How to Create an Apple ID on a Mac device?
Apple ID is an authentication method used by Apple for iPhone, iPad, Mac and other Apple devices. Apple IDs contain user personal information and settings. When an Apple ID is used to log in to an Apple device, the device will automatically use the settings associated with the Apple ID. Apple ID is used for access to iCloud, the App Store, iTunes, Apple Music, and more. It is also necessary for syncing content across devices, using Find My, making purchases, and more.
An Apple ID is a valid email address, protected by a password set by the user that is a case-sensitive alphanumeric string of at least eight characters. Apple will send a verification email to the email address the user provided and the user is required to follow the URL included in the verification email to activate the account.
It is possible to create an Apple ID without specifying a credit card. Thus creating an Apple ID is free and easy, and it’s the first step to getting an Apple device set up if you’re new to the Apple ecosystem.
- First Sign Up Through System Preferences
- Now Open up System Preferences.
- In the empty profile interface, tap “Sign In.”
- Click on the “Create Apple ID…” option at the bottom of the window.
Follow all of the prompts and fill out the required information to create an account.
You will be asked to enter your first name and last name, country, date of birth, a password, and a series of security questions.
Apple ID account sign ups will need to be verified, and Apple will send a verification email. Your Apple ID will be the email that you signed up with, which is worth keeping in mind.
You can also create an Apple ID using the Mac App Store if you prefer.
- First open up the Mac App Store.
- Click on the “Sign In” button at the bottom of the window.
- Choose the “Create Apple ID” option.
- Enter an email address, password, and country, then click to agree to Apple’s Terms and Conditions.
Note that you may be asked to provide a credit card and billing information when signing up through the Mac App Store, but choosing “None” allows the request to be by passed.
On a Mac, you can also sign up for an Apple ID on the web by following these steps:
- Simply open a browser.
- Visit the Apple ID account page through this link.
- Scroll down to “Create your Apple ID” and click it.
- Go through the steps and fill out the form.
- The process for signing up for an Apple ID on the web is identical to the sign up process System Preferences or the App Store, and it will require the same verification.
Create Apple ID with iTunes
If you have a brand new iTunes, you’ll be prompted to sign in with your Apple ID right away. This prompt will also give you the option of creating a new Apple ID.
In case you’ve already used iTunes before, there are a few extra steps to creating your Apple ID:
- Choose Account > Sign In from the menu bar at the top. If another account is already signed in, you need to sign them out first.
- Click Create New Apple ID
- Fill out the form with required information
How to reset the password if you forget Apple ID?
There are a few reasons to change the Apple password: for example, if you forgot Apple ID password or if it was compromised. Or you may believe someone else has gained access to your account.
Whatever the reason, you can change Apple ID password in a straightforward way:
- Choose Sign In from the Accounts menu in iTunes, the App Store, or the Apple ID website
- Select Forgot Apple ID or Password
- Enter all the necessary information to reset your Apple password
How to change Apple ID on Mac?
It’s possible to edit all your Apple ID details, including the email you use to log in to your Apple account:
- Navigate to appleid.apple.com in your browser
- Sign in with your Apple ID and password
- Click Edit in the Account section
- Select Change Apple ID under your current email address
- Enter the new email and press Continue
Note that if you attempt to log in too many times to your Apple account with an incorrect password, your account may be frozen for 24 hours. So if you’re having trouble logging in, choose to reset your password with Forgot Apple ID or Password option before you get locked out. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until the next day to change your Apple ID.
How to delete Apple ID on Mac?
Believe it or not, until recently it was impossible to actually delete your Apple ID. You could use the option to deactivate it, which was functionally similar to deleting, but Apple would still retain your information.
However, in 2018, Apple created a data and privacy portal that lets you change what you share with the company, including completely deleting your ID.
Before you do go and delete your Apple ID, you need to make sure your files are backed up first. Then deauthorize iTunes and sign out of iCloud before you finally remove Apple ID from your Mac.
There are certain risks to deleting your Apple ID. For instance, it’s possible to lose some files, contacts, and syncs even the access to the apps and music you’ve purchased with your Apple ID might be terminated. So backing up files before you delete Apple ID is essential. The best app to fully back up your files to a hard drive is Disk Drill, which you can then use to restore your lost files if something goes wrong. Alternatively, you can use a cloud storage app like Dropshare to make sure you’ll retain access to all your important files after you make any considerable changes to your Mac.