What you need to start an Apple account

An Apple account (also called an Apple ID) is a single login that works across all Apple services — the App Store, iCloud, Apple Music, Apple TV+, and your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. You create one using an email address and a password, and Apple will ask you to verify your identity before the account is active.

You can create an Apple account on any device: a computer, phone, or tablet. The process takes about five minutes. You will need an email address you can access right away, because Apple sends a verification code to that address as part of setup.

If you already have an Apple device, you can set up an account during the initial device setup. If you do not have a device yet, you can create an account on Apple's website using any computer or phone.

Key Takeaways

  • You create an Apple account with an email address and password, and Apple verifies your identity by sending a code to that email.
  • You can use any email address — it does not have to be an iCloud email, though Apple will offer to create one during setup.
  • Two-factor authentication is turned on by default for new accounts, which means you will need to verify your identity on a trusted device when you sign in somewhere new.
  • Once your account is created, you can add payment information to buy apps and subscriptions, but this is optional.
  • If you forget your password, you can reset it using your email address or a trusted device.

Creating an account on a website

Go to appleid.apple.com in any web browser. Click "Create your Apple ID" and enter your email address. Apple will ask whether you want to use your own email or create a new iCloud email address — you can choose either one. If you use your own email, Apple will verify it by sending a code.

Next, create a password. Apple requires at least eight characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, a number, and a special character (like ! or @). Enter your first and last name, your country, and your birth date. Apple uses the birth date to recover your account if you forget your password.

Apple will send a six-digit verification code to your email. Check your inbox (and spam folder if you do not see it) and enter the code on the website. Your account is now active.

Creating an account during device setup

When you turn on a new iPhone, iPad, or Mac for the first time, the device will ask you to sign in with an Apple ID or create one. Tap or click "Don't have an Apple ID or forgot it?" and then "Create a free Apple ID." The device will walk you through the same steps as the website: email, password, name, and birth date.

During setup, the device will also ask whether you want to turn on two-factor authentication. This is a security feature that requires you to verify your identity on a trusted device whenever you sign in somewhere new. Apple turns this on automatically for new accounts, and you should keep it on.

After you complete setup, your account is ready to use. You can download free apps from the App Store right away. If you want to buy apps or subscriptions, you will need to add a payment method.

Adding payment information

You do not need to add a credit card or payment method to create an account. You can download free apps and use free trials without one. If you want to buy apps, in-app purchases, or subscriptions like Apple Music or iCloud+, you will need to add a payment method.

On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap your name at the top, then tap "Payment & Shipping." On a Mac, open System Settings, click your name, then click "Payment & Shipping." You can add a credit card, debit card, or Apple Gift Card. Apple will charge the card you set as your default payment method whenever you make a purchase.

You can also add a payment method through the App Store or iTunes Store when you try to buy something for the first time. The process is the same: enter your card details and Apple will verify them with a small charge that is reversed immediately.

Turning on two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication is a security feature that protects your account by requiring a second form of verification when you sign in on a new device or browser. Apple turns this on automatically for all new accounts created after 2016, but you can also turn it on manually for older accounts.

On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap your name, then tap "Password & Security." On a Mac, open System Settings, click your name, then click "Password & Security." Look for "Two-Factor Authentication" and make sure it is turned on. If it is off, tap or click "Turn On Two-Factor Authentication" and follow the prompts.

When two-factor authentication is on, signing in on a new device will prompt you to enter a six-digit code that Apple sends to a trusted device you already own. This means someone cannot sign into your account even if they have your password, because they do not have access to your phone or computer.

What to do if you forget your password

Go to iforgot.apple.com and enter your Apple ID email address. Apple will ask you to verify your identity in one of two ways: by entering a code sent to your email, or by answering security questions you set up when you created your account.

If you have a trusted device nearby — an iPhone, iPad, or Mac you have already signed into — you can also reset your password directly on that device. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap your name, then tap "Password & Security" and "Change Password." On a Mac, open System Settings, click your name, click "Password & Security," and then click "Change Password."

After you reset your password, you will need to sign in again on all your devices. Apple will ask you to enter the new password and verify your identity with a code sent to your email or a trusted device.

Managing your account after creation

Once your account is set up, you can change your email address, password, security questions, and payment methods at any time by visiting appleid.apple.com and signing in. You can also manage which devices have access to your account, turn on or off specific services like iCloud backup or Find My, and see your purchase history.

If you have multiple Apple devices, your account will sync information across all of them — your photos, contacts, calendar, and app purchases. You can turn off syncing for individual services if you do not want everything shared. For example, you might want your iPhone to back up to iCloud but not sync your calendar.

You can also create a family group that lets up to six people share an Apple Music subscription, an iCloud+ plan, and an App Store family library. Each person keeps their own account and their own privacy, but the family organizer pays for the shared services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an email address I already have, or do I need an iCloud email?

You can use any email address you already have — Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or anything else. Apple will offer to create an iCloud email during setup, but this is optional. Using your existing email is simpler because you do not have to remember a new address.

What if I do not have a device yet?

You can create an account on any computer or phone using appleid.apple.com. You do not need to own an Apple device. Once your account is created, you can sign into it on any Apple device when you get one.

Is two-factor authentication required?

Two-factor authentication is turned on by default for new accounts and is strongly recommended. You can turn it off in your account settings, but this makes your account less secure. If someone gets your password, they can sign in without needing access to your phone or computer.

Can I change my Apple ID email address later?

Yes. Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, click "Account," and then click "Edit" next to your email address. Apple will send a verification code to your current email and your new email to confirm the change. Your old email will no longer work for signing in.

What happens if I forget the email address I used to create my account?

If you have a device you have already signed into, you can find your Apple ID email in Settings (iPhone or iPad) or System Settings (Mac) under your name at the top. If you do not have a device, go to iforgot.apple.com and enter your phone number or the email address you think you used. Apple will help you locate your account.