Set Up iCloud : Create Apple ID

A few notes before we begin: While it’s free to sign up for iCloud, you can’t do so just anywhere; you must create an account on either an iOS device running iOS 5 or later or a Mac running OS X 10.7.5 or later. Unfortunately, Windows users have to first create an account on one of these platforms before they can log in on their PC.

You’re also limited to creating ten iCloud accounts per device. You should only need one or two, so you’ll probably never run up against this limit. However, because this limit persists after full device wipes, there’s a possibility you may encounter it if you have an older iOS device or Mac. If you do get an alert that prevents you from creating a new iCloud account, we suggest going to your nearest Apple Store for help.

If you’ve ever purchased anything from the iTunes Store, App Store, or iBookstore, you have an Apple ID. (Your username is probably the email address you used to sign up for iTunes.) If you’ve logged into the iTunes or App Store apps with this Apple ID, you should see the email address already filled out in the Apple ID section of the iCloud screen.

All iCloud accounts stem from Apple IDs, so it’s very easy to convert your current Apple ID into an iCloud account. You’ll still be able to use your Apple ID for everything you currently use it for, but you’ll also get all of iCloud’s features. And if other members of your family use this Apple ID, they’ll still be able to use it for purchases without having access to all of your iCloud information.

To convert your Apple ID into an iCloud account, open the iCloud preference screen on your iOS device or Mac, then sign into iCloud with your current Apple ID and password. The screen will prompt you to agree to the iCloud terms and conditions; once you do, you’re ready to begin using the service.

Note: If you do convert an Apple ID into an iCloud account, you won’t get an iCloud email address (@icloud.com) by default. If you want one, all you have to do is go to Settings > iCloud and toggle the Mail switch on (or, on a Mac or PC, click the checkbox). You’ll then be prompt ed to create an iCloud email address to go along with your account.