If you see "The maximum number of free accounts have been activated"

Learn what to do if you see an alert when trying to create an Apple ID or set up iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Why did you see this message?

If you see "The maximum number of free accounts have been activated on this [device]," it means that you have exceeded the number of Apple IDs you can set up with iCloud on a single device in one year.

You may see this message when:

  • Signing in with an Apple ID you already created on the web, an Apple TV, or a third-party device, but have not yet set up with iCloud.

  • Signing in with an Apple ID that has web-only access to iCloud.

What should you do?

If you have another iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can try setting up iCloud with your Apple ID on that device. Sign in with your Apple ID, then follow the onscreen steps to start using iCloud.

Or, if you already have an Apple ID set up with iCloud, sign in with that Apple ID instead.

If you still need help

If you still need to set up iCloud with this Apple ID, contact Apple Support for help.

Your Apple ID is the account you use to access Apple services like the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, and more. You sign in to all Apple services with this single Apple ID and password.

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