iTunes: How to set up an iTunes Store account (Apple ID)
Summary
Learn how to set up an Apple ID so you can shop on the iTunes Store.
Products Affected
iTunes Store
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To purchase and download from the iTunes Store, you'll need to have an Apple ID. If you have used other Apple services such as MobileMe, the Mac App Store, or have purchased from the Apple Online Store, you can sign in to the iTunes Store using the same Apple ID. If you don't have an Apple ID, you will need to create one before you can begin using the iTunes Store.
Creating an Apple ID on a computer
- Open iTunes. If you do not have iTunes, you can download iTunes here.
- From the Store menu, choose Create Account. Click Continue on the resulting screen.
- To proceed, you'll need to agree to the Terms and Conditions. Once you've read and agreed to the Terms and Conditions, click the checkbox next to "I have read and agree to these terms and conditions."
- Click Continue.
- Complete the form to create your free Apple ID (which is what you will use to log in to the iTunes Store).
- The form includes security questions for your protection, as well as an optional rescue email address.
- Once you've filled out the form, click Continue.
- If you receive a warning that the email address you entered is already associated with an Apple ID, follow these instructions about using an existing Apple ID instead.
- Provide a valid payment method and billing address. You will not be charged until you make a purchase.
- Once you've provided all the required billing information, click Continue.
- You will need to verify your email address. Check your email for a verification email from Apple.
- In the verification email you receive from Apple, click the Verify Now link.
- You'll be taken to the Apple ID page to verify your email address.
- Enter your email address and the password you used to create your Apple ID. Then, click Verify Address.
Creating an Apple ID on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- From the Home Screen, tap Settings and then tap Store.
- Tap Sign In, or sign out if someone else's Apple ID is there already.
- When a prompt appears, tap Create New Apple ID.
- Choose the appropriate store by tapping Store, and select the country in which you are located. Tap Done to confirm your selection, then tap Next to proceed to the next screen.
- The next screen will display the iTunes Store Terms and Conditions. You can opt to have the Terms and Conditions emailed to you for easier reading by tapping Send by Email. To do this, enter your valid email address then tap Send.
- To agree to the Terms and Conditions, tap the Agree button which is located in the bottom-right of the page. Tap Agree again when the confirmation appears.
- Once you've agreed to the terms and conditions, you'll need to enter an email address, password, and choose security questions and provide answers to them.
- You can also enter an optional rescue email address.
- The email address you provide will be your new Apple ID (which is what you will use to log in to the iTunes Store). Enter your email address and then tap Next.
Tip: If you are trying to create an account using an existing Apple ID, like your MobileMe email address, you will receive a prompt telling you that your email address is already an Apple ID. Simply tap Continue, then tap Use Existing Account on the following screen.
- Next, you'll be required to enter your billing information. To change the default card type, tap the Credit Card field. Select your card type and tap Done. You will not be charged until you make a purchase.
- Once you've filled out all the fields for your billing information, tap Next.

- You'll then see a screen that says Verify Your Email Address.
- Tap Done and check your email for a verification email from Apple. If you need to set up email on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, see iOS: Setting up an email account.
- Open the email and tap the Verify Now link enclosed in the email to activate your account.
- You'll be taken to a secure page to enter your Apple ID and password to complete your account verification.
- Once you've entered your email address and password, tap Verify Address.
- You may be asked to enter your account password again for verification.
- To sign out of your iTunes Store account, simply tap your account name at the bottom of the page in the App Store or iTunes Store.
To modify or change your account information such as Apple ID, payment information, or billing address, tap your account name located at the bottom of the page once you are signed in to the iTunes Store. When prompted, tap View Account.
Notes:
Additional Information
Related articles
- Using an existing Apple ID with the iTunes Store and Mac App Store
- How to Recover Your Apple ID
- Frequently Asked Questions About Apple ID
- Troubleshooting AOL ID sign-in issues on iPhone or iPod touch
- iTunes Store: Creating an account using an iTunes Gift Card
- iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch: Understanding Restrictions
- iTunes: Using Parental Controls
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