How to Create a New Apple Account

Create the account

During iPhone setup or from the sign-in area in Settings, choose the option to create an Apple Account. Use an email address the owner controls, a strong unique password, correct date of birth and a trusted phone number.

Protect recovery

• Enable two-factor authentication.
• Add a trusted number that will remain available.
• Keep recovery information current.
• Store backup or recovery details away from the phone.

For children

Create an age-appropriate child Apple Account through Family Sharing rather than entering a false date of birth or using the parent’s account.

Verify before relying on it

Confirm App Store access, iCloud backup, Find My and the trusted number. Do not erase an old device until the new account and recovery path work.

Avoid future lockout

Do not use a temporary work, school or provider email that may disappear. Confirm the trusted number and recovery route from another device before storing irreplaceable photos or purchases in the account.

Use a personal Apple Account with recoverable contact details

Apple ID is now called Apple Account, though the old term remains in many article titles and conversations. Create it for the person who will own the purchases, backup and Find My relationship.

• Use a reachable trusted number and accurate date of birth.
• Create a unique password and review two-factor authentication.
• Add recovery options before relying on the new iPhone as the only trusted device.
• Do not reuse a family member’s main account to avoid sharing photos, messages and purchases.

Confirm the owner can sign in on the web or another trusted device before deleting any old account or resetting the phone.