An Apple ID is the key to a world of wonder — here’s how to set it up

If you have the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or even an Apple TV, you’re going to need an Apple ID. With an Apple ID, you can sync your data across iCloud for contacts, calendars, email, reminders, and more; as well as download and purchase apps, games, music, movies, television shows, and other entertainment.

In short, an Apple ID is your gateway to getting the most out of the Apple ecosystem. In fact, you probably won’t get very far without an Apple ID on your brand new Apple device, whether it’s a new iPhone 13 or iPad Air.

Here’s how to create a new Apple ID on iPhone and iPad.

Create a new Apple ID on iPhone:

How to create a new Apple ID on iPhone or iPad
How to sign in to iCloud with an existing Apple ID on iPhone and iPad
How to sign out of iCloud on your iPhone or iPad

How to create a new Apple ID on your iPhone or iPad

Launch the Settings app.

Tap Sign in to your iPhone at the top of the screen.

Tap Don’t have an Apple ID or forgot it?

Tap Create Apple ID when the window pops up.

Enter your first and last name, then select your birthday. Your birthday is used to determine which services to set up on the device.

Tap Next.

Type the email address you want to use or get a new iCloud email address by tapping Don’t have an email address?
Tap the toggle for whether you want to get Apple News & Announcements or not.

Tap Next.

Create a password and then verify it by typing it again.
Tap Next.
Input your phone number and select whether you want to receive a text message or phone call for identity verification.
Tap Next.
Enter the verification code that was sent to you.

Tap Next.

Agree to the Terms and Conditions by tapping Agree.

Tap Agree again to confirm.

If prompted, tap Merge or Don’t Merge to sync iCloud data from Safari, reminders, contacts and calendars.
If prompted, tap OK to confirm Find My iPhone is turned on.

How to sign in to iCloud with an existing Apple ID on your iPhone or iPad

Launch the Settings app.
Tap Sign in to your iPhone at the top of the screen.
Enter the email address and password associated with your Apple ID.

Tap Next.

If you have two-factor authentication enabled, input the verification code.

Enter your iPhone passcode if you have one set up.

Select whether you want to Merge or Don’t Merge your iCloud data with what is locally on the device.

For further customization of your iCloud apps and services, tap iCloud and choose what you want on or not.

How to sign out of iCloud on your iPhone or iPad

Launch the Settings app.
Tap your Apple ID at the top of the screen.

Scroll to the bottom and tap Sign Out.

Enter the password associated with your Apple ID.
Tap Turn Off when asked if you want to disable Find My iPhone.
Select which data you want to keep a copy of on your iPhone and toggle the switch on.
Tap Sign Out in the upper right corner.

Tap Sign Out when prompted to confirm you want to sign out of iCloud on your iPhone or iPad.

Get the most out of your devices with an Apple ID

An Apple ID is essential if you want to get the most out of Apple’s devices and ecosystem. Even the best iPhone out there won’t be as efficient or useful without an ID.

Additionally, if you have multiple Apple devices, you’ll be able to enjoy Handoff, which is one of my absolute favorite features. With Handoff you’ll be able to start something on one device, like your iPad, and then quickly pick things up from your iPhone or Mac. However, it does require you to be signed in with the same Apple ID on all your devices. And this alone is a great reason to go create that new Apple ID right now.

Updated May 2022: Updated for the latest version of iOS.