Create an Apple ID: The Ultimate Guide

You can access all Apple devices and services—like iCloud, the App Store, and more—with your Apple Account. Formerly known as Apple ID, your Apple Account still lets you sign in with the same email or phone number and password.

Sign Up for Apple ID on iPhone, iPad, or Apple Vision Pro

You can create a new Apple Account when you set up your device or later in the App Store.

Create an Apple Account When You Set Up Your Device

1. Tap “Forgot password or don’t have an Apple ID?”
2. Tap “Create a Free Apple ID.”
3. Choose your birthday and enter your name. Tap Continue.
4. Provide your email address. This primary email address will be the one you use to sign in to your Apple Account. If you don’t have an email address, tap “Don’t have an email address?” to get a free iCloud email address.
5. Follow the onscreen steps to verify your email address, create a strong password, set your country or region, and set up two-factor authentication. If you choose to skip this step, you’ll be prompted to do this later in Settings.

After you verify your email address, you can sign in to your new Apple Account to use the App Store and other Apple services like iCloud.

When you use your new device, you might be asked for a phone number or payment method and billing information. Your phone number can help verify your identity and recover your account if needed. If you enter a payment method, you won’t be charged until you make a purchase.

Sign Up for Apple ID Using the App Store on Your Device

1. Open the App Store and tap your Account button.
2. Tap Create New Apple ID. If you don’t see this option, make sure that you’re signed out of iCloud.
3. Follow the onscreen steps to provide your email address, create a strong password, and set your country or region. The email address you provide will be used to sign in to your new Apple Account.*
4. Enter your payment method and billing information, then tap Next. You can also choose None. You won’t be charged until you make a purchase.
5. Verify your phone number. This can help verify your identity and recover your account if needed. Tap Next.
6. Check your email for a verification email from Apple, and verify your email address.

After you verify your email address, you can sign in to your new Apple Account to use the App Store and other Apple services like iCloud.

• In mainland China, you might be required to provide a +86 phone number for your Apple Account. You can change the number later or change your country or region to a location that doesn’t require it. This number is only used for verification purposes. Apple Accounts can be created on iOS devices with iOS 9 or later.

Sign Up for Apple ID on Your Mac

1. Choose Apple menu  > System Settings.
2. In the sidebar, click Sign In.
3. Click “Don’t have an Apple ID?”, then follow the onscreen steps to enter your birthday, provide your email address, create a strong password and set your country or region. This primary email address will be the address you use to sign in to your Apple Account.*
4. Enter your payment method and billing information, then click Continue. You can also choose None. You won’t be charged until you make a purchase.
5. Verify your phone number. This can help verify your identity and recover your account if needed. Click Next.
6. Check your email for a verification email from Apple and verify your email address.

After you verify your email address, you can sign in to your new Apple Account to use the App Store and other Apple services like iCloud.

• In mainland China, you might be required to provide a +86 phone number for your Apple Account. You can change the number later or change your country or region to a location that doesn’t require it. This number is only used for verification purposes. Apple Accounts can be created on Mac computers with OS X Capitan or later.

Sign Up for Apple ID on the Web

1. Go to account.apple.com and click Create Your Apple ID.
2. Follow the onscreen steps to provide your email address, create a strong password, and set your device’s region. This primary email address will be the one you use to sign in to your Apple Account.*
3. Enter your birthday and a phone number you can always access.
4. Select the boxes to subscribe to Apple Updates if you’d like. This keeps you up to date on the latest news, software, products, and services from Apple.
5. Click Continue.
6. Follow the onscreen steps to verify your email address and phone number.

After you verify your email address, you can sign in to your new Apple Account to use the App Store and other Apple services like iCloud.

• In mainland China, you might be required to provide a +86 phone number for your Apple Account. You can change the number later or change your country or region to a location that doesn’t require it. This number is only used for verification purposes.