Change the Default Email Address on the iPhone and iPad #Mac

Unless it has been changed before, the default email address is always the first email account that has been setup on the iOS device. But for those who use multiple mail accounts on their iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, changing the default sending address is often important, since whatever is set as the default is what gets used by all other aspects of iOS when sharing through email, including photos or links, and this applies to Mail app as well as third party apps.

Making a change is easy, and is particularly worthwhile knowledge for those who juggle a personal/home email and work email in the iOS Mail app, since it can help to avoid some awkward situations of accidentally sending something from the wrong email address.

• Open “Settings” and go to “Mail, Contacts, Calendars”


• Scroll down and choose “Default Account”, then select the new default email account to use, as shown by the email provider

This simple setting has been misunderstood before because of the labeling, with “Default Account” showing the various email provider names, rather than something a bit more explanatory like “Default Address” showing the different email addresses.

Note that “Default Account” is always shown directly under the changeable Signature portion of Mail settings. Prior to iOS 7 it’s always visible, but with newer iOS versions if you don’t see the “Default Account” option it’s probably because you don’t have multiple email accounts configured through the Mail app of iOS. Remember, Mail app is separate from other third party email clients and apps installed on the same iOS device, and thus the other apps will not be shown in the list.

Want more email tips? Don’t miss this excellent collection of Mail tips to boost your mobile email productivity or browse through our prior Mail tricks collection.