How to Create an Apple ID on iPhone: Step by Step Guide
To create an Apple ID on iPhone, open Settings, tap 'Sign in to your iPhone', choose 'Don't have an Apple Account or forgot it?' and follow the steps with your email and phone number. It is free and takes about five minutes. This guide covers the Pakistan region, payment options, iCloud, a forgotten password and the right way to remove an Apple ID before selling.
Updated 11 November 2026
What an Apple ID is and why you need one
Your Apple ID (Apple now calls it an Apple Account) is the login for everything Apple: the App Store, iCloud backup and photos, iMessage, FaceTime and Find My. People in Pakistan often call it an 'iCloud ID'; it is the same thing.
You need your own Apple ID on every iPhone you use. Never use an ID created by a shop or seller: whoever knows the password can lock the phone remotely. Our iCloud lock check guide (iCloud Lock Check: How to Spot Activation Lock, FRP and Knox Guard) explains why that matters.
How to create an Apple ID on iPhone
1. Open Settings and tap 'Sign in to your iPhone' at the top. 2. Tap 'Don't have an Apple Account or forgot it?', then 'Create Apple Account'. 3. Enter your name and date of birth. 4. Use your existing email address, or create a free iCloud email. 5. Choose a strong password. 6. Add and verify your phone number for two-factor authentication. 7. Agree to the terms.
You can also create it during first setup, or in the App Store by tapping your profile picture. Write your password somewhere safe.
Region and payment settings for Pakistan
Set the country or region to Pakistan if you live here, so local apps such as banking and JazzCash or Easypaisa apps appear in the App Store. For payment, you can choose 'None' and download free apps without adding a card. Later you can add a debit or credit card that supports international payments, or mobile carrier billing where supported, for paid apps and iCloud+ storage.
You can change the region later in Settings > your name > Media and Purchases > View Account > Country/Region, but you must cancel subscriptions first.
Create an Apple ID without an iPhone
You can create an Apple ID on a computer or Android phone at account.apple.com, then sign in on your iPhone later. This is useful if you want everything ready before a new iPhone arrives. On a Windows PC you can also use the Apple Music or Apple Devices app.
Forgot Apple ID password?
Use Apple's official recovery: - On your iPhone: Settings > your name > Sign-In and Security > Change Password. You only need the iPhone passcode. - On another device: go to iforgot.apple.com and enter your Apple ID email or phone number. - If you cannot verify, Apple offers Account Recovery, which can take several days.
Add a Recovery Contact in Sign-In and Security so a trusted person can help you get back in.
How to remove an Apple ID from an iPhone
The correct way to remove an Apple ID needs the password: 1. Go to Settings > your name. 2. Scroll down and tap Sign Out. 3. Enter the Apple ID password to turn off Find My.
Before selling, also run Erase All Content and Settings. If you bought a used iPhone and the old Apple ID is still on it, only the previous owner can remove it, either on the phone or from icloud.com/find. Shops that claim to remove an Apple ID without the password are not offering a legitimate service.
Keep your Apple ID safe
- Turn on two-factor authentication, which is on by default for new IDs.
- Never share your password or the six-digit code Apple sends you.
- Ignore messages saying your iCloud is locked and asking you to click a link.
- Check Settings > your name to see all devices signed in, and remove ones you do not know.
- Use Stolen Device Protection in Settings > Face ID and Passcode.
Setting up your new iPhone
Once your Apple ID is ready, a new iPhone sets up in minutes and can restore your photos and apps from iCloud. If you are switching from Android, see how to transfer data from Android to iPhone (How to Transfer Data from Android to iPhone, or iPhone to iPhone). Popular choices are the iPhone 16 (iPhone 16), iPhone 17 (iPhone 17) and the used iPhone 13 (iPhone 13). Every iPhone we deliver is 100% genuine Non PTA (factory unlocked) and arrives with no Apple ID signed in.
