If you own any Apple products (iPad, iPhone, iPod, Apple TV, Macbook etc), it is likely that you already have an Apple ID. But if you are new to Apple, this article explains some basic information on Apple IDs and how you can obtain one.
What is an Apple ID
Basically, an Apple ID is an all in one account type that you may use to take advantage of various Apple services and products such as FaceTime, iMessage,iCloud, iTunes Store, Mac App Store, and App Store. Please see this for a list of the most common Apple services and products that use Apple ID. You do not need different Apple IDs for different services. With one Apple ID, you may use all of these services. Although you do not need an Apple ID to be able use an Apple product (like iPhone), you will not be able to use many of the features of your Apple product without one . Without an Apple ID, you can still use your Apple devices at a basic level. For instance, without an Apple ID, you cannot download and install apps, you cannot buy media content (movies, shows etc) and you can not send or receive iMessages.
How to sign up for an Apple ID
You may sign up for an Apple ID by visiting My Apple ID. Signing up is free and you do not need a credit card. The only thing you need is a valid email address. Please note that an Apple ID must be a valid email address (e.g. you@mail.com or appletoolbox@gmail.com). This means that your login ID will be that email address you choose. There are also other ways to create an Apple ID. For instance, when you first set up your iOS device, one of the optional steps is to create an Apple ID.
Note that you may already have an Apple ID. If you can’t remember it or if you are unsure, you may try to find your Apple ID by visiting Find your Apple ID.
Here is how you can get an Apple ID.
1.Visit My Apple ID (My Apple ID)
2.Click “Create an Apple ID”
3.Fill out the form.
4.After you submit the form, you will be redirected to a page saying “verify your email address”. Now you need to login to your email account and click on the Verify Now link. If you do not get this email, please see this article.
5.After clicking on the Verify Now link, you will be required to sign in using your newly created Apple ID login and password.
6.Now your Apple ID is verified and you may start using it.
Other common issues:
- Apple ID account settings on the iPad, iPod or iPhone
- Can I delete an Apple ID?
- How to change the answers to the security questions for Apple ID?
- Transfer purchases to another Apple ID