Apple ID: Everything That You Wanted to Know About It but Were Too Afraid to Ask
Those who are new to the ecosystem of Mac and iPhone might have plenty of questions before they get started. And one of these questions is, what is an Apple ID and why do you need it. Well, beginners need to create an email address and provide some essential details when they start up the iOS for the first time. The email address looks something like yourname@me.com, yourname@icloud.com or yourname@mac.com, which shows that you are registered with Apple. Your personal email address can be used as well, such as yourname@gmail.com.
Now you might wonder, ‘why Apple is asking me to go through this process?’ Hence this particular blog aims to explain all about the Apple ID and why you need one.
What is an Apple ID?
Basically, an Apple ID is your passport or your permit to enter the iOS environment of software and hardware. You will need your Apple ID for downloading software from the App Store, for accessing iCloud and the Apple support website, and for using various other services provided by Apple. It is thereby crucial that you realize the necessity of your Apple ID and keep it up-to-date.
How to create an Apple ID for various Apple devices?
You can create an Apple ID on a new device by tapping on the “Don’t have an Apple ID” option or on the “Forgot Password or Apple ID” option, and then following the setup steps.
It is also possible to create an Apple ID on the Windows PC. The specific tutorials for creating an Apple ID on each of the devices are given below.
For iPhone and iPad
When you are setting up your iPhone or iPad for the very first time, you will be asked to sign in with your Apple ID. You can create your Apple ID right from the below-mentioned screen:
- On the setup screen, click on “Forgot Password or Apple ID”, if you have indeed forgotten the password or Apple ID.
- Or, tap on “Create a Free Apple ID”.
- Provide all the mandatory information.
All users are required to enter their name, country, password, birth date, and answer a few security questions, which will be asked if you ever forget your password. Also remember to provide a mobile number under profile for your Apple ID as it comes in handy for recovering your account if required.
The email address that you provide will be your Apple ID login. Users who don’t have an email address can check out the process of creating an email address for iCloud, before they sign up for Apple ID.
Those who don’t wish to create an Apple ID during the setup process of their new device can do so later on their iPad and iPhone, using the Settings App. The reference screenshot is given below.
There is also an option to create an Apple ID using the App store.
- Tap on the App store and go to the top right and click on the Apple ID profile icon.
- Select “Create a New Apple ID”.
- Enter all the mandatory information in the steps that follow.
If you are requested to enter your payment or billing information, and you do not wish to add any payment method currently, select NONE for that option.
For Mac
To sign up through the System Preferences:
- Open “System Preferences” and then tap on “Sign In”.
- Tap on “Create Apple ID” option and provide the required information in the steps that follow.
If you prefer, you can also create your Apple ID by following the simple process in the Mac App Store. Just enter the App store, click on the “Sign In” option at the bottom, and then select the “Create Apple ID” option.
For the Web and Windows
You can create your Apple ID through any device by visiting this link, selecting the “Create an Apple ID” option at the bottom, and then filling out the required information in the form. Windows users can also create an Apple ID by visiting the iTunes site and then choosing the “Create Apple ID” option from the menu bar at the top.
Uses of Apple ID
Your Apple ID is the gateway to using all kinds of Apple services on your device. These are:
- Syncing content like backups, messages, files, photos, and contacts with the iCloud services.
- Locating your stolen or lost device using “Find My iPhone.”
- Making purchases from the App Store.
- For syncing and storing files on iCloud, making high-definition 720p video calls on FaceTime, for downloading and making purchases on iTunes and sharing your iTunes media library with your different Macs or iOS devices, for storing millions of songs on iCloud through iTunes Match, and for using iMessage and iBooks.
- Browsing the Apple’s Support Website for registering to the AppleCare policies, contacting for support, and checking the service/support coverage and repair statuses of your device.
Note: Once you register your device using the Apple ID and turn on “Find My iPhone”, and after that if your phone gets reset due to any hardware or software issue, you will get stuck on the activation screen, post the reset process. To unlock that, you will need to enter the same Apple ID and password which were used earlier on this device, without which you will not be able to proceed and use the phone. It is therefore extremely important to create your password and ID using a set of security questions that you will remember, in case you ever need to reset it. If you are worried about forgetting the answers to your questions, then you can go for two-factor authentication or two-step verification instead.
Deleting Your Apple ID
Know that deleting your Apple ID account means deleting a whole lot of data. You will lose your access to Apple’s services and iCloud and all of the data stored in there will get permanently deleted. Any AppleCare purchased plan will remain valid though.
It is a permanent, irreversible action where Apple cannot reopen or reactivate your account or restore any of the data, should you ever decide to get back to Apple later. Hence, you should delete your Apple ID only after careful consideration.
Before deletion, you can also request for a copy of all the data that is associated with your Apple ID, by visiting the Data and Privacy site of Apple.
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