Create an Apple ID Without a Credit Card
If you try creating an Apple ID through the website, the iTunes settings, or your iOS device's Settings menu, you'll be prompted to enter payment information. The only way to create an Apple ID without using a credit or debit card is to try to download a free item without being signed in. This will allow you to create a new account with no associated payment method. This means that if you already have an Apple ID, you will need to create a new one.
Contents
Steps
Using iTunes on a Computer
- Open iTunes. In order to create an Apple ID without a credit card that can download free apps and music, you will need to create the account through the iTunes store.
- Make sure that you are not already signed in with an Apple ID before you try to create a new one.
- This only works for creating new Apple IDs. If you already have an Apple ID, you will need to provide payment information when opening the store for the first time. You can then remove this information later.
- Open the iTunes Store. Click the Music or Apps button in the upper-left corner of the iTunes window, and then click the "iTunes Store" tab.
- Ensure you are in the correct store for your region. Find the flag icon in the lower-right corner of the iTunes window and ensure that it matches your local region's flag. Click the flag if you need to change stores.
- Find a free app or song to download. To create the account, you will first need to download a free app or song. Either find a something you want, or download any free piece of content and delete it after you are finished.
- You can find free items on the front page of the store, or by browsing through the "Top Free" category.
- Click "Get" underneath the piece of content you want to download. This will prompt you to sign in with your Apple ID.
- Click "Create Apple ID" in the box that appears. This will start the account creation process.
- Click "Continue". You will need to accept the Terms & Conditions before you can continue creating the ID.
- Enter your email address. You will be asked to enter your email address and create a password before you can continue. Make sure that it is a valid email address, because Apple will be sending a confirmation email to it.
- Create your security questions. These will be used if you forget your password and need to reset it. You will also be asked to enter your birthday and an optional rescue email address.
- Select "None" as your payment type. You will be shown a list of valid payment options, and None will appear at the end of your list. This will only appear if you are creating a new Apple ID for the first time when downloading a free app, song, video, or book.
- If "None" doesn't appear, you are likely trying to use an existing Apple ID. Sign out and start over by creating a brand new Apple ID.
- You also cannot select "None" if you have Family Sharing enabled and you are the family organizer. You will be required to enter payment information if this is the case.
- Enter in your information. You will still need to enter your name and address, though these won't be verified in any way until you enter a credit card.
- Review your information and click Verify Now. You will be sent a verification email to the address you entered when you created the account. Open this email and click the verification link inside.
- The email may take several minutes to appear, but usually appears in a few seconds.
- You will be asked to sign in with the email address and password. After entering them, click the Return to Store button to go back to iTunes and start downloading free apps and music.
Using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch
- Make sure that you are not already signed in with an Apple ID. In order to select "None" as a payment method, you'll need to ensure that you are not currently signed in with an Apple ID.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap "iTunes & App Store".
- Tap your Apple ID.
- Tap "Sign Out".
- Open the App Store, iTunes Store, or iBooks Store on your device. In order to create a free Apple ID that can download free apps and music, you will need to create the account through the one of these storefronts.
- Find a free piece of content to download. To create the account, you will first need to download something free from the store. This can be a free app, a free song, or a free ebook.
- Tap "Get" when you've found the free item you want. Tap the button again to initiate the download.
- Tap the "Create New Apple ID" button. You will be asked to choose the country you are connecting from. Select your country and then tap Done.
- You will be asked to read and agree to the Terms & Conditions before you can proceed.
- Enter your email address. This email address will be linked to your iTunes account, and will be required when you need to verify your account or you lose your password.
- You will also be asked to create security questions and enter your birthday.
- Select "None" for your payment option. After entering your account info, you will be asked to choose your payment information. Scroll to the bottom of the list and select "None".
- If "None" doesn't appear, you are likely trying to use an existing Apple ID. Sign out and start over by creating a brand new Apple ID.
- You also cannot select "None" if you have Family Sharing enabled and you are the family organizer. You will be required to enter payment information if this is the case.
- Enter in the rest of your information. Even though you selected None as your payment option, you are still required to enter your address and phone number. These will not be verified until you add a credit card to your account.
- Tap "Done" and verify your account. An email will be sent to your email address. Tap the link in the email to activate your account. The App Store will automatically open and you will be asked to sign in with your new Apple ID.
- Once you have signed in, you are able to download as many free apps and songs as you would like.
