Creating an iCloud account: Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

See the frequently asked questions below to learn more about signing up for and using an iCloud account.

Products Affected

iCloud

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How do I sign up for iCloud?

You can sign up for iCloud on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 5 or later, or on a Mac with OS X Lion v10.7.2 or later. Just follow the setup instructions for your iOS device or Mac.

Note: You may need to verify the email address that you use for your Apple ID. See Frequently Asked Questions About Apple ID for more information.

I have a free Find My iPhone account. How do I sign up for iCloud?

Update the devices you are using with Find My iPhone to iOS 5. When you're asked to enter an Apple ID during the initial iOS 5 setup, enter the Apple ID you were using for Free Find My iPhone. Your account will be automatically updated to iCloud.

I have an active MobileMe subscription. How do I sign up for iCloud?

You can move from MobileMe to iCloud anytime between now and June 30, 2012. Before you do, update all your devices to the latest software required for iCloud. Then when you’re ready to move your MobileMe account to iCloud, go to me.com/move.

I have an expired MobileMe or .Mac account. How do I sign up for iCloud?

To use your expired account for iCloud, follow the iCloud setup instructions and enter your expired MobileMe or .Mac email address as your Apple ID. If you have an @me.com address, it will be reactivated for email when you sign up for iCloud. @mac.com addresses will not be reactivated for email, but you can set up a new @me.com email address.

Important: You will need a verified email address associated with your expired @me.com or @mac.com Apple ID to set up iCloud. To add a verified email address, go to appleid.apple.com, sign in with your expired @me.com or @mac.com email address, and add a valid email address to your account.

What Apple ID should I use when signing up for iCloud?

See this article for more information.

Can I use different Apple IDs for iCloud services and store purchases (iTunes, App Store, iBook Store)?

When you setup your iOS device, by default the same Apple ID is used for iCloud services and store purchases (iTunes, App Store, iBook Store). However, if you want to use a separate Apple ID for store purchases and iCloud services, you can easily do that. Read this article for details.

How do I set up iCloud on my iOS devices, Mac, and PC?

To set up iCloud, first check that your device(s) and computer(s) meet the iCloud System Requirements. Then follow these simple instructions to set up iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, and PC.

What are the system requirements for using iCloud on my iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, and PC?

You’ll need iOS 5 or OS X Lion 10.7.2 to use iCloud. To use all iCloud services, please see the detailed system requirements.

How do I manage my personal information with iCloud, such as my password and security question?

To update your personal information, just visit appleid.apple.com.

Can I use an Apple ID that isn't an email address to sign up for an iCloud account?

No. Your Apple ID must be a full email address (e.g. name@example.com) in order to sign up for an iCloud account. You can change your existing Apple ID to be in the format of an email address if it is not already at appleid.apple.com.

I'm a MobileMe subscriber with questions about the transition to iCloud.

Please refer to this FAQ instead.