If you’re trying to open a free Apple ID without a credit card but cannot select the None option, or if it simply doesn’t appear during account creation or editing, don’t worry—there is a solution. Apple does allow you to create an Apple ID without a credit card.
The reason this issue arises is not entirely clear. It could be related to your operating system, the device you’re using, or the country or region for which Apple does not support this option. However, there may be other factors at play. When I attempted to create a free Apple ID, I faced the same issue. I first tried on an old iPad, but it was impossible to create the account. However, when I tried on a Windows 7 PC, the account was successfully created—but the option to create an Apple ID without a credit card still didn’t appear. For reasons I couldn’t understand, it wasn’t showing up there either. Thankfully, my final attempt through the iTunes app was successful.
If you can’t get it to work through the browser, the solution is to download and use the latest version of iTunes for PC. This method tends to work more reliably, especially if you’re setting up an Apple ID for the first time on that computer.
Steps to Create an Apple ID Without a Credit Card:
- Download and install the latest version of iTunes for Windows from here.
- Open iTunes and navigate to the Account section.
- Click Sign In, and then select Create New Apple ID.
- During the setup process, when prompted for payment information, choose None. If you do not see this option, proceed to the next step.
- If the option to select None does not appear, try changing your country or region in the Apple ID setup. You can do this by selecting a different country where Apple allows you to create an Apple ID without a payment method.
Note: It’s easier to create a free Apple ID on a computer if it’s your first time. If you continue to face difficulties, try switching countries until the None payment option appears.
By following these steps, you should be able to create your Apple ID without needing to provide credit card details.
Why Does Apple Require a Credit Card?
Apple typically requests a credit card to ensure valid billing information for services like iCloud storage or the App Store. However, they do allow users to bypass this requirement if they select “None” as their payment method. This feature is especially useful for users who only wish to use free services such as iTunes, iCloud, or the App Store.
Additional Tips
- If you are unable to select “None,” try logging in with an existing Apple ID to check for any existing payment method settings.
- Ensure your iTunes is up to date, as older versions may not offer all the features necessary for account setup.
- Sometimes, the issue may be country-specific; check Apple’s support documentation for your region if the problem persists.