Create, manage, and use an Apple ID

You only need one Apple ID to access all Apple services. Before you create a new Apple ID, consider whether it might be better to continue using one you already have. Remember that you might not be able to move data or purchases from an old Apple ID to a new one.

If you aren't sure if you already have an Apple ID, we can help you find it. Even if the email address¹ that you use to sign in to Apple ID has changed, you can keep the same Apple ID.

You can create your Apple ID when you set up a new device or sign in to iTunes or iCloud for the first time. You can also go to the Apple ID site and select Create Your Apple ID. 

Here's what you need:

• A valid email address to use as your Apple ID user name.²   
• A strong password.
• Your date of birth.
• Three security questions and answers to verify your identity. You can also use this information to reset your password.

If you use two-factor authentication, you're all set. You're now the only person who can access your account, even if someone knows your password. If you don't use two-factor authentication, you also need to provide a rescue email address.

Use the same Apple ID and password every time you're asked to sign in to an Apple device or service. With your Apple ID, you can:

• Sign in to iCloud to keep your personal content up to date on all your devices.
• Sign in to the iTunes, Books, and App Store to make purchases and access previous purchases.
• Sign in to iMessage and FaceTime³ with your Apple ID to talk and text with friends and family.
• Sign in with your Apple ID when you set up a new device.

See a complete list of features and services that use your Apple ID.

Because your Apple ID is used across all your devices and services, it's important to keep your account information up to date. Simply sign in to your Apple ID account page at any time to manage your account:

• Update your Apple ID email address* to make sure it's an address that you use frequently.
• Change your password to help maintain the security of your account.
• Manage your payment information to keep your payment method or billing address up to date. 
• Add additional email addresses to help people find and communicate with you on Apple services like FaceTime, iMessage, and Find My Friends.
• See and manage the devices you're signed in to with your Apple ID.
• Change your verified phone number.⁴

The security and privacy of your Apple ID is very important to us. Here are some things you can do to make sure your account remains private and secure:

• Review the best practices in Security and your Apple ID.
• Reset your security questions to make sure they're easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess.
• Add a rescue email address. If you forget your password or the answers to your security questions, your rescue email address will help you regain access to your account.
• If you haven't already, set up two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your account. Depending on when you created your Apple ID, it might already be protected by two-factor authentication. Some Apple IDs created in iCloud on iOS 10.3 or macOS 10.12.4 and later automatically turn on this feature.
• Read more about Apple’s commitment to privacy and security.

1. In China mainland and India, you can use your phone number as your Apple ID.
2. In China mainland, you might be required to provide a +86 phone number for your Apple ID. You can change the number later, or change your country/region to a location that doesn't require it. This number is only used for verification purposes.
3. FaceTime isn't available in all countries or regions.