How to Fix "Cannot Create Apple ID at This Time": 8 Proven Solutions

Creating an Apple ID is essential for accessing Apple services like the App Store, iCloud, and FaceTime. But sometimes, the process gets interrupted by the frustrating message: "Your account cannot be created at this time".

If you're facing this issue, don't worry—there are ways to fix it. In this guide, we provide 12 effective solutions to help you resolve the problem and successfully create your Apple ID.

Part 1. Reasons Why Your Account Cannot Be Created at This Time

There are multiple reasons why Apple might block the creation of a new Apple ID. Some common causes include:

• Too many accounts created from the same IP address: Apple has limits on the number of Apple IDs that can be created from a single IP address within a certain time frame.
• Invalid or previously used email address: If the email address provided has already been used for an Apple ID or is flagged, the system might prevent a new account from being created.
• Network restrictions: Some schools, workplaces, or public networks may block certain Apple services, preventing account creation.
• Incorrect or suspicious information: If Apple detects inconsistencies in the information provided (e.g., fake names, incorrect birth-date), it may block the registration attempt.
• Apple server issues: If Apple's servers are down or undergoing maintenance, new account registrations may be temporarily disabled.

Part 2. How to Fix Cannot Create Apple ID at This Time?

If you’re unable to create an Apple ID, try these solutions to resolve the issue quickly. Follow the step-by-step methods below to troubleshoot and complete your account setup.

1. Check Apple’s System Status

Apple's servers may be temporarily down, preventing users from creating a new Apple ID. Before trying other fixes, check if Apple’s services are working properly.

Steps to check Apple’s system status:

• Open Apple's System Status page via a web browser.
• Find your Apple ID in the list of services.
• If Apple ID services are marked in yellow or red, it indicates an issue on Apple’s end.
• If there's an outage, wait until Apple resolves it and try again later.

2. Switch to a Different Internet Connection

Your network might be blocking access to Apple's servers, preventing you from creating an account.

Try these solutions:

• If you're on Wi-Fi, switch to mobile data and try again.
• If you're using mobile data, connect to a stable Wi-Fi network.
• Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then reconnecting it.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi, as some networks restrict Apple ID creation.

3. Wait 24 Hours and Try Again

If you've tried signing up multiple times within a short period, Apple may have temporarily blocked further attempts for security reasons.

What to do:

• Stop attempting to create an Apple ID for at least 24 hours.
• After waiting, try again using a different network or device.

4. Use a Different Email Address

Apple may prevent certain email domains from being used for new Apple IDs, especially temporary or previously flagged addresses.

Steps to change your email:

• Use a well-known email provider like Gmail, Outlook, or iCloud instead of a lesser-known service.
• Make sure your email account is active and able to receive verification codes.
• If you've used this email for an Apple ID before, try a completely new email address.

5. Check Date & Time Settings on Your Device

Incorrect date and time settings may cause verification failures when creating an Apple ID.

Steps to correct date and time settings on iPhone:

• Go to Settings > General > Date & Time.
• Toggle on Set Automatically.

On Mac:

• Open System Settings > General > Date & Time.
• Enable Set time automatically.

After adjusting these settings, restart your device and try signing up again.

6. Change from Phone Call to Text Message for Verification

If you're trying to verify your phone number during Apple ID creation and the verification code isn't arriving via phone call, switching to text message (SMS) may solve the issue.

• When asked to verify your phone number, choose the "Didn’t get a code?" option.
• Select "Send as Text Message" instead of a phone call.
• Check your Messages app for the verification code.
• Enter the code to complete the Apple ID setup.

If you still don’t receive a code, try a different phone number or ensure your device can receive SMS messages.

7. Clear Safari Cache and Website Data

If you're creating your Apple ID through a browser, stored cookies and cache may be causing issues.

How to clear Safari cache on iPhone/iPad:

• Go to Settings > Safari.
• Tap Clear History and Website Data.
• Confirm and restart your device.

For Mac:

• Open Safari, then go to Safari > Preferences.
• Navigate to the Privacy tab and click Manage Website Data.
• Select Remove All and restart Safari.

After clearing the cache, retry the Apple ID sign-up process.

8. Factory Reset Your Device as a Last Resort

If your device has a software-related issue preventing Apple ID creation, resetting it to factory settings may help.

Important: This will erase all data, so back up your device first.

How to factory reset an iPhone or iPad:

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
• Select Erase All Content and Settings.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to reset the device.
• Once the reset is complete, set up your iPhone and create a new Apple ID.

Part 3. How to Create a New Apple ID on Different Devices?

Below, we’ll guide you through creating a new Apple ID on different devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows PC, and Web Browser.
 Create a New Apple ID on iPhone or iPad

On iPhone or iPad

• Open Settings and tap Sign in to your iPhone > Create Apple ID.
• Enter your name, birthday, and email (or choose to get a free iCloud email).
• Set a password, provide your phone number, and verify it via SMS or call.
• Agree to Apple’s Terms & Conditions and follow the on-screen instructions to complete setup.

On Mac

• Go to System Settings (or System Preferences in older macOS) and click Sign In > Create Apple ID.
• Enter your name, birthdate, and email, then set up a password.
• Verify your phone number and accept the Terms & Conditions.
• Follow the instructions to complete the Apple ID setup.

On a Web browser

• Visit Apple ID website and click Create Your Apple ID.
• Fill in your name, birthday, email, and password, then enter your phone number.
• Verify the code sent to your phone and accept the Terms & Conditions to finalize the process.

Bonus Tip: How to Remove Apple ID Without Password?

If you are locked out of your Apple ID and don't remember the password, Apple’s built-in options won’t help unless you can reset the password. However, a third-party tool like FoneGeek iPhone Passcode Unlocker allows you to remove an Apple ID from your iPhone or iPad without password. This is especially useful if you bought a second-hand device that is still linked to the previous owner’s Apple ID.

Key Features of FoneGeek iPhone Passcode Unlocker:

• Removes Apple ID from iPhones, iPads, and iPods without a password.
• Unlocks screen passcodes, Face ID, and Touch ID.
• Supports bypassing iCloud Activation Lock on some devices.
• Works with various iOS versions, including the latest iOS 18.

1. Download and install FoneGeek iPhone Passcode Unlocker on your Windows PC or Mac. Launch the program and select 'Unlock Apple ID' mode from the main menu.

2. Connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer using a USB cable.

3. Click 'Start Unlock', and FoneGeek will begin the removal process.

4. Wait for a few minutes, and the Apple ID will be successfully removed.

Once completed, your device will no longer be linked to the previous Apple ID. You can now sign in with a new Apple ID and enjoy full access to all Apple services without restrictions.

Conclusion

Encountering the "Cannot Create Apple ID at This Time" error can be frustrating, but with the right steps, you can resolve it quickly. Make sure to check your internet connection, verify your details, and try different troubleshooting methods. If issues persist, waiting a few hours or contacting Apple Support can help. Stay patient, and you'll have your Apple ID set up in no time!

FAQs

Q1. Can I create an Apple ID without a phone number?

No, Apple requires a phone number for verification and account recovery.

Q2. How many Apple IDs can I create on one device?

You can only create three Apple IDs per device. If you've reached this limit, you must use a different device or web browser to create a new Apple ID.

Q3. Can I use the same email for multiple Apple IDs?

No, each Apple ID must have a unique email address. If you want to use the same email, you must delete the old Apple ID first.