Here is a step-by-step process to help update your email address with all of your accounts and subscriptions. This process is designed to be comprehensive and minimize the risk of losing access to important accounts.
Step 1: Secure Your Email
Before you start updating anything, secure your email address. If you haven’t already, set up two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) immediately for your account. (This step is optional, but highly recommended.)
Step 2: Make a Master List of All Your Accounts
This is the most time-consuming but crucial step. You need a list of every online account and subscription you have. To build this list:
- Audit Your Inbox: Search your email for key phrases like "welcome," "subscription confirmation," "order placed," "account created" etc.
- Check Your Phone and Computer: Look through the apps on your phone and the saved logins in your browser's password manager (if you use one).
- Review Credit Card Statements: Check your bank and credit card statements for monthly subscriptions or recurring payments to identify accounts you might have forgotten.
Organize this list in a spreadsheet or a simple document, noting the account name and the associated website.
Step 3: Prioritize and Update Critical Accounts First
To ensure you don't lose access to anything vital, start with the most important accounts. Update these first and confirm the change is successful before moving on.
- Financial Institutions: Banks, credit cards, investment firms, and payment services (PayPal, Venmo, etc.).
- Government and Health: Tax accounts, social security, medical and health insurance portals.
- Essential Services: Utilities (power, water, internet), phone providers, and insurance.
- Primary Device Accounts: Your Apple ID, Google Account, or Microsoft Account.
Step 4: Update All Remaining Accounts and Subscriptions
Go down your master list and update the email address for each account. The process is usually similar for most services:
- Log in to the account with your current credentials.
- Navigate to the Settings, Profile, or Account Information section.
- Find the field for your email address and follow the steps to enter your new one.
- Save the changes.
After updating, it’s recommended that you check your for a confirmation email or a verification link right away. Click the link to finalize the change. If you don't receive confirmation, check your spam or junk folder.
Step 5: Update Your Linked Accounts and Social Media
Don't forget about accounts that might be linked to your old email address.
- Social Media: Update the email address on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter).
- Online Shopping: Update your email on sites like Amazon, eBay, Kohls, and other retailers.
- App Stores: Update your email on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Step 6: Inform Friends, Family, and Colleagues
You may want to send a simple email to your personal contacts letting them know about your new address.
Step 7: Clean Up and Unsubscribe
As you go through this process, use it as an opportunity to do some house cleaning and clean up your digital life. When you find an account you no longer use or a mailing list you don't want to receive email from, unsubscribe instead of just updating the address. This will help you start fresh with a cleaner inbox.
Tip: Here is a link to additional resources/videos that could be helpful during this transition:
https://www.centurylink.com/home/help/internet/email/address-change.html