Appleid and idmsa.apple

Question

Level 1

4 points

Appleid and idmsa.apple

If possible, please give a brief summary (in layperson’s vocabulary), regarding the need for and difference between appleid.com and idmsa.apple.com.

I think I understand that idmsa.apple.com is the guardian for the entrance into apple and apple products.

If that is correct, then what is the use for my appleid?

And, is it necessary to have two different passwords for these two id’s?

I ask this because I’ve been confused about what combination of id and password I’m being asked to provide when a window pops up and asks for the password.

And the password app has confused the matter even further.

This has caused me much consternation.

I look forward to the clarity you can provide. Thank you.

MacBook Pro 13″

Posted on Nov 7, 2025 12:30 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

muguy

Level 10

91,166 points

Nov 7, 2025 12:38 PM in response to Ozpk107

appleid.com just forwards to your Apple Account.

idmsa is Apple's identity management function. It validates your username and password/passkey.

You only have one Apple ID and one password.

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Answer 2

Dec 12, 2025 3:10 AM in response to Ozpk107

Reply to Ozpk107

I believe that idmsa is signing into Apple sites / services and

appleid ( account.apple.com) is your basic account information . I have one user name ~

my iCloud email address and one password that signs me in for everything Apple .

🆔

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Answer 3

Limnos

Level 10

426,923 points

Nov 7, 2025 12:46 PM in response to Ozpk107

Apple uses several subdomains (the bits before ".apple.com") but in essence all you need to pay attention to are your Apple ID and your password. Even though Apple uses these subdomains, you yourself never really ever need to remember anything but apple.com. I only see those subdomains displayed in links on occasion and you never need to specify one yourself—just click on the links.

Note, for example, the one for the Community: discussions.apple.com (from many years ago when this site was called Apple Discussions).

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Answer 4

Ozpk107 Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 7, 2025 1:10 PM in response to muguy

Firstly, thank for you your reply and explanation. I understand.

Secondly, the password app situation is still unclear.

In the password app there are two listings, one for apple.com with its own password and the second entry is for idsma.apple.com with its own, different, password.

If I may ask, can I delete one of these entries in my Password app? If yes, which one?

Thank you again!

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Answer 5

Limnos

Level 10

426,923 points

Nov 7, 2025 2:54 PM in response to Ozpk107

I suspect the passwords app is very literal and if it sees a subdomain then it treats it as a separate entry even if the main apple.com domain name should cover it too. I don't use the app so I am not familiar with its details.

Incidentally there are more apple subdomains than those two, including http://idmsac.apple.com

There's also domains belonging to Apple too, such as icloud.com

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Answer 6

manofdogz

Level 1

131 points

Dec 11, 2025 4:37 AM in response to Ozpk107

Very confusing. Have had 'out of the blue' password issues recently so I updated my password online. In the Passwords app I notice the 'idmsa' one has updated but NOT the 'appleid' one. Do I need both passwords? Also, one uses mac.com and the other iCloud.com. I assume they are interchangeable?

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Answer 7

Ozpk107 Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 7, 2025 1:12 PM in response to Limnos

Thank you for your reply and for explaining in language that I could understand.

Much appreciated!

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