How to Create iCloud Email on PC or Mac

Step-by-step guide to set up an iCloud Email

Last Updated: August 26, 2022

This wikiHow teaches you how to create a free iCloud.com email address on a Mac or PC. If you're using Windows, you'll need access to an iPhone or iPad to set up your iCloud email.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

macOS

1
Click the Apple menu. It's at the top-left corner of the screen.
2
Click System Preferences.

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3
Click Internet accounts. It's the blue circle with a white “@” in the third row of icons.
4
Click iCloud. It's at the top of the main panel.
5
Select Mail. It's in the center column.^{[1]
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6
Click Create Apple ID.
7
Enter your birthday and click Next.
8
Enter all requested personal information. You must provide all of the following:
- Your first and last name
- The email ID you want to use (don't include “@exampleaddress.com” at the end—just the first part)
- A password for your new email account
9
Click Next. This brings you to an error page because your requested email address is technically invalid.
10
Click Get a free iCloud email address. Now you'll see “icloud.com” next to the email address box.
11
Type the email ID you want to use and click Next. As long as the ID is not taken, you'll arrive to a screen asking you to set up security questions.
12
Answer the security questions and click Next. These questions are just to confirm your identity in case you forget your password.
13
Agree to the iCloud terms. After reviewing the agreement, check the box next to “I have read and agree…” and then click Agree. Your new iCloud email address is now ready to use.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Windows

1
Create an iCloud account on an iPhone or iPad. Before you can create an icloud.com email address on your Windows device, you must set up an iCloud account on an Apple device using a non-Apple email address, such @gmail.com or @outlook.com.^{[2]
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2
Open your iPhone or iPad's Settings. Look for the
icon, which is typically found on the home screen.
3
Tap iCloud.
4
Slide the “Mail” switch to the
position. A pop-up will appear, asking you to create your icloud.com email address.
5
Follow the on-screen instructions to select an email ID. You may be prompted to enter your passcode or use Touch ID to create your account. Once the process is complete, your iCloud email will be ready to use.^{[3]
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6
Download and install iCloud for Windows. If you haven't yet installed the application, go to https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204283 and click Download to do so now. Once the download is complete, double-click the downloaded file to complete the setup process.
7
Open iCloud. You'll find it in the Windows/Start menu in the iCloud folder.
8
Enter your Apple ID and password and click Sign In. Once your account information is accepted, you'll see your iCloud home screen.
9
Check the box next to “Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and Tasks.” Once selected, your iCloud email will appear as a folder in your Windows email client, such as Outlook or Windows Mail.