I try to change to my Apple ID on the phone, it says Email used by another Apple ID. Only my iPad and Mac are using it so I don't understand why my phone can't.
iPhone XR, iOS 15
You can't change the ID on your phone to that email address because you have 2 different Apple IDs. Apple IDs can't be merged. You need to sign out of the Apple ID on the phone and sign in with the Apple ID used on the iPad and Mac.
When changing to the new ID, there may be some data loss, but you can minimize it. If syncing photos with iCloud, ensure Optimization is turned off in Settings/Your Name/iCloud/Photos and/or in Photos/Preferences/iCloud. Then make sure full resolution photos are on the device/computer. When signing out of iCloud, if asked whether you want to retain data, choose yes. Messages conversations will be lost if they are addressed to the ID. See the article below for other places that the old ID should be removed. See Winston Churchill's response in the below discussion. If possible, also set up Family Sharing between the IDs to keep access to your apps/purchases.
How to switch Apple IDs on your iPhone or iPad.
How to transfer all files from one iCloud account to another.
What to do after you change your Apple ID or password - Apple Support.
You can't change the ID on your phone to that email address because you have 2 different Apple IDs. Apple IDs can't be merged. You need to sign out of the Apple ID on the phone and sign in with the Apple ID used on the iPad and Mac.
When changing to the new ID, there may be some data loss, but you can minimize it. If syncing photos with iCloud, ensure Optimization is turned off in Settings/Your Name/iCloud/Photos and/or in Photos/Preferences/iCloud. Then make sure full resolution photos are on the device/computer. When signing out of iCloud, if asked whether you want to retain data, choose yes. Messages conversations will be lost if they are addressed to the ID. See the article below for other places that the old ID should be removed. See Winston Churchill's response in the below discussion. If possible, also set up Family Sharing between the IDs to keep access to your apps/purchases.
How to switch Apple IDs on your iPhone or iPad.
How to transfer all files from one iCloud account to another.
What to do after you change your Apple ID or password - Apple Support.
Apple ID not signing in
