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.
Related Posts:
- How to sign in and sign out of iCloud on macOS Catalina
- How to free up iCloud storage — 5 essential tips
- How to change an Apple ID email you no longer have access to
- “Problem turning on Mail” when creating an iCloud email address
What to do before you sign up for iCloud

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.

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 This means some services may not work if you’re on an outdated OS.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
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.

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.

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

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!
Terry Bennett says
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.
Benedickson Mringo says
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
Benedickson Mringo says
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
SK says
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.
Maryam says
My iPhone not working only with I cloud and I forget my email
Dennis R LaChance says
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??
SK says
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
henrichmligha says
when I, sign In on my iPhone it’s written that the maximum number has been used on this, phone how do sign in
Kabogoza Muzamir says
Really Great too
Marsalanqureshi says
I like Iphone
Kathy says
Am trying to get my Apple ID disabled how do I do that I have Apple ID but still doesn’t work
Elizabeth says
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
Nilesh says
I don’t have another Apple phone so can u help me
SK says
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
Usman says
Please help me
Elizabeth says
Usman,
Hi there. Please describe the issue you are having. I don’t see any additional comments from you with your issue.
SK
darmaan says
I what activation Lock hleme
regina says
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
Adarsh says
Yes
Hubab Ali says
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
Adarsh says
Sir wt solution for these problems
MAE says
Cloud