You create a new Apple ID by going to appleid.apple.com, clicking "Create Your Apple ID," and entering an email address, password, and phone number

Apple ID is the account you use to sign into iPhones, iPads, Macs, and the App Store. If you do not have one yet, or if you need a separate account for a family member or a different device, you can set one up in about five minutes. You will need a working email address, a password you have not used elsewhere, and a phone number where Apple can reach you if something goes wrong with your account.

The process is the same whether you are setting up your first Apple ID or creating an additional one. Apple does not charge you to create an account. You do not need a credit card to start, though you will need one later if you want to buy apps or music.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to appleid.apple.com on any computer or phone and click "Create Your Apple ID" to start a new account.
  • Use an email address you check regularly, because Apple will send you security codes and account notifications there.
  • Your password must be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol.
  • Apple will text a verification code to your phone number — have your phone nearby when you sign up.
  • After you create your ID, sign into your device and go to Settings to add a payment method if you plan to buy anything.

Step-by-step: Creating your Apple ID on a computer

Open a web browser and go to appleid.apple.com. Click the "Create Your Apple ID" button near the top of the page. You will see a form with five fields: first name, last name, email address, password, and phone number.

Enter your real first and last name — Apple uses these to personalize your account and to help you recover it if you forget your password. For email, use an address you check regularly. This is where Apple sends security codes when you sign in from a new device, and where you will receive password reset links if you need them. Do not use a shared email address or one you plan to abandon.

Create a password that is at least 8 characters long and includes uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), at least one number (0–9), and at least one symbol (!@#$%^&*). Apple checks your password strength as you type. Avoid passwords you have used for other accounts, because if one service gets hacked, attackers will try that password on your Apple account.

Enter your phone number in the format Apple shows on the screen — usually your country code followed by your number. Apple will text a six-digit code to this number to confirm you own it. Have your phone nearby before you click the next button.

Verifying your phone number and email

After you enter your phone number, Apple sends a text message with a six-digit code. Type that code into the box on the screen. If you do not receive the text within a minute, check that you entered the number correctly, or try clicking "Resend" to request another code.

Next, Apple sends a verification email to the address you provided. Open that email and click the link inside, or copy the code from the email and paste it into the website. This step confirms that you own the email address and can receive messages there.

Once both your phone and email are verified, your Apple ID is created. Apple will show you a confirmation screen with your new account details. You can close the browser at this point.

Creating an Apple ID on an iPhone or iPad

If you are setting up a new device, you can create an Apple ID during the initial setup. When the device asks you to sign in with an Apple ID, look for a link that says "Don't have an Apple ID?" or "Create one now." Tap it and follow the same steps: name, email, password, and phone number.

On an existing device, open Settings, tap your name at the top, and look for an option to create a new Apple ID. The exact wording varies by iOS version, but it is usually under "Sign in with your Apple ID" or "Family Sharing." If you cannot find it, go to appleid.apple.com in Safari instead — the web method works on any device.

What to do after you create your Apple ID

Your new Apple ID is ready to use when ready. You can sign into the App Store, iCloud, and other Apple services right away. However, you should complete a few setup steps to protect your account.

First, turn on two-factor authentication. This adds a second security layer: when you sign in from a new device, Apple sends a code to your phone, and you have to enter it before the sign-in completes. Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in with your new ID, click "Security" on the left, and toggle "Two-Factor Authentication" on. It is usually already enabled by default, but confirm it is active.

Second, add a recovery email address. This is a second email account that Apple can use to contact you if you lose access to your main email. Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, click "Account," and look for "Recovery Email." Add an email address you also check regularly.

Third, if you plan to buy apps, music, or books, add a payment method. On an iPhone or iPad, open the App Store, tap your profile picture in the top right, tap "Payment Methods," and add a credit or debit card. On a Mac, open the App Store, click your name in the top left, click "Account Settings," and add a payment method there.

Choosing between a new Apple ID and a family account

If you are setting up an account for a child or another family member, you have two choices: create a separate Apple ID for them, or add them to your Family Sharing group.

A separate Apple ID is the right choice if the person is an adult, or if you want them to have their own independent account with their own purchases and settings. Create the ID using the steps above, then sign into their device with that ID.

Family Sharing is better if you have children or want to share purchases with other adults in your household. One adult creates a Family Sharing group, and other family members join it. Children under 13 get managed accounts that parents can monitor and control. To set up Family Sharing, go to Settings on your device, tap your name, tap "Family Sharing," and follow the prompts. You will need to create an Apple ID for each family member first.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you do not receive the verification text, check that you entered your phone number correctly, including the country code. Some carriers delay text messages by a few minutes, so wait a moment and try again. If the problem continues, click "Didn't receive a code?" and choose to verify by email instead — Apple will send the code to your email address rather than texting it.

If Apple says your password is too weak, add more characters or include symbols you have not tried yet. Passwords like "Password1!" are common and may be rejected. Try something less predictable, like "BlueMoon#42Sunset" or "Coffee$Morning7."

If you see a message saying the email address is already in use, that email is tied to an existing Apple ID. You can either use a different email address for your new ID, or recover your old ID if you forgot the password. Go to iforgot.apple.com to reset a forgotten password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Gmail or Outlook address for my Apple ID?

Yes. Apple accepts any email address from any provider — Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or your own domain. The only requirement is that you can receive emails at that address and that it is not already connected to another Apple ID.

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

No. You can create an Apple ID and use it to sign into devices without a credit card. You only need a payment method if you want to buy apps, music, movies, or other content from Apple. You can add a card later whenever you are ready.

What happens if I forget my Apple ID password?

Go to iforgot.apple.com and enter your Apple ID email address. Apple will send a reset link to your email or text a code to your phone. Follow the instructions to create a new password. If you do not have access to your email or phone, you can answer security questions you set up when you created your account.

Can I change my Apple ID email address later?

Yes, but it is complicated. Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, click "Account," and look for "Email and Phone Numbers." You can add a new email address, but you cannot remove the original one. Apple recommends keeping your original email address active so you can recover your account if needed.

Is it safe to use the same password for my Apple ID and other accounts?

No. If another website gets hacked, attackers will try that same password on your Apple account. Use a unique password for your Apple ID — one you do not use anywhere else. A password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden can generate and store strong unique passwords for all your accounts.