How to Create an Apple Account (Apple ID) on Any Device

An Apple Account — the name Apple now uses for what was called an Apple ID — is the single login behind the App Store, iCloud, iMessage, Apple Music and Find My. You need one to use an Apple device meaningfully, and you only need one, ever.

It is free. If you are being asked to pay to create one, you are on the wrong site.

On an iPhone or iPad

During setup

A new device offers Forgot password or don't have an Apple Account? on the sign-in screen. Tap it, choose to create one, and follow the prompts. This is the simplest route.

On a device already in use

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Sign in to your iPhone at the top. If someone is already signed in, sign them out first.
3. Tap Don't have an Apple Account?, then Create Apple Account.
4. Enter your date of birth and name.
5. Use your existing email address, or tap the option to get a free iCloud address instead.
6. Set a password, add a phone number for verification, and agree to the terms.

On a Mac

System Settings → Sign in with your Apple Account at the top → Create Apple Account. The same flow, with the same information.

On Windows or the web

Go to account.apple.com and choose Create Your Apple Account. This works from any browser on any operating system, and is the route to take if you do not own an Apple device yet — buying one later and signing in is easier than creating the account on first boot.

The Apple Devices app on Windows will also create one during setup.

Creating one without a payment method

Apple asks for a card, but it is not compulsory. The reliable way to get a None option:

1. Create the account first, without signing into the App Store.
2. Open the App Store and find any free app.
3. Tap Get. It prompts you to sign in — use the new account.
4. Choose Review when asked, and None now appears among the payment options.

Starting with a paid app, or adding payment details in Settings, will not show None. Beginning from a free download is what unlocks it.

You can add a card later at any time, and you will need one for paid apps or iCloud+ storage.

Settings worth getting right at the start

• Use an email address you will keep. A work or university address becomes a serious problem when you leave. Changing it later is possible but disruptive.
• Add two trusted phone numbers, not one. This is the single best protection against being locked out.
• Two-factor authentication is on by default. Leave it on.
• Set a recovery contact — Settings → [your name] → Sign-In & Security → Account Recovery. Costs nothing and saves days if you are ever locked out.
• Get the country right. It sets your App Store catalogue and currency, and changing it later requires spending your balance and cancelling subscriptions first.
• Store the password in a password manager.

Accounts for children

Children under 13 — the age varies by country — cannot create their own. A parent creates it through Family Sharing: Settings → [your name] → Family → Add Member → Create an Account for a Child.

This is worth doing properly rather than falsifying a birth date, because it enables Ask to Buy, Screen Time controls and content restrictions, and it lets the child keep the account when they come of age.

Common problems

• "This email address is already in use." You already have an account. Reset the password at iforgot.apple.com rather than creating a second one.
• The verification code never arrives. Check spam, confirm the number's country code, and try email instead of SMS.
• "Cannot create account at this time." Usually a rate limit from too many accounts on one device or network. Wait 24 hours, or try over mobile data.
• The account is disabled straight away. Contact Apple Support; it is normally a fraud-prevention flag and is reversible.

One account, not several

Having a second Apple Account splits your purchases, photos and messages across two identities that cannot be merged — Apple has no way to combine them. If you want separate App Store regions or a family setup, Family Sharing handles it properly. Create a second account only when you genuinely need a separate identity.

FAQs

Is an Apple Account the same as an Apple ID?

Yes. Apple renamed it; existing accounts were unaffected and nothing changed about how they work.

Can I use a Gmail address?

Yes. Any working email address can be an Apple Account.

Do I need an Apple device?

No. Create one at account.apple.com from any browser.

Can I change the email later?

Usually yes, under Sign-In & Security — unless it is an @icloud.com address, which cannot be changed.