Honestly, the phrase "Apple ID" is kinda disappearing. In the latest iOS updates—specifically looking at 2025 and 2026—Apple is leaning hard into calling it just your Apple Account. It sounds simpler, but if you’re staring at a brand-new iPhone 17 or trying to salvage an old iPad, the process can still feel like a maze of verification codes and password requirements that seem more like riddles.
You’ve probably been there. You just want to download a free app, but the phone is demanding a credit card you don't want to link. Or maybe you're switching from Android and feel like you're learning a foreign language. Creating an account shouldn't be a chore.
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How do you create an Apple account on a new device?
When you unbox a new iPhone or iPad, the setup assistant is going to be very persistent about this. It's the "Hello" screen phase. Basically, you'll reach a point where it asks for an account. If you don't have one, you tap Forgot password or don't have an Apple Account? and then select Create a Free Apple Account.
The device will ask for your name and birthday. Pro tip: make sure the birthday is accurate. If you accidentally set yourself as a minor, Apple’s "Family Sharing" restrictions will kick in, and fixing that later is a total headache involving parental consent and potentially calling support.
You’ll then need to provide an email address. You have two choices here. You can use your existing Gmail or Outlook address, or you can tap Get a free iCloud email address. If you go with the iCloud option, that @icloud.com address becomes your permanent login. You can’t change it easily later, so pick something you won't be embarrassed by in five years.
The "No Credit Card" trick
Most people think you must have a credit card to finish this. That's actually not true. If you’re setting up the account for the first time through the App Store rather than the main Settings menu, you often see a None option under payment methods.
- Open the App Store (make sure you're signed out).
- Try to download a free app—anything like YouTube or Instagram.
- When the prompt pops up, tap Create New Apple Account.
- Follow the steps, and when you get to the "Billing" section, "None" should magically be an option.
This is huge for people who just want to browse or for parents setting up a kid's device without giving them a blank check.
Setting up on a Mac or PC
If you’re on a Mac, you’ll head to the Apple Menu in the corner and hit System Settings. At the top of the sidebar, there’s a prompt to sign in. Click that, then look for the tiny "Don't have an account" link at the bottom. It’s almost hidden.
For the Windows crowd, you’re likely using the Apple TV or Apple Music apps (since iTunes is mostly a legacy thing now). The process is similar: go to the Account menu, hit Sign In, and choose the create option.
Web-based creation
Sometimes you just want to get it done on a big screen. You can go to appleid.apple.com.
It’s straightforward.
Enter your info.
Verify your phone number.
But a word of warning: creating an account on the web sometimes forces you to enter payment info the first time you try to download an app on a physical device. If you want to avoid that, the "Free App" method on a phone is still the gold standard.
Why the password rules are so annoying
Apple is obsessed with security. It’s not just a "strong password" anymore. It has to be at least eight characters, include a number, an uppercase letter, and a lowercase letter. Also, it can't contain your name or any part of your email address.
A lot of users get the "Account cannot be created at this time" error. This is the boss fight of account creation.
Usually, this happens for one of three reasons:
- The Server is Down: Check the Apple System Status page. If "Apple Account" has a red dot, go get a coffee and try again in an hour.
- VPN Interference: If you have a VPN on, Apple’s security flags it as suspicious. Turn it off.
- Too Many Accounts: Apple sometimes limits how many new accounts can be created from a single IP address or device in a 24-hour period to prevent spam.
The 2026 Security Standard: Two-Factor Authentication
You can't really opt-out of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) anymore. When you create your account, Apple will tie it to a trusted phone number. This means every time you log in on a new device, you'll get a six-digit code on your phone.
Don't use a temporary "burner" number for this. If you lose access to that number and haven't set up a "Recovery Contact," you could be locked out of your photos and files forever. Apple support literally cannot reset it for you if 2FA is active; you have to go through an automated "Account Recovery" process that can take weeks.
Managing your new ecosystem
Once you’re in, you get 5GB of free iCloud storage. In 2026, 5GB feels like almost nothing—it’s basically enough for your settings and a few high-res photos.
If you start seeing "Storage Full" messages, you don't necessarily need to pay for iCloud+. First, go into your settings and see what's eating the space. Often, it's "iCloud Backup" saving data from apps you don't even use anymore. You can toggle those off individually to stretch that free 5GB.
Actionable Next Steps
To make sure your new account stays safe and functional, do these three things immediately after the setup is finished:
- Add a Recovery Contact: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign-In & Security. Add a spouse or a trusted friend. If you ever forget your password, they can receive a code to help you get back in without the weeks-long wait.
- Check your Name/Birthday: Errors here cause issues with Apple Pay and Age-Restricted content. Double-check it in the personal information tab.
- Update your Trusted Phone Number: If you have a second number or a landline, add it as a backup for receiving 2FA codes.
Your Apple Account is the key to everything from iMessage to your health data. Taking five extra minutes to set it up correctly saves you hours of frustration later.