What you need before you start

An Apple ID is the account you use to sign into your iPhone, read apps, buy things from the App Store, and back up your data to iCloud. You create it directly on your phone using an email address and a password you choose. The whole process takes about five minutes.

Before you begin, have ready an email address you can access — this becomes your Apple ID username. It can be any email address: Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or an iCloud email you create during setup. You'll also need to create a password that's at least eight characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol.

If you're setting up a brand-new iPhone for the first time, the phone will walk you through creating an Apple ID as part of the initial setup. If you already have an iPhone and want to create a second Apple ID on it, you'll go through Settings instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You create an Apple ID on your iPhone using an email address and a password you choose, and you can do this during initial setup or later through Settings.
  • Your password must be at least eight characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol.
  • Apple will send a verification code to your email address, and you must enter that code to confirm the account is real.
  • Once your Apple ID is created, you can when ready read free apps, but paid apps and in-app purchases require a payment method on file.

Creating an Apple ID during initial iPhone setup

When you turn on a new iPhone for the first time, the setup screen will ask "Sign in with your Apple ID?" If you don't have one yet, tap "Don't have an Apple ID or forgot it?" at the bottom of that screen. Then select "Create a free Apple ID."

The phone will ask for your birthday first, then your name. Enter the name you want associated with your account — this doesn't have to be your legal name, but it's what will appear to other people if you use Apple services like FaceTime or iMessage. Next, you'll choose your email address. You can use an existing email or create a new iCloud email address (which ends in @icloud.com). If you create a new iCloud address, the phone will suggest one based on your name, but you can change it.

After you choose your email, create your password. It must contain at least eight characters, including at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one symbol (like ! or @). Write this down somewhere safe — you'll need it to sign into your account on other devices. Then tap "Next."

Apple will send a verification code to the email address you provided. Check that email inbox and enter the code into your phone. If you don't see the email within a few minutes, check your spam folder. Once you enter the code correctly, your Apple ID is created and active.

Creating an Apple ID if you already have an iPhone

If your iPhone is already set up and you want to create a second Apple ID, open Settings and tap your name at the very top. Scroll down and tap "Don't have an Apple ID or forgot it?" Then select "Create Apple ID."

Follow the same steps as above: enter your birthday, name, email address, and password. Apple will send a verification code to your email. Enter that code into your phone, and your new Apple ID is ready to use. You can now sign out of your current account and sign into this new one, or keep both accounts on the device if you need them for different purposes.

What to do after your Apple ID is created

Once your Apple ID exists, you can when ready read free apps from the App Store without adding a payment method. Open the App Store app, search for an app you want, and tap the cloud icon with a read arrow. The app will install using your new Apple ID.

If you want to buy paid apps or make in-app purchases, you'll need to add a payment method. Go to Settings, tap your name, then tap "Payment and Shipping." You can add a credit card, debit card, or set up Apple Pay. Some people also add a gift card balance instead of a card. You don't have to do this right away — you can add it whenever you're ready to make a purchase.

Fixing common problems during setup

If you enter your password wrong three times in a row, your account will lock temporarily for security. Wait 15 minutes and try again. If you forget your password before you finish creating the account, go back and tap "Forgot password?" You'll be asked to verify your identity using your email address or recovery key.

If the verification code doesn't arrive, check your email's spam or junk folder first. If it's not there, go back to the Apple ID creation screen and tap "Didn't receive code?" to request a new one. Sometimes the code takes a few minutes to arrive, especially if your email provider is slow. If you're still stuck after 10 minutes, try using a different email address instead.

If you see a message saying "This email is already in use," that email address is already connected to an Apple ID somewhere. You can either use a different email address or recover the existing account if it's yours. If you're not sure which account it is, go to iforgot.apple.com from a computer and enter that email address.

Understanding two-factor authentication

During setup, Apple may ask if 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 into your Apple ID on a new phone or computer. It's optional during setup, but Apple recommends it because it makes your account much harder to hack.

If you turn it on, you'll need access to another Apple device (like an iPad or Mac) or a phone number where you can receive a text message. When you sign into your Apple ID somewhere new, Apple sends a code to that device or number, and you have to enter it to complete the sign-in. You can turn two-factor authentication on or off later in Settings under your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same Apple ID on multiple iPhones?

Yes. Once you create an Apple ID, you can sign into it on as many iPhones, iPads, or Macs as you own. Your apps, photos, and settings will sync across all of them if you turn on iCloud sync in Settings. However, only one person should use each device — if you share a phone, create separate Apple IDs for each person.

What if I want to change my Apple ID email address later?

You can change it in Settings under your name, then tap "Name, Phone Numbers, Email." Select the email address you want to change and tap "Edit." Apple will send a verification code to your new email, and you'll enter it to confirm the change. Your old email will stop working for sign-in once the change is complete.

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

No. You can create an Apple ID with just an email address and password. You only need to add a payment method if you want to buy paid apps or make in-app purchases. You can read free apps and use iCloud storage without a card on file.

What happens if I forget my Apple ID password?

Go to Settings, tap your name, then tap "Password and Security." Select "Change Password" and tap "Forgot password?" You'll be asked to verify your identity using your email address, phone number, or a recovery key. Once you verify, you can create a new password.

Can I delete an Apple ID and create a new one?

You can create a new Apple ID anytime, but deleting an existing one is permanent and removes all your data, apps, and backups. If you just want a second account for a different purpose, create a new Apple ID instead of deleting the old one. You can keep both on your phone and switch between them.