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How to create an Apple ID without a credit card?

By 110 comments Last updated March 17, 2020

Ever wonder how to download apps without credit card info? Apple provides an all-in-one account for all devices, emails, iCloud, to purchase songs, movies and TV Shows from the iTunes or Music/TV/Books Stores and to download and purchase all types of apps from the App Store on iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and even on your Mac.

Getting an Apple ID is easy but creating an Apple ID without a credit card or any defined payment method is a little tricky.

The method to create an Apple ID on your computer, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad works with the same trick; all you have to do is download a free app on your device before creating an account, and it creates an Apple ID without Debit, PayPal, or Credit Card.

However, if you’re the organizer for a Family Sharing group, Apple always requires a payment method, either a credit card, PayPal, or debit card. And Apple also needs a payment method when you set up an account for your children.

Here’s how you can create and maintain an Apple ID for free. This method also works for folks that already have an Apple ID too!



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The rule of thumb for Apple ID payment methods

If you don’t have an Apple ID, you can create an Apple ID without a payment method.

If you already have an Apple ID, you can remove payment methods from your existing Apple ID after you sign in to the App Store, iTunes Store or Apple Books.

If you’re the family organizer, you’re required to have at least one payment method on file.

If you’re a child under 13, Apple requires a payment method to set up accounts for children.

If you don’t have already have an Apple ID

Create an Apple ID without a payment method or credit card on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod

  1. Open the App Store app
  2. Search for a free app and tap Get
  3. When asked to sign in with an Apple ID, tap Create New Apple IDiPhone Create New Apple IDChoose the option create new Apple ID
    1. If you don’t see the option to create a new Apple ID, check if you are already signed in to the App Store, iTunes Store, Apple Books or iCloud with an existing Apple ID
  4. Choose None when asked for payment method

    payment method is none for new apple id
    select none for your payment method when setting up a new Apple ID

  5. You must verify your Apple ID before you can use it
    1. Verify your information with a trusted phone number if you choose to use two-factor authentication
    2. Or verify your Apple ID via email

Create an Apple ID without a Credit Card or Payment Method on a Mac or Windows computer

If you’re setting up an Apple ID for the first time and you don’t want to set up any payment options, you must follow these steps to create it using either the App Store (Macs) or iTunes (Windows)

Using iTunes on Windows?

Follow the same steps outlined–find a free item in the iTunes Store, attempt to download it, then follow the on-screen instructions to create a new Apple ID.

1: Open the Mac App Store or iTunes Store on your computer

Ensure you’re in your resident country’s Store by confirming the flag shown. If it’s not the flag of the country where you reside, click that flag and update it to your current country.

2: Find a free app or free item

On the Mac App Store, look through available apps for something free.

For iTunes, download something free, like a song.  Or look for a free movie or TV Show (or App and Book if supported in your iTunes version)

Use Spotlight search to locate free items too!

3: Tap the Get button and install or download that free item

When you find a free item, click the Get button.

4: When asked to sign in with an Apple ID, tap Create Apple ID

new apple id using app store on Mac
Choose Create Apple ID to get a new Apple ID

Follow the on-screen instructions and review and agree to any user agreements.

5: When you reach the payment method, choose None

When asked for payment information, choose None as your payment method.

Type in your address and other information, then follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your Apple ID.

Mac App Store payment method None for new Apple ID
make sure you select None as the payment method

6: Verify your Apple ID’s information

After you set-up a new Apple ID, you must verify it. Verification is required before you can use your Apple ID.

You can either verify using a trusted phone number if you chose to use two-factor authentication or verify your Apple ID via email. How to create an Apple ID without a credit card?

We highly advise you to write down your Apple ID’s information including the Email and Password on a piece of paper and save it somewhere handy.

Once Apple verifies your Email, you can use this Apple ID on your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. Use it as your iCloud account too!

Didn’t get Apple’s Verification Email?

If you didn’t receive the verification email, look and search for any email from Apple.

Make sure you check your spam or junk folder too!

If you need to have it resent, try signing in to your Apple ID account page using that Apple ID and press Resend next to the email address that you need to verify.

Apple should send another verification email to that address.

If the listed email address is incorrect, update it, and Apple sends another verification email.

Not seeing None as an option for payment method?

There’s a variety of reasons why None does not appear as an option, ranging from subscriptions to outstanding debts and payments due to Apple and its iTunes and App Stores.

If you’re unable to get None as an option, check out our detailed article on why and steps you take to get this option.

Already have an Apple ID? No problem!

All you need to do is remove the payment method for your existing Apple ID after you have signed into the iTunes Store, App Store, or iBooks Store.

At that point, you are only asked for a payment method when you try to make a purchase.

Remove your Apple ID payment information on iPhone and iPad

  1. Tap Settings > Apple ID Profile > Payment & Shipping or go to Settings > iTunes & App Store > Tap your Apple ID > View Apple ID > Manage Payments
    1. If using Family Sharing, only the family organizer can update payment information
  2. Enter your Apple ID password
  3. Tap a payment method and press the minus sign to remove it or swipe and press deletedelete a payment method from Apple ID on iPhone
  4. Press Done when finished

Remove your Apple ID payment information on a Mac

  1. Open the App Store
  2. Tap your name or Apple ID
  3. Click View Information
  4. Next to Payment Information, click Manage Payments Mac App Store manage payments
  5. Tap Edit next to the payment method, then choose Remove

Remove your Apple ID payment information on a Windows PC

  1. Open iTunes
  2. Choose Account > View My Account
    1. Enter Apple ID password
  3. Select View Account
  4. To remove a payment method from iTunes
    1. Click Payment Type > Edit
    2. Only the family organizer can edit payment information
    3. Select None to remove the payment method How to create an Apple ID without a credit card?
  5. Tap Done

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Reader Interactions

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Show 110 Comments

  2. Seth says

    I am unable to verify the new apple ID I am making. once I put the verify code in, it claims that it cannot verify the device even though this is the code from apple

    Reply

  4. Susan Fenwick says

    I have been trying to get an Apple ID on an iPad for a lady who doesn’t have a credit or debit card. Every time it says there’s a problem. I give up.

    Reply

  5. Allah Cosmos says

    I find it difficult to sign into i tunes
    Sometimes when I log in it says my account hasn’t been used in iTunes before to review my is a problem too.

    Reply

    • Elizabeth Jones says

      Hi Allah,

      When you see this message it usually means you need to agree to Apple’s Terms of Service and also confirm or update your billing and shipping addresses. Try signing in to Apple’s Apple TV app or the iTunes Store App, with the same Apple ID account and verify your information and agree to any terms, if shown.

      Reply

  8. SIlali rebecca says

    I got a notification. This device can nominate create a free apple ID and I created a new one on apple website how can I set Otho to be recognized in my iPad please as a free id

    Reply

  9. Esau changa says

    Help I have been trying to review my account but it is not getting verified
    My country is not listed on the apple store or region and I can’t seem to change my region because it’s not accessible how can I be helped

    Reply

    • Elizabeth Jones says

      Hi Alexander,

      If you receive or purchase an Apple iTunes gift card, there’s a redemption code on the backside of the card–that’s the gift card number. To show this number, you need to peel or scratch off the sticker or wax-like label on the back of the gift card to reveal a 16-digit code that usually starts with an X.

      Yout enter that number and once recognized, Apple applies to gift card amount to your account.

      Liz

      Reply

  12. ron says

    even with none selected in the apple account, I can’t get updates from the app store on my MacBook Pro.

    I get the message to review account details, but when I click review nothing happens.

    updates will not download and I can’t update the os.

    Reply

    • Elizabeth Jones says

      Hi Chris,

      Try the following:

        Verify with your carrier that you plan is active and in good-standing
        Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS
        Restart your iPhone by powering off, waiting a minute, and powering back up
        Check for a carrier settings update. Go to Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you see a prompt to update its settings. Select OK or Update.
        Remove your SIM card from the SIM card tray and then put the SIM card back. Make sure that the SIM tray closes completely and isn’t loose. Don’t use a SIM tray from a different model iPhone or from another phone manufacturer
        Try using another iPhone SIM card. Or visit your carrier’s retail store and ask them to test with another SIM card. If that works, ask them to replace your SIM card

      If none of these tips help, contact your carrier or Apple Support.

      Liz

      Reply

    • SK says

      Hi Janice,

      We’re happy to help you create a new Apple ID.

      Are you trying to create one using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod or via iTunes with a Mac or Windows PC?

      For iDevices,

        try tapping open the App Store App
        Then tap that profile icon and choose to create a new Apple ID
        Go through the steps on-screen and if you don’t want to select a payment method choose None
        Once done, check your email for the Apple verification email and follow te steps listed there to verify your information

      For iTunes,

        Open iTunes
        At the top of iTunes, choose Account > Sign In
        Select Create New Apple ID
        Follow the instructions and fill out your details
        If you don’t want to set-up a payment form, choose None
        Check your email for that Apple verification email and confirm your account with Apple

      If you have additional questions, let us know

      And if you need one-on-one assistance, set-up an appointment at the local Apple Store or contact Apple Support to walk you through the process.

      Reply

  15. ossy emma says

    i opened an iphone account and i have no credit card how do i use my iphone without credit cradit request

    Reply

    • Elizabeth Jones says

      Hi Ossy,

      Sometimes Apple requires a payment method in the set-up stage that you can later remove. You can use a debit card or PayPal account too.

      To set-up a new Apple ID without a payment method, make sure you sign out of all services, including App Store, iTunes Store, Apple Books, and iCloud with any existing Apple ID. Basically, there should be no Apple ID connected to your device.

      Once signed out of all these services, try creating a new Apple ID. You must set-up this new Apple ID using the App Store App only.

      None isn’t an option when you use the Apple ID account page to set your payment method.

        Open the App Store app
        Locate a free app
        Tap the Get button
        When you’re asked to sign in with an Apple ID, tap Create New Apple ID
        Follow the instructions on-screen
        When you’re asked for payment information, choose None

      We hope this works for you now!

      Reply

      • Pilice says

        When i try to sign in onother apple ID it mmust be needed also a credit card . My question is how to review it wothout credit card

        Reply

        • SK says

          Hi Pilice,

          Sometimes Apple requires a credit/debit card when setting up the account. But once set up you can remove it.

          Reply

  16. Andy says

    I don’t know what kind of games apple or this fake Sprint Spectrum PCS group tec scams for at&t is trying to pull, but my phone never needed a credit card.

    So please tell me if I’m missing something.

    Reply

  19. Abel G. Thomas says

    Hey, I’m Abel from Liberia. I tried creating my Apple ID account but they keep telling me that my number is not valid over and over

    Reply

  20. Vera Alva Villalas says

    How am I suppose to contact iTunes support for this stupid verification of apple ID.

    Of course I haven’t used it on iTunes because its so damn hard difficult to deal with apple id alone!

    Can someone tell me what exactly is going on?

    Reply

  25. pusspus says

    .no idea ,can’t make it works
    couple times create new account it failed to complete registration. when I’m check “none” option as payment method ,it says “contact itunes support to complete registration”
    .allready follow above tutorial precisely ,still got no luck
    I’m trying to create new app store account from iphone ,is that the problem?

    Reply

  26. UDUMA ONYEKACHI says

    Hello sir, I have a pc ( Mac OS X Lion 10.7.5 )

    How can I update it to the latest version?

    Because even when I want to sign up for an Apple ID it tells me to upgrade my Mac to the latest macOS and when I try to upgrade the “software upgrade window” tells me that my version is up to date and no new software available.

    So please how and what can i do to update it.

    Reply

    • SK says

      Hi Uduma,

      Updating your Mac depends on the compatibility of your Mac’s model number and year.

      First, locate your Mac’s model number:

      To find your Mac model, choose About This Mac from the Apple () menu

      macOS Mojave works on the following models:

        MacBook introduced in early 2015 or later
        MacBook Air introduced in mid 2012 or later
        MacBook Pro introduced in mid 2012 or later
        Mac mini introduced in late 2012 or later
        iMac introduced in late 2012 or later
        iMac Pro (all models)
        Mac Pro introduced in late 2013, plus mid-2010 or mid-2012 models with a recommended Metal-capable graphics card

      Now, if your Mac model is not listed for macOS Mojave, you may be able to update to a different version of macOS (macOS sierra or high sierra) or a newer version of Mac OS X (Yosemite or El Capitan).

      If you are able to update iTunes, you may be able to create a new Apple ID.

        From the menu bar at the top of your computer screen or at the top of the iTunes window, choose Account > Sign In. Then click Create New Apple ID

        Read and agree to the Terms and Conditions and Apple Privacy Policy

        Complete the form to create your new Apple ID. The email address you provide will be your new Apple ID. The form also includes security questions for your protection

        After you’ve filled out the form, click Continue

        Enter your credit card and billing information, then click Continue. You can change or remove your payment details later

        Check your email for a verification email from Apple and follow the steps to verify your email address

      Hope something works for you!

      Sam

      Reply

  27. Ruth says

    Changed it to none but the free game still says verification requires and then says the fields are required then pops me back out and won’t load the game.

    Reply

    • SK says

      Hi Renren,

      You can create a new Apple ID on any Mac or Apple iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch–it doesn’t even have to be your device.

      Please see this article for more details.

      Sam

      Sam

      Reply

    • SK says

      Hi Elizah,

      Enter in payment information temporarily. Then after a day or so, return to these settings and see if none is now an option.

      See this article for more details.

      Reply

  33. Charles Horden says

    I was given an iPad and I can NOT get any account without credit card. I am a pensioner and don’t want anybody sucking out my funds. So I tried everything listed on many websites on how to set-up an iPad account without credit card. Nothing works. In one case the advice is to download a free app, it ALWAYS asks for account with credit card. Another case, they say click “here” but “here” does not exist, no 3 spots on top left corner or no “movies” in the list, Every time I look up advice, it all appears totally different from what’s on the screen. Then they say open “this” on your computer, do they mean my computer or my iPad, two totally different things. I have two computers, 4 laptops an iPad and a tablet I have the same problem on all of them.

    So what am I doing wrong and where do I get help?

    Any advice which actually works would be most welcome.
    Charles.

    Reply

    • SK says

      Hi Charles,

      We completely understand not wanting to give credit card information out.

      Let’s try to set up a new Apple ID on your iPad—if you already have an Apple ID on the device, sign out—we want to force your iPad to create a new Apple ID

      1) open the App Store App on your iPad

      2) Find a free item and tap the GET button

      3) On the sign in screen, choose create new Apple ID

      4) Put in requested information

      5) For payment method, choose None

      6) After you enter in all info, you need to verify your Apple ID via your phone number or via an email from Apple. Verification is always required before you can use an Apple ID on ANY device or with the App Store and iTunes Store

      Sometimes, there is no None under payment options—if this is the case, consider linking to a PayPal account when setting up your Apple ID and then removing it later, once the account is verified.

      None only shows up as an option when creating a new Apple ID via the App Store, iTunes Store, iBooks Store, or Mac App Store.

      None is not an option when creating an Apple ID through the website or via the Settings App

      Hope that helps. If not, let us know

      Reply

  37. Soraya niknejadi says

    Thanks for everything
    I have a problem, every time i create an Apple ID , in the way I don’t know how , after 2 days or more , i tunes don’t accept it
    Please help me with this problem
    Thanks Soraya

    Reply

  40. dennis says

    I have a 12yr old son who does not have an e mail account and isnt getting one. I would like to set up an Icloud account for itunes. is that sufficient or MUST he have a true email ie… .gov .com, .ect?

    Reply

    • Elizabeth says

      Hi Dennis,

      Kids under 13 can have their own Apple IDs as long as a parent or legal guardian, called the family organizer, creates the child’s Apple ID and adds the child to the family group.

      So let’s create an Apple ID for your son when you use Family Sharing and are designated the family organizer.

      Create an Apple ID for Your Kids Under 13
      * On one of the Family Organizer’s iDevice, open Settings > Apple ID
      * Tap Family Sharing
      * Choose Add Family Member
      * Tap Create a Child Account
      * Review Apple’s statement about children accounts, then tap Next
      * Enter your child’s birthday and read and agree to the Parent Privacy Disclosure
      * You must enter a credit card, debit card then tap Next
      * Enter your child’s name and create an Apple ID. This means that your son will have an iCloud email address–it’s required for creating a child Apple ID
      * Choose a password. Select and answer your child’s security questions
      * Choose if you will allow your child to Ask to Buy things in the App Store, iTunes, and iBooks. Ask to Buy is turned on by default so make sure you do this step
      * Next, we recommend choosing the option to share your child’s location with the rest of the family (so you know where they are)
      * Agree to the Terms & Conditions

      And done!

      Please note that you, as the organizer, can also limit the content your kids have access to on their devices through Restrictions on an iOS device or parental controls in macOS and iTunes

      Hope this helps,

      Sam

      Reply

  43. Supesh Basnet says

    The easiest method is provided below.

      Go to apple’s website
      Click on “Bag icon” on top right corner (next to search icon)
      Tap on “Sign In”
      Click on “create one new” on bottom

    And there you go for a new Apple ID without any payment method.

    Reply

  45. Anthony Vega says

    My phone keeps denying my card, but also won’t allow me to take it off my phone. It won’t let me update any apps or download any apps. Help me please.

    Reply

  46. Pam Lindley says

    We bought a iPhone 6s for a gift, and they made a iTunes account but when she try’s to download an app it says: could not sign in
    There was a problem connecting to server .

    Reply

    • Elizabeth says

      Hi Pam,

      Sorry to hear about the problems with your gifted iPhone 6S. With the information provided on that iTunes account, are you or the person the phone was gifted to able to sign in to the iTunes&App Store via the Settings App? To check, go to Settings > iTunes&App Store, and sign in with those credentials. If already signed in, sign out, wait 20-30 seconds, and then sign back in with those same credentials.

      Then close the iTunes and App Store apps by double pressing Home and swiping up on the app previews for both iTunes and the App Store. Once closed, restart the phone, and then try again to download a free app.

      Liz

      Reply

  49. Rosheen omapas says

    Rosheen Says

    Hi! I have an iphone 4 and im really upset because i can make an apple id but i dont know the code of the itunes store/Itunes gift

    Reply

  50. Pingping says

    Hi,need help..i have an apple id on my 5s and i want to use it in my ipad but i cant download any apps due to my credit card declining.i want to switch it to none..any help pls..thanks..

    Reply

    • SK says

      Hi Pingping,

      It sounds like you may have an outstanding debt on your iTunes or App Store account, hence you are not seeing the None option. Log into your iTunes account and check if there are any unpaid items and also check that all your information is up-to-date, including your address, phone, email, and so forth.

      Then, wait at least 24 hours after updating and try again.

      SK

      Reply

    • Elizabeth says

      HI Tesmesgen,

      Yes, you need to fill out these information fields still even if your payment is selected to None. Just fill out those fields with your relevant details.

      Cheers,

      Liz

      Reply

  54. CENIT says

    Sir! i follow the steps, but when i select NONE for the PAYMENT METHOD they say “Please contact iTunes support to complete this transaction.

    please i need help.

    Reply

    • SK says

      Hi Nica,

      We usually see this message when you subscribe to a subscription service (such as iCloud paid plans or Apple Music) or when there is an outstanding debt on the account. Look at this article for more details and see if you’re Apple ID fits into any of these categories.

      If you can’t figure it out on your own, then follow the message and contact iTunes Support and outline that you do not want a credit card on file.

      Reply

  58. Emma says

    All good from Calgary! Was super easy to set-up a new Apple ID without a credit (or any kind of) payment card. I needed to look at the article about the None option, but once I followed those steps, ALL GOOD.

    Kudos,

    Emma

    Reply

    • SK says

      Hi Imran,

      Please follow the steps outlined in this article. If you are unable to create an Apple ID without a credit card, make sure you try to purchase a free item from the iTunes or App Store–AND that you are not already logged into another Apple ID account on that device or computer.

      SK

      Reply

    • SK says

      HI Isaac,

      Please let us know what’s going on while trying to create your Apple ID. We’ll try and help if we can.

      Also, if you’re running into a lot of issues, please consider contacting the Apple ID specific Support Team directly. Problems with Apple IDs are some of their most frequent customer service issues, so they know their stuff!

      SK

      Reply

  63. Rodney James Rolle says

    I’ve been trying and trying to get verification code for Apple iPad/Apple ID for over 9 months now and still not getting it, what’s up with that. You said verification code sent to email address but I don’t receive it.Can’t Apple just send the code to my cell phone like Google does?

    Reply

    • SK says

      Hi Rodney,

      Sorry that you’re having such problems with your Apple ID. Is that email address you mention still valid? If so, make sure you check all your folders for the email from Apple including spam, junk, or trash.

      Apple doesn’t perform the same verification steps like Google, so if you still don’t receive the Apple ID verification email, it’s best to chat directly with Apple Customer Support in your region.

      SK

      Reply

    • SK says

      HI Chel,

      As far we know, this option is available on all versions of iTunes. However, there are certain circumstances where the None option does not show up–like if you have a subscription (including Apple Music and iCloud) that requires monthly payments, if you have any outstanding purchases that have not yet been paid, or if you’re part of a family sharing group. In all these circumstances, a payment method must be provided.

      Hope that helps,

      Liz

      Reply

  77. Ally says

    I’ve been trying to create my apple ID for forever now. I can choose the none option but whenever I get to the verification email step, everything seems to go downhill. I receive the email and type it into the code box, it says verified. However nothing happens. The numbers are deleted and I’m left on that screen.

    Reply

    • Elizabeth says

      Hi Ally,

      If you receive the email and after typing in the code, it says verified, try logging into the Apple ID site and see if the credentials work. If not, contact Apple Support and explain the problem to them–that you followed the steps, received the verification email, it said it was verified but then doesn’t work!

      Since you performed all the steps and verified your Apple ID, it seems that your account should work.

      Keep us posted!

      Liz

      Reply

    • SK says

      Raina,

      If this didn’t work when you initially set up your Apple ID, you can change things later.

      After setting up your apple ID, try again to change the payment to “None.” Go to iTunes on your Mac or PC, Select Apps from the Drop Down Menu, on Apps Page scroll to the bottom of the page and select “Account.” Enter your Apple ID and password. On your account summary page, select Edit next to payment type–then select None and press Done.

      Good luck, SK

      Reply