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You are here: Home / iPad / How to sign up for iCloud (updated 2020)

How to sign up for iCloud (updated 2020)

By Dan Helyer 22 comments Last updated March 10, 2020

iCloud makes your Apple devices work seamlessly together. It automatically syncs photos, files, and app data. It regularly creates encrypted backups. It protects against loss or theft. And it will take you less than five minutes to go finish your iCloud sign up with this how-to guide.

Learning how to sign up for iCloud is easy; letting it sync across your devices is effortless. Every user gets 5 GB of free iCloud storage when they sign up. This is used for notes, photos, documents, and more. When turned on, iCloud updates this data across each device automatically. Like I said: effortless.

Working with so much iCloud data does make it common to use up your 5 GB. That’s why we’ve got some tips to free up iCloud storage if you need to or you can buy more storage from Apple. In the meantime, let’s get started.

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What to do before you sign up for iCloud

Screenshot of the Apple ID login web page
You need an Apple ID account to use iCloud. Photo: Courtesy of Apple

You can sign up for iCloud using almost any device: iPhone, iPad, Mac, or even Windows PC. Signing up uses your Apple ID details, so if you don’t already have an Apple ID, create a new Apple ID account now or follow the prompts to create one as you go through the iCloud sign-up.

That way Apple can make the best recommendations for you and you’ll always have access to your purchases.

You should use the same Apple ID for all Apple services, from App Store downloads to in-store appointments. And it’s best not to share an Apple ID with another person. Instead, share an Apple Family Plan which allows the sharing of apps, music, and more without sharing a single Apple ID.

Learn what to do if you already have an Apple ID but can’t access it.

Photo of an iPhone X with a Software Update notification
Check for software updates before you sign up to iCloud. Photo: Courtesy of Apple

Before signing up for iCloud you should also ensure you’re running the latest Operating System (iOS, iPadOS, & macOS) on all your devices. With each update, Apple improves and expands on iCloud’s services. This means some services may not work if you’re on an outdated OS.

Go to the settings on your device to check for Software Updates. For iDevices go to Settings > General >Software Updates. For Macs, open System Preferences > Software Updates.

How to get an iCloud Mail email address

Picture of the Mail logo from iOS

Alongside everything else mentioned, iCloud can also sync emails across devices — provided you use an iCloud email address. Older Apple email accounts, such as @mac.com or @me.com, will also be able to sync through iCloud.

If you already have an Apple ID account, you can get a free iCloud email address after your iCloud sign in and sign-up. Simply go to the iCloud settings on any of your devices and turn on the Mail button.

Screenshot of the Mail button in iCloud settings on iOS
Turn on Mail in your iCloud settings to set up an iCloud email address.

If you don’t have an Apple ID account yet, you can create a free iCloud email address at the same time as your Apple ID account. The only caveat here is that you need to create the Apple ID account using an Apple device during the iCloud sign up detailed below.

How to sign up for iCloud on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod

iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch devices use iOS. So long as your device is running iOS 5 or later (which is likely since iOS 5 released in 2011) you’ll have access to at least some form of iCloud.

Screenshot highlighting the Settings app on iOS
Open the Settings app.

To sign up for iCloud on an iOS device you first need to open the Settings app. 

Screenshot of the sign in button from iOS settings
Either tap your name or tap to sign in.

If you’ve already signed in to Apple ID on your device, tap on [Your Name] at the top of the settings. Otherwise, tap Sign in to your [device] and either enter your Apple ID account details or create a new one.

If you choose to create an Apple ID account at this stage you’ll be given the option to Get a free iCloud email address if you want one.

Two screenshots of the iCloud settings in iOS
Tap iCloud and choose what apps you want to sync over the cloud.

iCloud is turned on automatically when you sign in with your Apple ID. Tap the iCloud button to choose what data you want to sync over iCloud and manage your storage.

How to sign up for iCloud on a Mac

To work with iCloud, your Mac needs to be running at least OS X Lion (again, highly likely since it came out in 2011). For the best iCloud experience you should update to the latest macOS, if possible.

Screenshot of the System Preferences icon from macOS

To sign up for iCloud on a Mac, start by opening the System Preferences. You can do this by opening the app as you would open any other Mac App or by clicking the Apple icon in the menu bar.

Screenshot of the iCloud login page on macOS
Click iCloud and sign in or create an Apple ID.

For macOS Catalina, click Apple ID in System Preferences.

If you’re using macOS Mojave or earlier, click the iCloud button in System Preferences and enter your Apple ID details if asked to do so.

For those of you without an Apple ID account, follow the prompts to create one and Get a free iCloud email address in the process if you’d like to.

Screenshot of iCloud settings in macOS
Check the boxes to choose what you want to sync over iCloud.

Once signed into the iCloud System Preferences, you can choose what data to sync over iCloud and manage your storage.

How to sign up for iCloud on a Windows PC

Windows users will need to download iCloud for Windows. To use this app you’ll need to ensure your computer is running Windows 7 or later.

Picture of the Windows 7 logo
You need Windows 7 or later to use iCloud. Photo: Courtesy of Microsoft

iCloud for Windows allows you to synchronize data — photos, contacts, notes, and everything else — between your Apple devices and a Windows PC. You’ll need to make an Apple ID account and sign up for iCloud on your Apple devices first.

Screenshot of the login page from iCloud for Windows
Sign in with your Apple ID after you’ve downloaded iCloud for Windows. Photo: Courtesy of Apple

To get started, download and install iCloud for Windows from Apple’s website. Then enter your Apple ID details to sign in to the app.

Screenshot of iCloud for Windows
Check the boxes to choose what you want to sync over iCloud. Photo: Courtesy of Apple

Once signed in, you can manage your storage and choose which apps you’d like to sync over iCloud.

As you can see, signing up for iCloud is almost as easy as making use of its features. Check out these tips if you find yourself running out of iCloud storage. And be sure to let us know what you do and don’t like to use iCloud for in the comments!

Dan Helyer

Dan writes tutorials and troubleshooting guides to help people make the most of their technology. Before becoming a writer, he earned a BSc in Sound Technology, supervised repairs at an Apple Store, and even taught English in China.

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Reader Interactions

Write a Comment Cancel reply

Show 22 Comments

  1. Terry Bennett says

    April 16, 2020 at 10:47 AM

    I’m having difficulty signing up for icloud. Message says, “you can’t manage your storage at this time. Wait a moment and then try again” I’ve done this three times and it will not go through.

    Reply
  2. Benedickson Mringo says

    April 23, 2019 at 4:09 AM

    Please help me with that because I can’t sign in with my iCloud account it’s saying”the maximum number of free account has been activated on this iPhone” but my iPhone it’s new no account was been created with my iPhone after I purchased it

    Reply
  3. Benedickson Mringo says

    April 23, 2019 at 4:05 AM

    Am still getting hard time to open my iCloud account when I sign in my iCloud account it’s telling me “the maximum number of free account has been activated on this iPhone”but my iPhone it’s new not second hand

    Reply
    • SK says

      April 23, 2019 at 11:38 AM

      Hi Benedickson,

      Check out this article for how to create additional Apple IDs elsewhere.

      It’s also a good idea to check if your iPhone is indeed new rather than refurbished–follow this article’s steps on how to check that information.

      If you confirm it’s indeed new–and you have not created 3 Apple IDs on the device, contact Apple Support.

      Reply
  4. Maryam says

    April 6, 2019 at 1:25 PM

    My iPhone not working only with I cloud and I forget my email

    Reply
  5. Dennis R LaChance says

    December 6, 2018 at 8:48 AM

    Went through photos many missing, going to my iCloud the app was gone. Attempts to determine how to sign to my iCloud failed. What happened??

    Reply
    • SK says

      December 6, 2018 at 10:39 AM

      HI Dennis,

      Go to the iCloud website and check for photos associated with your iCloud and Apple ID account.

      Make sure you sign in with the correct Apple ID–it’s possible that you have more than one account.

      Sam

      Reply
  6. henrichmligha says

    September 26, 2018 at 7:28 AM

    when I, sign In on my iPhone it’s written that the maximum number has been used on this, phone how do sign in

    Reply
  7. Kabogoza Muzamir says

    May 2, 2018 at 11:48 PM

    Really Great too

    Reply
  8. Marsalanqureshi says

    April 23, 2018 at 3:20 PM

    I like Iphone

    Reply
  9. Kathy says

    December 3, 2017 at 3:33 PM

    Am trying to get my Apple ID disabled how do I do that I have Apple ID but still doesn’t work

    Reply
    • Elizabeth says

      December 3, 2017 at 7:43 PM

      Hi Kathy,

      I’m not sure if I fully understand. You want to disable an Apple ID? Or are you trying to enter an Apple ID into your device and it’s showing up as disabled?

      If your Apple ID comes up as disabled, please see the tips listed in this article.

      If you want to remove your current Apple ID, first sign into your Apple ID via the Apple ID website and removing all devices associated with that ID. Also, make sure you turn off Find My iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch/AirPods. Next make sure you deauthorize this Apple ID on iTunes if you use a Mac. Finally, sign out of your Apple ID on your iDevices.

      Once you’ve done all those steps, call Apple Support and ask them to delete your Apple ID permanently. If they are unable to do this for you, ask for a iTunes manager or senior level iTunes support member. They’ll run through a list of requirements and other checks to make sure you really want to delete the ID and understand the implications of deleting your ID.

      Hopefully this answers your question,

      Liz

      Reply
  10. Nilesh says

    July 14, 2017 at 12:42 AM

    I don’t have another Apple phone so can u help me

    Reply
    • SK says

      July 14, 2017 at 11:20 AM

      Nilesh,

      Hi there. Try signing up for an Apple ID using a web browser on your phone or even a friend’s or shared computer, then navigate to iCloud on your iPhone or iDevice and set-up iCloud using that new Apple ID.

      SK

      Reply
  11. Usman says

    July 12, 2017 at 1:53 PM

    Please help me

    Reply
    • Elizabeth says

      July 12, 2017 at 2:06 PM

      Usman,

      Hi there. Please describe the issue you are having. I don’t see any additional comments from you with your issue.

      SK

      Reply
  12. darmaan says

    January 6, 2017 at 4:12 PM

    I what activation Lock hleme

    Reply
  13. regina says

    September 10, 2015 at 2:53 PM

    I’m trying to sign into my icloud using my apple I’d password but it’s not recognising it as I keep being brought back to the logging in……help

    Reply
    • Adarsh says

      December 20, 2015 at 7:24 AM

      Yes

      Reply
  14. Hubab Ali says

    July 28, 2015 at 2:35 PM

    When I sign in my Apple ID in iCloud so it can’t sign me in it says that the maximum number of free accounts has been activated on this iPhone

    Reply
    • Adarsh says

      December 20, 2015 at 7:23 AM

      Sir wt solution for these problems

      Reply
  15. MAE says

    January 25, 2013 at 7:33 PM

    Cloud

    Reply

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