Creating a new Apple ID often asks for a phone number. But is it really required, or can you skip it? Whether you’re making a second account, setting one up for a child, switching devices, or just want more privacy, giving your phone number isn’t always ideal.
Some people use Wi-Fi-only devices or prefer not to share personal info, like phone number or email. So the important question is, “Can you set up a new Apple account without a phone number or email, and if yes, how?” We’ll answer these queries in the following post. So, read till the end!
Part 1: Can You Set Up a New Apple Account Without a Phone Number?
Yes, you can create an Apple account without a phone number in 2026. But it’s not really that simple. Apple usually requires a phone number when creating an Apple ID because it’s used for two-factor authentication, account recovery, and verification on new devices.
In many cases, you cannot completely skip adding a number since Apple relies on it for security. However, depending on the device or region, you might be able to skip the phone number or try another workaround.
Part 2: Create an Apple ID Without a Phone Number on PC (Web Method)
You can create an Apple ID without a phone number on a PC. The Apple account web page will let you verify your account using just your email. However, this method is available only on some older iOS devices and in some regions. Here’s how to create an Apple ID without a phone number in 2026 on PC:
-
Head to the Apple Account in your browser. Then, choose “Create Your Apple ID.” Avoid using apps or the App Store for this.
-
Open the sign-up form. Then, fill in your name, country, and date of birth.
-
Enter your email address (this becomes your Apple ID) or create a free iCloud email. Then, create a strong password.
-
When asked for a phone number, look for options like “Use Email Instead” or “Skip.” If possible, leave it blank and continue.
-
Check your email for the 6-digit verification code, enter it, and confirm your account.
-
Finish the setup by skipping optional steps, such as adding a phone number or a payment method (choose “None”). Then, accept the terms to activate your account.
Part 3: Create an Apple ID Without a Phone Number Using iPhone Settings
You can also create an Apple account without a phone number through your iPhone Settings instead of the initial setup screen. However, this method only functions if your device is already set up and you skipped creating an account earlier, or if you want a second Apple ID. Follow the instructions beneath to create an Apple ID without a phone number on iPhone:
-
Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad. Then, choose “Sign in to your iPhone.” Tap “Don’t have an Apple ID?”
-
Enter your credentials and the email address. Hit “Continue.” Create an Apple ID and passcode. Hit “Continue.”
-
Enter any random phone number. Hit “Continue.” Tap “Did not get a verification code?” Click “Verify later” when prompted.
-
Hit “Continue” to confirm. Agree to the terms and conditions. Enter your iPhone passcode when asked.
-
Press “Verify email address.” Hit “Send code.” Then, enter the code sent to your email address to confirm your Apple account.
Part 4: Create an Apple ID Without a Phone Number and Email
In case you don’t want to use your phone number as well as your personal email to create an Apple ID, there’s a workaround you can employ. While you can’t completely skip using an email address, you can create a brand-new @icloud.com email during sign-up. Here’s how to create an Apple ID without a phone number, and email:
-
Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad. At the top, tap “Apple Account.” Enter your details, then tap “Don’t have an email address.”
-
Next, click “Get an iCloud Email Address.” Choose a username. Hit “Create Email Address.”
-
Confirm your Apple account password. Enter any random phone number or your own deactivated phone number. Hit “Continue.” Tap “Didn’t get a verification code?”
-
Click “Verify Later.” Hit “Continue.” Then, tap “Continue” again when prompted. Agree to the terms, and your Apple account will be created.
-
Enter your iPhone passcode when asked. Next, verify your Apple account from the code sent to your iCloud email address.
Part 5: Create an Apple Account Without a Phone Number Using Family Sharing
One official method to create an Apple ID without using a phone number is by setting up a Child Account. This option is mainly intended for children, but adults can also use it for secondary accounts tied to specific apps or regions. In this setup, Apple does not require a phone number because the account is verified through the parent’s payment method instead. Follow the steps beneath to skip the phone number via Family Sharing:
-
On your iPhone/iPad, open “Settings.” Then, choose “Family.” Tap “Add Member.” Next, pick “Create Child Account.”
-
Enter a birthdate that shows the user is under 13. Instead of a phone number, Apple may ask for your card’s CVV or verify you with Face ID.
-
The account is created with an @icloud.com email, which you can use on another device.
Part 6: Create an Apple Account Without a Phone Number Using a Virtual Number
Another way to create an Apple ID without using your personal phone number is to use a virtual number from online services or apps. These numbers can receive SMS codes for verification during setup. However, Apple may block some virtual numbers, so it’s important to use a credible service. Here’s how to create an Apple account using a virtual phone number:
-
Get a virtual phone number from a service like Google Voice or a similar app. Then, enter this number when creating your Apple ID.
-
Check the app for the verification code Apple sends. Type it into the signup page, and finish the setup to verify your Apple account.
Part 7: Create an Apple Account With a Phone Number Using Apple Music
-
Download and open the Apple Music app on your device. Then, keep clicking “More” at the bottom until you reach the “Agree” option. Click it.
-
Tap “Sign in.” Next, click “Create an Apple ID.” Type your email address, and create and verify your password.
-
Enter your country and personal details. Check “None” for the billing information. Next, enter a random phone number. Hit “Next.”
-
Request a verification code to send to your email address. Use that code to verify your Apple account.
[Bonus Tip] Locked Out of Your iPhone/iPad? Get Access in One Click
The main risk of creating an Apple ID without a phone number is account recovery. If you forget your password or get locked out, Apple’s normal recovery options are more limited. This is because there’s no phone number or personal backup contact to help verify your identity. Especially if you also used a new or non-personal email, it becomes harder to regain access to your iPhone/iPad.
However, a third-party tool like Tenorshare 4uKey for iOS can help unlock your iPhone/iPad and deal with Apple ID access issues when standard recovery methods don’t work. It can remove an Apple ID from an iPhone or iPad without needing the password or causing data loss. Here’s what more it offers:
Sign out of Apple ID on iOS devices.
Remove screen locks from iOS devices without a passcode.
Turn off “Find My iPhone” without needing an Apple ID.
-
Remove iCloud Activation Lock without the previous owner (no jailbreak).
Bypass the Screen Time passcode without losing data.
-
Remove MDM (device management) profiles without a passcode.
View saved passwords like Apple ID and Wi-Fi details.
Here’s how to remove Apple ID from your iPhone/iPad with Tenorshare 4uKey for iOS:
-
Make sure the “Find My” feature is deactivated on your iPhone/iPad. Execute 4uKey on a computer. Link your iPhone/iPad to the same PC.
-
Next, choose “Remove Apple ID Completely.” Unlock your device screen. Then, tap “Trust” on the iPhone/iPad when prompted.
-
Click “Start to Remove.” 4uKey will start removing the Apple ID and iCloud account. 4uKey will remove the Apple ID online in a few seconds without data loss.
FAQs About How to Create an Apple Account Without a Phone Number In 2026
1. What happens if you try to avoid adding a phone number?
You’ll usually hit a hard stop during registration or verification. Even if an account is somehow created without one, it may face login restrictions, recovery issues, or forced verification later when accessing Apple services.
2. Can you skip the phone number during signup and add it later?
In earlier years, some users could create an Apple ID with just an email. However, current flows typically block account creation until a phone number is verified. So, skipping is rarely possible now unless you’re in a special account category or employ workarounds.
3. Why did Apple make phone numbers mandatory for new accounts?
Apple moved away from older methods like security questions and now relies on 2FA. A phone number acts as a primary identity checkpoint to prevent spam accounts and unauthorized access, replacing weaker recovery systems used in older Apple IDs.
Conclusion
You can create an Apple account without a phone number in 2026 through several means. Use a web browser, the Family Sharing feature, a virtual phone number, Apple Music, or the Settings app on an iPhone/iPad. Using an @icloud.com email can also help you create an Apple ID without your personal email.
However, not adding a phone number can make it harder to recover your account if you get locked out. But in such a situation, a tool like Tenorshare 4uKey for iOS can help remove your Apple account without data loss.
