What you need to create an Apple account
You need an email address, a password you haven't used before, and a way to verify your identity—either a phone number for a text code or a recovery email address. Apple will send a verification code to whichever method you choose, so make sure you have access to it before you start. You do not need a credit card to create the account itself, though you will need one later if you want to buy apps, music, or other content from Apple.
The email address becomes your Apple ID and is how you sign into all Apple services: iCloud, the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud Mail, and any Apple device you own. Once you create the account, you can change the recovery email and phone number, but changing the Apple ID email itself is more involved, so choose carefully.
If you already have an Apple device—an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch—you can create an account directly on that device. If you don't own an Apple device yet, you can create an account on a computer or through the Apple website.
Key Takeaways
- You need an email address, a strong password, and a phone number or backup email to verify your identity during account creation.
- Apple will text or email you a verification code; you must enter it to complete the account setup.
- On an Apple device, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Change Password, or create a new account in System Preferences on a Mac.
- On a computer or phone without an Apple device, visit appleid.apple.com and select "Create Your Apple ID" to start the process.
- Your Apple ID email address cannot be changed easily later, so verify it is correct before you finish creating the account.
Creating an account on an iPhone or iPad
Open Settings and scroll to the top. Tap "Sign in to your iPhone" (or iPad). Tap "Don't have an Apple ID or forgot it?" and then "Create a new Apple ID." Enter your birth date, then your name as you want it to appear in your account.
When prompted for an email address, you can use an existing email or tap "Get a free iCloud email address" to create a new one that ends in @icloud.com. If you choose an existing email, Apple will verify it by sending a code to that address. If you create a new iCloud email, Apple will verify it by sending a code to a recovery email you provide instead.
Create a password at least 8 characters long that includes uppercase and lowercase letters, a number, and a special character (like ! or #). Enter your phone number for two-factor authentication, which protects your account if someone learns your password. Apple will text you a verification code; enter it to confirm the number is yours. Complete the setup by agreeing to Apple's terms and choosing whether to turn on iCloud services like Photos, Mail, and Contacts.
Creating an account on a Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings" (on macOS Ventura or later) or "System Preferences" (on older versions). Click "Sign in with your Apple ID" or look for "Family Sharing" if you see it. Click "Create an Apple ID."
Enter your email address, birth date, and name. Choose a password that meets Apple's requirements: at least 8 characters with uppercase, lowercase, a number, and a special character. Provide a phone number for two-factor authentication and enter the verification code Apple texts to you. You will also set up a recovery email address in case you lose access to your main email or phone number.
After verification, you can choose which iCloud services to turn on—Photos, Mail, Contacts, Calendar, and others. You do not have to turn on all of them; you can change these settings later in System Settings.
Creating an account on a Windows PC or without an Apple device
Go to appleid.apple.com in any web browser. Click "Create your Apple ID." Enter your email address, birth date, and name. If you want a new iCloud email address instead of using an existing one, click "Get a free iCloud email address" and follow the prompts.
Create a password that is at least 8 characters long and includes uppercase, lowercase, a number, and a special character. Enter your phone number for two-factor authentication. Apple will text a verification code to that number; enter it to confirm. You will also provide a recovery email address—this is separate from your Apple ID email and is used only if you lose access to your main account.
After you complete verification, your account is active. You can now use it to sign into an Apple device, purchase apps and content, or set up iCloud services. If you do not own an Apple device yet, you can still use your Apple ID to manage your account, purchase apps through the web, and set up services like iCloud Mail.
Two-factor authentication and account security
Apple requires two-factor authentication for all new accounts created after a certain date (the exact date varies by region). This means you must verify your identity using both your password and a code sent to your phone or trusted device. Two-factor authentication protects your account from being accessed even if someone learns your password.
When you sign into a new device or browser, Apple will text a code to your phone number on file. Enter that code to complete the sign-in. You can also use a trusted device—an iPhone, iPad, or Mac you already own—to approve the sign-in instead of entering a code. If you lose access to your phone number, you can use your recovery email address to regain access to your account, so keep that email secure and monitored.
What to do if you already have an Apple ID but need a second one
You can create multiple Apple IDs if you need separate accounts for different purposes. Each one requires its own email address and password. However, most people do not need more than one account; instead, you can use Family Sharing to let other people in your household access your purchases and services under one Apple ID, or you can set up separate user accounts on a Mac or iPad.
If you want a second account, repeat the steps above using a different email address. Keep track of which email goes with which account, because you will need to remember it to sign in. You can switch between accounts on a device by signing out of one and signing into another, but you cannot be signed into two Apple IDs on the same device at the same time.
Troubleshooting account creation
If Apple says your email address is already in use, that email is tied to an existing Apple ID. You can either sign into that account if you remember the password, or use the "Forgot password?" option on appleid.apple.com to reset it. If the email belongs to someone else, use a different email address to create your new account.
If you do not receive the verification code, check your spam or junk folder—sometimes the text or email lands there by mistake. Wait a few minutes and request a new code. If you are using a phone number that recently changed carriers or was reassigned, Apple may not be able to text it; use your recovery email address instead to verify your identity.
If you get stuck during setup, you can start over by closing the Settings app or browser and beginning again. Your partial account information will not be saved, so you will need to enter everything again, but this often clears temporary errors that prevent completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a phone number instead of an email address as my Apple ID?
No. Your Apple ID must be an email address. You can use any email you own—Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or a work email—or you can create a free iCloud email address during account setup. The phone number is used only for two-factor authentication and account recovery, not as your sign-in ID.
What happens if I forget my Apple ID email address?
Go to iforgot.apple.com and enter your phone number or recovery email address. Apple will send you a code to verify your identity, and then show you the email address associated with your account. If you cannot remember either your phone number or recovery email, you may need to contact Apple Support with proof of identity to regain access.
Do I need a credit card to create an Apple account?
No. You can create an account and use it for free services like iCloud Mail and Photos without a credit card. You only need a payment method if you want to buy apps, music, books, or subscriptions from Apple. You can add a credit card, debit card, or Apple Gift Card to your account later whenever you are ready to make a purchase.
Can I change my Apple ID email address after I create the account?
Yes, but it is more complicated than changing your password or recovery email. You need to go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, and look for the option to change your Apple ID in the Account section. Apple will send verification codes to both your current email and the new email you want to use. The process can take several days, so it is worth choosing your email carefully during initial setup.
What is the difference between my Apple ID email and my iCloud email?
Your Apple ID is the email you use to sign into Apple services and devices. Your iCloud email is an optional email address that ends in @icloud.com and is used for sending and receiving messages. You can have an Apple ID without an iCloud email, or you can create both during setup. They do not have to be the same address.