iCloud is the framework that keeps everything in sync on Apple devices. It saves your device backups, syncs your photos and files, remembers your subscriptions and purchases, your downloads, your system settings, and much more. In fact, iCloud is so tightly integrated into the Apple ecosystem that your device is more or less crippled if you’re not registered with an account. Here’s how to make an iCloud account, otherwise known as an Apple ID.
QUICK ANSWER
To make an iCloud account on an iOS device, you will be prompted to set one up when you set a device up for the first time. Follow the on-screen instructions. On macOS, go to System Preferences and click Sign in at the top and follow on-screen instructions. The third way is to go to http://appleid.apple.com/ and click Create your Apple ID.
JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS
The exact step-by-steps can’t be shown here because Apple disables the screenshot function if you are logged out of iCloud. So for this tutorial, we are relying on Apple’s official screenshots.
How to create an iCloud account on a Mac
To kickstart your Apple ID on a Mac, go to the Apple logo at the top-left-hand corner and select System Preferences. When the box comes up, click Sign In at the top-right.
Click Create Apple ID at the bottom-left.
You will then be asked:
- Your name and date of birth (the date of birth is because some apps in the App Store are age-restricted.)
- Your email address (alternatively, you can choose to get an iCloud email address instead)
- Your payment details. This is optional, but you won’t be able to buy anything from the App Store otherwise.
- To approve Apple’s terms and conditions.
Give your device a few moments, and the iCloud account will be set up.
How to create an iCloud account on an iPhone or iPad
On an iOS device, you will encounter the following screen when either setting up your device for the first time, or if you have signed out of another iCloud account. The first screen you will see is this one:
You will then be asked for the same details as a Mac.
- Your name and date of birth.
- Your email address (or choose to get an iCloud email address instead).
- Your payment details (optional).
- To approve Apple’s terms and conditions.
Give your device a few moments, and the iCloud account will be set up.
How to create an iCloud account on the web
You may find it faster and more convenient to register your account on the web, using a desktop browser. For this, you need to go to http://appleid.apple.com and click on Create Your Apple ID.
Fill out all the details on the screen. If you chose to use a non-iCloud email address, you will be asked to verify it.
Yes, there’s no limit to how many iCloud accounts you can make. Each account, though, has to be tied to a unique email address. So make sure you have enough email addresses!
It means you already have an Apple ID/iCloud account. Try signing in.
No. You can only buy apps from the app store in your country of residence.
Theoretically, yes, you could. You could use a fake name and date of birth (those aren’t checked). But you cannot fake your email address and phone number (those are checked). You also cannot fake your payment information because that is obviously illegal.
No, you don’t, but if there is no payment method on file, you can never buy anything from the App Store.
