What you need to create an Apple account
An Apple account (also called an Apple ID) is a single login that works across all Apple devices and services — your iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, and the Apple website. You create it with an email address and a password, and it takes about five minutes.
You need three things: an email address you can access right now, a password you haven't used anywhere else, and either a device that runs Apple software or a web browser. You do not need a credit card to create the account itself, though you will need one later if you want to buy apps or music.
The account is free. Apple does not charge you to have one.
Key Takeaways
- You create an Apple account with an email address and password on any Apple device or at appleid.apple.com in a web browser.
- Apple will send a verification code to your email address — you must enter it to finish creating the account.
- You can use the same Apple account on multiple devices, and they will all sync your photos, contacts, and settings automatically.
- A credit card is not required to create the account, but you will need one to buy apps, music, or subscriptions later.
- If you forget your password, you can reset it using your email address or a recovery key you set up in advance.
Creating an account on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac
On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap your name at the top (or "Sign in to your iPhone"), and choose "Don't have an Apple ID or forgot it?" Then tap "Create Apple ID" and follow the prompts. You will enter your birth date, email address, and a new password. Apple will ask you to verify your email by entering a code it sends you — check your inbox and spam folder.
On a Mac, go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), click your name or "Sign in", and choose "Create Apple ID". The steps are the same: birth date, email, password, and email verification.
After you verify your email, Apple may ask you to set up two-factor authentication, which adds a security layer. This means Apple will send a code to a trusted device whenever someone tries to sign in from a new place. You can skip this step, but it makes your account much harder to break into.
Creating an account in a web browser
If you do not have an Apple device yet, go to appleid.apple.com and click "Create your Apple ID". Enter your email address, create a password, and enter your birth date. Apple will send a verification code to your email — enter it on the next screen.
The browser version works the same way as the device version. You will end up with the same account that works on any Apple device you sign into later.
What happens after you create the account
Once your account is created, you can sign into any Apple device with that email and password. Your photos, contacts, calendar events, and app purchases will sync across all your devices automatically if you turn on iCloud sync in Settings.
You can add a payment method (credit card, debit card, or Apple Gift Card) to your account whenever you want to buy something. You do not have to do this right away. Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, click "Payment and Shipping", and add your card details.
If you have family members, you can set up Family Sharing so you all use the same iTunes purchases and can see each other's locations. This is optional and lives in Settings under your name.
Choosing a strong password and keeping your account safe
Your Apple account password should be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use your birthday, your name, or a password you use anywhere else. A password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden can generate and store a strong password for you.
After you create your account, turn on two-factor authentication in Settings or at appleid.apple.com. This means Apple will ask for a code on a trusted device whenever someone tries to sign in from somewhere new. It takes 30 seconds and stops most account theft.
If you ever forget your password, you can reset it at appleid.apple.com by clicking "Forgot Apple ID or password" and following the prompts. Apple will send a reset link to your email address.
Using the same account on multiple devices
Once you have created your Apple account, you can sign into it on as many Apple devices as you own. Sign into each device with the same email and password, and your photos, contacts, reminders, and app purchases will appear on all of them automatically.
If you share a device with someone else, you can create a separate account for them instead of sharing yours. Each person signs in with their own email and password, and their data stays separate. On a shared Mac, you can set up multiple user accounts. On a shared iPhone or iPad, you can set up a guest account or a separate user account (on newer iPads).
What to do if you already have an Apple account
If you created an Apple account years ago and forgot about it, you can sign back in at appleid.apple.com by clicking "Sign in" and entering your email address. If you forgot your password, click "Forgot Apple ID or password" and follow the steps to reset it using your email address.
If you have multiple email addresses and are not sure which one is connected to your Apple account, try each one at appleid.apple.com. Apple will tell you if that email is associated with an account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit card to create an Apple account?
No. You can create an Apple account with just an email address and password. You only need to add a credit card later if you want to buy apps, music, movies, or subscriptions from Apple.
Can I change my Apple ID email address after I create the account?
Yes. Sign into appleid.apple.com, click "Account", then "Edit" next to your email address. Apple will send a verification code to your current email and your new email — you must verify both. This takes a few minutes.
What if I want to use a different email address for my Apple account?
You can change your Apple ID email address anytime at appleid.apple.com. You can also add additional email addresses to your account so you can sign in with any of them. Go to "Account" and click "Edit" next to your email address.
Can two people share one Apple account?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. If you share an account, you will both see each other's photos, messages, and purchases. It is better to create separate accounts for each person and use Family Sharing if you want to share purchases and see each other's locations.
What do I do if I think someone else has access to my Apple account?
Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in. Click "Security" and look at "Devices" to see all the devices signed into your account. If you see a device you do not recognize, click it and choose "Remove from Account". Then change your password when ready.