What you need to do first
To create a new Apple ID, you need an email address you can access right now, a password you haven't used elsewhere, and your real name. Apple will send a verification code to that email, so pick one you check regularly. You do not need a credit card to start — you can add payment information later or skip it entirely.
The fastest way is to go to appleid.apple.com in any web browser on any device. You can also create an Apple ID on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, but the website method works the same way everywhere and is easiest to follow along with.
Before you begin, write down the email address and password you plan to use. This prevents typos that lock you out later. Your password should be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol — Apple will reject it otherwise.
Key Takeaways
- You need only an email address, a strong password, and your real name to create an Apple ID — no credit card required at the start.
- Apple sends a verification code to your email, so you must be able to check that inbox when ready after you sign up.
- Your password must be at least 8 characters and include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a symbol, or Apple will reject it.
- After you verify your email, you can use your Apple ID to read apps, back up your device, and use iCloud services right away.
Creating your account on the Apple website
Open appleid.apple.com and click "Create your Apple ID" near the top of the page. You will see a form with fields for your first name, last name, email address, password, and phone number.
Fill in your real first and last name exactly as you want them to appear on your account. Enter the email address you chose earlier. Type your password twice — once in the password field and once in the confirm password field. They must match exactly or the form will not submit.
For the phone number, enter the number where you can receive text messages or calls. Apple uses this as a backup way to verify your identity if you ever lose access to your email. You can use a mobile phone or a landline, but a mobile number is more reliable.
Before you click the button to continue, check the box next to "I agree to the Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions" and any other required boxes. Then click "Continue" or "Create Apple ID" — the exact button name varies by country.
Verifying your email address
After you submit the form, Apple sends a six-digit verification code to the email address you provided. Open that email inbox in a new browser tab or on your phone — do not close the Apple ID page.
Find the email from Apple with the subject line "Verify your email for your new Apple ID" or similar. Copy the six-digit code from that email. Go back to the Apple ID page and paste the code into the field that appears. Click "Verify" or "Continue."
If you do not see the email within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder. Sometimes email providers mistake Apple's messages for spam. If the code still does not arrive, go back to the Apple ID form and request a new code — there is usually a link that says "Didn't receive a code?" or "Send code again."
Setting up two-factor authentication
After you verify your email, Apple asks whether you want to turn on two-factor authentication. This is a security feature that requires you to confirm your identity on a trusted device whenever you sign in from somewhere new. It sounds complicated but works automatically most of the time.
If you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac already, turn on two-factor authentication now. Apple will send a code to one of those devices, and you enter it to prove it is really you. This protects your account if someone guesses your password.
If you do not have another Apple device yet, you can skip this step and turn it on later. Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in with your new Apple ID, and look for the security settings. Two-factor authentication can be turned on at any time.
Adding a payment method (optional)
Apple asks if you want to add a credit card, debit card, or other payment method. You do not have to do this right now. Many people create an Apple ID, use it for months, and never add a payment method because they only read free apps or use free services.
If you want to add a payment method now, click "Add Payment Method" and choose your card type. Enter the card number, expiration date, and security code exactly as they appear on your card. Enter your billing address — the address where your card issuer sends your statement.
If you skip this step, you can add a payment method later by signing into appleid.apple.com, going to "Payment and Shipping," and clicking "Add Payment Method." You will need the payment method on file only when you buy something from the App Store, iTunes Store, or Apple Books.
What to do after your Apple ID is created
Your Apple ID is now active and ready to use. If you have an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap "Sign in to your iPhone" or "Sign in to your iPad," and enter your new Apple ID and password. The device will ask you to verify your identity using the code sent to your email or phone — enter it and you are done.
On a Mac, go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), click "Sign in," and enter your Apple ID. The Mac will also ask for a verification code. After you sign in, your device backs up automatically to iCloud, and you can read apps from the App Store.
Write down your Apple ID email address and password and store them somewhere safe — a password manager, a locked notebook, or a find note app. If you forget your password later, you can reset it at appleid.apple.com by clicking "Forgot Apple ID or password?" and following the steps to verify your identity.
Troubleshooting common problems
If Apple rejects your password, it does not meet the requirements. Your password must be at least 8 characters long and include at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one symbol (like ! or @). Try a different password that meets all four rules.
If you do not receive the verification code email, wait five minutes and check your spam folder. If it still has not arrived, go back to the sign-up page and look for a link that says "Didn't receive a code?" or "Resend code." Click it to request a new code. If you still have trouble, try using a different email address and start the process over.
If you see an error message that says your email is already in use, that email address is already connected to an Apple ID. If it is your email, go to appleid.apple.com and click "Forgot Apple ID or password?" to recover your existing account. If it is not your email, use a different email address to create a new Apple ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create an Apple ID without an email address?
No. Apple requires an email address to create an account and to send you the verification code. If you do not have an email address, you can create one for free at Gmail.com, Outlook.com, or Yahoo.com in about two minutes, then use it to create your Apple ID.
Do I have to use my real name on my Apple ID?
Yes. Apple requires your real first and last name on your account. This name appears on receipts and in your account settings. You cannot use a nickname or username as your name, though you can change your name later by signing into appleid.apple.com and editing your account information.
What if I forget my Apple ID password?
Go to appleid.apple.com and click "Forgot Apple ID or password?" Enter your Apple ID email address. Apple will send a reset link to your email or ask you to verify your identity using your phone number or a trusted device. Follow the steps to create a new password.
Can I have more than one Apple ID?
Yes, you can create multiple Apple IDs using different email addresses. However, most people use only one Apple ID per device. If you create a second Apple ID, you will need to sign out of the first one and sign into the second one, which can make it harder to access your apps and backups.
Do I need to pay anything to create an Apple ID?
No. Creating an Apple ID is free. You do not pay unless you buy something from the App Store, iTunes Store, or Apple Books, or if you pay for a subscription like iCloud+ or Apple Music. You can use a free Apple ID for years without spending any money.