Your Apple Account is the way Apple identifies you, tracks your purchases and makes all your devices work seamlessly together. Every iPhone, iPad and Mac user needs one… and it’s free. If you’ve used the App Store, you’ve got an Apple Account, also known as an Apple ID.
Not sure of your Apple Account? Check iCloud on your Mac (in System Preferences) or Apple device (in the Settings app). You need to use the same Apple Account for iCloud on all your devices – otherwise your contacts, calendars, photos, passwords and documents won’t sync between them. If you’ve never used iCloud, you can use your App Store account to set up iCloud. If you don’t have an Apple Account, create one in iCloud settings (see below). No matter where you create it, you’ll be able to use your new Apple Account everywhere.
If you’re getting texts intended for someone else, or you see the wrong contacts or calendar events, you’re probably signed in with the wrong Apple Account. You may need to go to the appropriate place, sign out and then sign in with the correct Apple Account.
Where to enter your Apple Account on a Mac
- iCloud syncs contacts, calendars, passwords, photo streams, keychain passwords & documents. You can also set up your icloud.com and me.com email accounts & notes. You'll find the iCloud settings in System Preferences.
- Messages app for iMessage syncs with iPhone, iPad & iPod touch so you receive the same messages on all devices. Enter your Apple Account in the Preferences inside the Messages app.
- FaceTime app lets you make and answer audio & video calls from other Apple users. Look in FaceTime preferences.
- App Store for Mac apps. Sign in under the Store menu.
Where to enter your Apple Account on iPhone & iPad
- iCloud Tap the Settings app and iCloud. Sign in here.
- Messages Tap Settings and Messages. Tap Send & Receive and Use Apple Account for Messages. Enter your Apple ID and password.
- FaceTime Tap Settings and FaceTime. Use your Apple Account for Messages.
- App Store Tap the Settings app and App Store.
Read more about Apple Accounts.
