iCloud: Account troubleshooting

I don't see an option to create an iCloud account when using my iOS device.

Verify that you are currently running iOS 5 or later on your device. If not, install it on your device and try creating an iCloud account again.

I receive an “authentication failed” message when I try to sign in with my Apple ID during iCloud setup on my iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Go to your Apple ID account page and try to sign in. If you can't sign in, follow the steps provided there to reset your Apple ID account password.

I get an “Unsupported Apple ID” error when I try to sign in to iCloud from my iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

Depending on how you created your Apple ID, you may not be able to create an iCloud account with your current Apple ID. If your Apple ID works with the iTunes Store, App Store, Game Center, FaceTime, or other Apple services, your Apple ID should work for iCloud. Also, if you created your Apple ID while you applied for a job at jobs.apple.com, your Apple ID should work for iCloud. If you can't use your Apple ID with any Apple services, it might not be compatible with iCloud. Contact iCloud Support for assistance.

I can't sign in to iCloud on my Mac due to an authentication request.

Verify that your OS X user account has administrator privileges. If you're logged in to your computer as a standard user without administrator privileges, you may receive an authentication alert: “System Preferences is trying to modify the Directory Services configuration.” Enter the administrator's name and password to allow System Preferences to modify the configuration.

To log in as an administrator (OS X Lion 10.7.5 or later):

1. From the Apple () menu, select Log Out Username.
2. Click the Log out button.
3. From the login screen, select an admin user to log in.

I can't sign in to iCloud on my Mac due to an alert stating that my email address has not been verified.

If you can't sign in due to the alert “Account not verified - Check your email for instructions for verifying your account”:

1. Close and reopen iCloud preferences before attempting to sign in to iCloud again.
2. If that does not resolve the issue, check your email folder and Junk folder for a verification email sent from Apple.
3. If there is no verification email in your email folder or Junk folder, click the Resend Verification Email button in iCloud preferences.

I receive a “failed user name or password” alert when attempting to sign in at iCloud.com, in iCloud preferences (Mac), or in the iCloud Control Panel (PC).

• Make sure that you're entering your entire Apple ID when you sign in (for example, if your Apple ID is username@me.com, make sure that you aren't trying to sign in with just “username”).
• Verify that the Caps Lock key is not enabled. All passwords are case sensitive.
• Make sure that you're using the correct iCloud-associated Apple ID and not a different Apple ID used for other services. For more information about having more than one Apple ID, refer to Using your Apple ID for Apple services.
• If needed, reset your Apple ID password at iforgot.apple.com.

If you use the same Apple ID for iCloud as you do for other Apple Services, (for example, Apple Online Store, iTunes Store, or Mac App Store), changing your iCloud account password also changes your password for the other Apple services. Make sure that you sign in to those services using your new password. Also, be sure to update your Apple ID password on all of your devices and computers that may use your Apple ID (such as any email applications that you use to receive iCloud email).

I receive a “you have exceeded your provided storage amount” message.

Follow the steps for troubleshooting iCloud storage issues.

After I sign in with my Apple ID, I'm prompted to enter additional information.

iCloud accounts may require some additional information that is not currently associated with your Apple ID. When prompted, enter the required information to continue.

When I attempt to create an iCloud account, I'm notified that iCloud is not available in my country.

iCloud accounts are not available in all countries. If you're in a country where iCloud is available and you feel that you've received this message in error, contact iCloud Support.