Your Account Cannot be Created at This Time? 12 Fixes for You Now

Updated by Brian Davis on Mar 19, 2025 • Category: Fix iPhone Issues
5 mins read

For users who use iOS devices for the first time, one of the most important things is to create a new Apple ID. Without a viable Apple ID, users can't receive most services provided by Apple. However, when they try to set up a new Apple ID, they may receive the prompt that "Your account cannot be created at this time." If you are also confronted with this problem, you are suggested to read this page. We will show you why you could not create account Apple ID and how to fix it.

how to fix could not create account apple id

Part 1: Why Apple ID Your Account Cannot be Created at This Time?

When it comes to the reasons why you can't create an Apple ID, there are multiple possible reasons for this issue. In the following, we'll show you some of them here, and you can check if you meet the same situation.

1. Apple server error. Apple servers may fail to provide Apple ID services from time to time. You can check it through the Apple System Status Page.
2. Poor network connection. If your device isn't connected to an active network, you may fail to create an Apple ID.
3. ID address issue. In case your router is using a static ID address, this problem may occur.
4. System glitches. Your iPhone may meet some system errors that disturb the setting up of Apple ID.

Part 2: How to Create a New Apple ID Correctly

2.1 Create a New Apple ID Through Settings [iPhone/iPad]

Step 1: Open Settings and tap Sign in to your iPhone at the top.
Step 2: Tap Don't have an Apple ID or forgot it?
Step 3: Select Create Apple ID and enter your name, birthday, and email (or choose to create a free iCloud email).
Step 4: Create a password and set up security questions.
Step 5: Enter your phone number for verification.
Step 6: Follow the on-screen steps to verify your email and phone number.
Step 7: Agree to Apple's Terms & Conditions, and your Apple ID will be created.

create apple id settings iphone

2.2 Create a New Apple ID on App Store [iPhone, iPad, Mac]

On iPhone/iPad

Step 1: Open the App Store and tap the profile icon at the top right.
Step 2: Tap Create New Apple ID.
Step 3: Enter your email, password, and country/region.
Step 4: Provide payment details (or choose "None" for free apps).
Step 5: Verify your email and phone number to complete the setup.

create apple id app store iphone

On Mac

Step 1: Open the App Store and click Sign In.
Step 2: Select Create Apple ID.
Step 3: Enter your email, password, and country/region.
Step 4: Provide payment details (or choose "None").
Step 5: Follow the on-screen steps to verify and complete the setup.

create apple id app store mac

2.3 Create a New Apple ID on a Web Browser

Step 1: Go to Apple's official Apple ID website.
Step 2: Click Create Your Apple ID at the top right.
Step 3: Fill in your name, country, birth date, email, and password.
Step 4: Complete the captcha and click Continue.
Step 5: Enter the verification codes sent to your email and phone number.
Step 6: Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setup.

create apple id web

2.4 Create a New Apple ID through System Settings [Mac]

Step 1: Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
Step 2: Click Sign In at the top.
Step 3: Select Create Apple ID.
Step 4: Enter your personal details, email, and password.
Step 5: Provide your phone number for verification.
Step 6: Complete the verification process and agree to Apple's terms.

create apple id system settings mac

2.5 Create a New Apple ID Using iTunes [Windows PC]

Step 1: Download and install iTunes from Apple's website.
Step 2: Open iTunes and click Account > Sign In.
Step 3: Select Create New Apple ID.
Step 4: Enter your email, password, and country/region.
Step 5: Provide payment details (or choose "None").
Step 6: Follow the on-screen steps to verify your email and phone number.

create apple id itunes

2.6 Create a New Apple ID On an Apple TV, HomePod, or Other Apple Devices

During the device setup process, you will be prompted to sign in or create a new Apple ID. Choose Create Apple ID and follow the on-screen instructions.

create apple id apple tv

Part 3: How Do You Fix You Cannot Create an Apple ID at This Time?

Now you know the typical causes of the "cannot create Apple ID on this device" error. Here are 12 workarounds to fix this issue.

Method 1: Sign Out of Any Existing Apple ID

If you're already signed into an Apple ID, your iPhone may not allow you to create a new one. Some users report that signing out first fixes the issue.

Step 1: Go to Settings > Tap your name at the top.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap Sign Out.
Step 3: Enter your Apple ID password (if prompted) and tap Turn Off for Find My iPhone.
Step 4: Choose to Keep a Copy of Data or remove it.
Step 5: Tap Sign Out again and confirm.
Step 6: Once signed out, restart your iPhone and try creating the new Apple ID.

If you're setting up a new iPhone and haven't signed in yet, let's check Apple's servers next.

sign out of apple id

Method 2: Check Apple's System Status

Sometimes, the issue isn't with your device but with Apple's servers. If Apple's authentication servers are down, you won't be able to create an Apple ID until the issue is resolved. Here are the steps on how to Check Apple's Server Status.

Step 1: Open Safari and visit Apple's System Status page.
Step 2: Look for Apple ID and iCloud Account & Sign In.
Step 3: If they show a yellow or red dot, it means there's a temporary issue on Apple's side.
Step 4: Wait for Apple to fix the problem and try again later.

apple system status

Method 3: Ensure Correct Date, Time, and Region Settings

Incorrect date, time, or region settings can interfere with the Apple ID creation process. Apple's servers may reject your request if these settings don't match your actual location.

Step 1: Go to Settings > General > Date & Time.
Step 2: Turn on Set Automatically.
Step 3: Go to Settings > General > Language & Region and ensure the correct country/region is selected.

language and region

Method 4: Clear Safari Data (If Using the Web Method)

If you tried creating an Apple ID through Safari and encountered errors, cached data or cookies might be causing issues. You can clear Safari data following the steps here.

Step 1: Open Settings > Safari.
Step 2: Tap Clear History and Website Data.
Step 3: Confirm the action and restart your iPhone.
Step 4: Once done, try creating your Apple ID again. If the problem persists, using an alternative method might help.

clear safari data

Method 5: Double-Check Your Information

Apple has strict security measures, so incorrect information can block you from creating an Apple ID. Ensure the following:

  • Your email address isn't already linked to another Apple ID.
  • Your password meets Apple's complexity requirements (at least 8 characters, including a number and uppercase letter).
  • You're using a valid phone number for two-factor authentication.

Method 6: Try a Different Method to Create an Apple ID

If you're having trouble creating an Apple ID through the Settings app, try using another methods mentioned in Part 2 such as using iTunes on Windows PC, througn the App Store on Mac and using a web browser.

Method 7: Check Your Network Connections

If your iPhone is not connected to an active network, you may fail to create an Apple account. Check your network connections via the Wi-Fi and cellular data icons. Then, you can try to refresh your network by turning on Airplane Mode and then turning it off. Open the Control Center on your iPhone, and then tap on the Airplane Mode button. Then, hit on it again to disable it. After that, you can try to create a new Apple ID on your iPhone again.

check network connections when you fail to create apple id

Method 8: Restart Your iPhone

Restarting iPhone can also be helpful to you when you could not create account Apple ID. When your iPhone encounters various system issues, restarting iPhone can be an effective method for you. You can first turn off your iPhone by going to Settings > General > Shut Down. After your iPhone has been turned off completely, keep holding the Side button to turn it back on.

fix could not create apple id by restarting your iphone

Method 9: Reset All Settings

Sometimes, some wrong settings on your iPhone can lead to this error. Thus, resetting all settings can be conducive for you to fix your iPhone. To conduct it, head over to Settings, and choose General followed by Transfer or Reset iPhone. Then, tap on Reset and select Reset All Settings.

reset all settings if your account cannot be created at this time

Method 10: Update Your iPhone

Another method to fix your account cannot be created at this time is updating your iPhone. Before the update, you had better back up your device to avoid losing your data. You can go to the Settings app and scroll down to choose Software Update. In case there is an available system version, tap on Down and Install followed by Install Now. When the update finishes, you can check and see if you can set up a new Apple ID now.

fix apple id could not create account by updating iphone

Method 11: Fix it with TunesKit iOS System Recovery

If unfortunately, all the previous solutions can't work for you, you are highly recommended to fix it with TunesKit iOS System Recovery. It's a professional third-party iOS fixing program that can fix more than 150 issues. Whatever system errors you encounter, including cannot create Apple ID at this time, iPhone stuck on setting up Apple ID, iPhone stuck on Recovery mode, this program can help you fix it instantly without data loss.

What's more, you are also enabled to reset your iPhone, upgrade/downgrade the iOS system and exit/enter the Recovery mode with this software. If you want to try these functions, just click on the Download button below to get it downloaded.

tuneskit ios system recovery

Characteristics of TunesKit iOS System Recovery:

  • Fix iPhone can not create Apple ID within 4 steps
  • Avaliable on all iOS versions including iOS 18
  • Provide Standard Repair and Deep Repair
  • No jailbreak required to downgrade iOS during validation period
  • Fix your iOS devices without data loss
Try It Free safe 600,000+ Downloads
Try It Free safe 600,000+ Downloads

Step 1Connect iPhone to PC

Download and launch TunesKit iOS System Recovery on your Windows PC/Mac. Then, get your iPhone connected to the computer via a fitted USB cable. Select iOS System Repair on the main interface and hit Start button to proceed to the next step.

connect iphone

Step 2Choose repair mode

On the interface, there are two modes for you to select to fix your iPhone. Generally, the Standard Repair can meet your needs in solving this problem. If it cannot work well, you can try the Deep Repair then. But you should notice that Deep Repair will erase all your iPhone data, so don't forget to back up them before you use this mode.

select a mode to fix cannot create apple id at this time

Step 3 Get firmware package

Now, it's time for you to download iOS firmware package. You need to check the onscreen device information before hitting on the Download button. If the information is totally matched with your iPhone, click on it to get the firmware package downloaded.

download firmware

Step 4Fix cannot create Apple ID

When the downloading process is done, tap on the Repair button to start the fixing process. After this process, your iPhone will be fixed now. You can go to the Settings app and try setting up an Apple ID again.

fix could not create account apple id

Method 12: Contact Apple Support

If none of the solutions work, you might be facing an issue that only Apple can fix. Call Apple Support through Apple’s official website. Then, schedule an appointment at an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider.

apple support

Part 4: FAQs about Cannot Create Apple ID at This Time

1. Can I create an Apple ID using a browser?

Yes, you can create an Apple ID through a browser by visiting Apple’s ID creation page. This can sometimes bypass issues found on devices.

2. Does location or region affect Apple ID creation?

Sometimes, your geographical location or region settings might affect your ability to create an Apple ID. Make sure your device’s region settings are correct.

3. What if I still can't create an Apple ID after trying these solutions?

Contact Apple Support for assistance. They may be able to help troubleshoot the problem or offer alternative solutions.

Part 5: Summary

For iOS users, the message that your account cannot be created at this time is really annoying and frustrating. It prevents you from using your new iPhone. Therefore, we present you 12 common and efficient solutions for you to fix this problem. Among them, TunesKit iOS System Recovery is the most suitable choice for you. You can simply solve the system issues you encounter with this program within several clicks.

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