Get started with iTunes by making an Apple ID
Introduction to Making an Apple ID
An Apple ID (aka an iTunes account) is one of the most versatile and useful things you can have if you own an iPod, iPhone, or iPad. With one, you can buy songs, apps, or movies at iTunes, set up and use iOS devices, use FaceTime, iMessage, iCloud, iTunes Match, Find My iPhone and much more.
ITunes accounts are free and are simple to set up. To create an iTunes account, launch the iTunes program and click on the iTunes Store button in the top right corner.
The iTunes Store will load. In the top left corner, you'll see a button that reads Sign In. Click it to begin the process of creating an Apple ID.
Choose iTunes Account Type
Next, a window will pop up on the screen that allows you to either sign in to an existing Apple ID or AOL screenname, or create a new iTunes account.
If you already have an Apple ID or AOL screename that isn't currently associated with an iTunes account, sign in with it here and enter your billing information on the following screens. This will allow you to make purchases.
If you're creating a new iTunes account, click the Create Apple ID button.
Enter Account Information
When creating an Apple ID from scratch, you'll have to click through a few screens to begin entering your information. Among these is a screen that asks you to agree to the iTunes Store's terms. Do so.
At the next screen, enter the email address you want to use for this account, create a password (iTunes will give you guidelines on creating a secure password, including using numbers and a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters), add security questions, enter your birthday, and decide if you want to sign up for any of Apple's email newsletters.
You'll also have the option of including a rescue email, which is the email account that your account information can be sent to if you lose access to your main address. If you choose to use this, make sure you enter a different email address than the one you use for your Apple ID login, and that you'll have access to it for a long time (since a rescue email address isn't useful if you can't get at that inbox).
When you're done, click Continue.
Enter Billing Information
Next, enter the payment method you want billed each time you make a purchase at the iTunes Store. Your options are Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal. Enter the billing address of your card and the three-digit security code from the back.
Click Create Apple ID to proceed.
And with that, you've created an Apple ID and you're ready to start downloading! Before you do, though, there are a few other features you may want to enable:
Once you've created your Apple ID, the world of music, movies, apps, and other iTunes content is open to you. Here are some articles related to using iTunes that you may be interested in:
An Apple ID (aka an iTunes account) is one of the most versatile and useful things you can have if you own an iPod, iPhone, or iPad. With one, you can buy songs, apps, or movies at iTunes, set up and use iOS devices, use FaceTime, iMessage, iCloud, iTunes Match, Find My iPhone and much more.
ITunes accounts are free and are simple to set up. To create an iTunes account, launch the iTunes program and click on the iTunes Store button in the top right corner.
The iTunes Store will load. In the top left corner, you'll see a button that reads Sign In. Click it to begin the process of creating an Apple ID.
Choose iTunes Account Type
Next, a window will pop up on the screen that allows you to either sign in to an existing Apple ID or AOL screenname, or create a new iTunes account.
If you already have an Apple ID or AOL screename that isn't currently associated with an iTunes account, sign in with it here and enter your billing information on the following screens. This will allow you to make purchases.
If you're creating a new iTunes account, click the Create Apple ID button.
Enter Account Information
When creating an Apple ID from scratch, you'll have to click through a few screens to begin entering your information. Among these is a screen that asks you to agree to the iTunes Store's terms. Do so.
At the next screen, enter the email address you want to use for this account, create a password (iTunes will give you guidelines on creating a secure password, including using numbers and a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters), add security questions, enter your birthday, and decide if you want to sign up for any of Apple's email newsletters.
You'll also have the option of including a rescue email, which is the email account that your account information can be sent to if you lose access to your main address. If you choose to use this, make sure you enter a different email address than the one you use for your Apple ID login, and that you'll have access to it for a long time (since a rescue email address isn't useful if you can't get at that inbox).
When you're done, click Continue.
Enter Billing Information
Next, enter the payment method you want billed each time you make a purchase at the iTunes Store. Your options are Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal. Enter the billing address of your card and the three-digit security code from the back.
Click Create Apple ID to proceed.
And with that, you've created an Apple ID and you're ready to start downloading! Before you do, though, there are a few other features you may want to enable:
- iTunes Genius - This feature of iTunes analyzes your iTunes library and ratings, and compares them to Apple's gigantic database of other iTunes users, to create playlist of songs that sound great together. Learn how to turn on iTunes Genius.
- Genius Sidebar - The Genius Sidebar uses the iTunes Genius database of songs purchase and rating data from all iTunes users who have Genius turned on to help you discover new music you'll enjoy. Learn how to turn on the Genius Sidebar.
- iTunes Match - This feature of iCloud lets you share your music across all of your iCloud-compatible devices. It scans your computer's iTunes library and then creates a mirror of it in your iTunes account using songs already in the iTunes Store and uploading ones that aren't available in the store. It costs $25/year. Learn more about setting up and using iTunes Match.
Once you've created your Apple ID, the world of music, movies, apps, and other iTunes content is open to you. Here are some articles related to using iTunes that you may be interested in:
- Buying Music
- Buying Apps
- Downloading Podcasts
- Getting Support for Problem Purchases
- Why Is There a Delay in iTunes Billing?
- Can You Use iTunes With Other MP3 Players?
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