How to Create a New Apple ID

Creating an Apple ID on Your Device or Computer

You can create a new Apple ID directly on an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Windows computer. The fastest route is usually your device itself — the setup screens walk you through each step in order. You will need a valid email address (which becomes your Apple ID username), a password you have not used before, and a phone number for account recovery.

On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap your name at the top, then select "Don't have an Apple ID or forgot it?" and choose "Create Apple ID". On a Mac, open System Settings, click your name at the top left, then select "Family and Account" and "Create an Apple ID". On Windows, download iCloud from the Microsoft Store, open it, and select "Create Apple ID".

During setup, Apple will ask you to verify your email address and phone number. You will receive a code on each one — enter both codes to confirm they belong to you. This step takes a few minutes but prevents someone else from using your contact information to access your account later.

Key Takeaways

You can create an Apple ID on any iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Windows computer by going to Settings or System Settings and selecting the option to create a new account.
Your Apple ID is the email address you choose during setup, and you will use it to sign into Apple services like iCloud, the App Store, and Apple Music.
Apple will send verification codes to your email and phone number — you must enter both codes to finish creating your account.
Once your Apple ID is created, you can use it immediately to download apps, back up your device, and access other Apple services.

What Information You Need Before Starting

Gather these items before you begin: a working email address (this becomes your Apple ID), a strong password you have not used anywhere else, and a phone number where you can receive text messages or calls. Apple uses the phone number to help you recover your account if you forget your password, so choose one you control and can access long-term.

Your email address does not have to be an Apple email — you can use Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or any other email provider. However, once you choose an email for your Apple ID, you cannot change it to a different email later. You can add other email addresses to the account, but the original one stays as your primary login.

Setting a Strong Password

Apple requires passwords to be at least eight characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol (like ! or #). A strong password might look like "BlueSky2024!" — it mixes character types and avoids common words or birthdate patterns.

Do not reuse a password from another account, even if it meets Apple's requirements. If that other account gets hacked, someone could use the same password to access your Apple ID and your devices, photos, and payment methods. A password manager like iCloud Keychain (built into Apple devices) can generate and store a strong password for you.

Verifying Your Email and Phone Number

After you enter your email and password, Apple sends a six-digit code to your email inbox. Check your email (including spam folders) and enter that code into the setup screen. This confirms you own the email address and prevents typos from locking you out of your own account.

Next, Apple sends a code to your phone via text message or call. Enter that code on the same setup screen. If you do not receive the code within a minute or two, select "Didn't receive a code?" and choose to receive it by call instead of text, or try again. Once both codes are entered, your Apple ID is active and ready to use.

What Happens After Your Apple ID Is Created

Your new Apple ID works immediately. You can sign into the App Store to download apps, turn on iCloud to back up your photos and documents, and use Apple services like Apple Music or Apple TV+. Your account also stores payment methods — you can add a credit card or debit card so you do not have to enter it every time you make a purchase.

Apple automatically creates an iCloud email address for you (something like yourname@icloud.com), but you do not have to use it. Your original email address remains your login. You can add family members to your account later through Family Sharing, which lets you share purchases and set up parental controls for children's devices.

Creating an Apple ID Without a Device

If you do not have an Apple device yet, you can create an Apple ID on any web browser by visiting appleid.apple.com and selecting "Create your Apple ID". The process is the same — you enter an email, password, and phone number, then verify both with codes. This route works if you are buying your first Apple device and want to set up your account before it arrives.

You can also create an Apple ID during the initial setup of a new device. When you turn on a new iPhone, iPad, or Mac for the first time, the setup screens offer the option to create an Apple ID. This is often the easiest path because the device guides you through each step without leaving the setup flow.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If you do not receive a verification code, check your email spam folder first — codes sometimes land there by mistake. If it is not there, wait a full minute before requesting a new code. If you still do not receive it, try requesting the code by phone call instead of text message, or use a different phone number if you have one available.

If the password you chose is rejected, it does not meet Apple's requirements — it needs at least eight characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, a number, and a symbol. If you see a message that your email is already in use, that email address is already connected to another Apple ID. You can use a different email instead, or recover the existing Apple ID if it belongs to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a phone number instead of an email for my Apple ID?

No, your Apple ID must be an email address. Apple uses email as the primary way to contact you and verify your identity. You do need a phone number as well, but only for account recovery and security purposes.

What if I do not have a phone number to verify?

You need a phone number that can receive text messages or calls to complete the setup. If you do not have one, you can use a family member's number temporarily, but you should add your own number to the account as soon as you have one. Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, and add your number under "Account" > "Security".

Can I change my Apple ID email address later?

You cannot change the original email address you chose, but you can add other email addresses to your account and set one of them as your primary login. Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, and select "Account" > "Email and Phone Numbers" to add or change which email you use to sign in.

Do I need a credit card to create an Apple ID?

No, you can create an Apple ID without adding a payment method. You only need a credit card or debit card if you want to buy apps, music, or subscriptions. You can add a payment method anytime after your account is created.

What if someone else created an Apple ID with my email address?

Visit appleid.apple.com and select "Forgot Apple ID or password". Enter your email address and follow the recovery steps. If you can verify the account with your phone number or recovery email, you can regain access. If you cannot, contact Apple Support — they can help you prove the account belongs to you.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.