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Though, theoretically, it's possible to use an iPhone without having an Apple ID, it's essential to getting the most out of the Apple ecosystem. If you have a new iPhone and want to get started with it soon, you can follow this iPhone Manual article to learn how to set up Apple ID and iCloud on your iPhone. Don't miss all new and exciting iPhone File Transfer features in SyncBird Pro.

How To Set Up Apple ID And iCloud On iPhone/iOS 14
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1 What's The Difference Between Apple ID and iCloud ID

Probably you may have been using an iPhone for couple years, but we guess you can hardly tell the difference between the Apple ID and iCloud ID. Let us make a clear explanation. The Apple ID is the account you use to access Apple services such as the App Store, the iTunes Store, Apple Books, Apple Music, FaceTime, iCloud, iMessage, and more, meaning iCloud is a part of Apple ID features.

What's The Difference Between Apple ID and iCloud ID
What Does Apple ID Do

So what does iCloud do? iCloud is the core Apple service for now and future. With iCloud storage, sync and backup features, you can securely store your photos, videos, documents, music, apps, and more - and keep them updated across all your devices (How To Download iCloud Photos on iPhone). You can even use iCloud to help you find your iPhone if you lose it.

What's The Difference Between Apple ID and iCloud ID
What Does iCloud Do

iPhone Pro Tips

Unable To Activate Touch ID on This Phone? Here's a fix. If you have run into this unable to activate Touch ID issue on your iPhone or similar iOS 14 update problems, you're in the right place. Follow our best-recommended iPhone troubleshooting tips below to learn how to fix this "unable to activate touch id on this phone" error message.


2 How To Set Up Apple ID On iPhone

Apple ID is a username and an account for everything you do with Apple products, say your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac. Your Apple ID are recorded in Apple user database which helps identify yourself on signed in devices. To set up and sign in Apple ID on your iPhone, do the following.

How To Steps To Set Up Apple ID On iPhone:
  1. 1
    Set Up Apple ID On iPhone

    On your iPhone, open to Settings > Tap Sign in to your iPhone > Enter your Apple ID and password.

    How To Set Up Apple ID On iPhone
    How To Set Up Apple ID On iPhone

3 How To Set Up iCloud On iPhone

By signing in iCloud on across multiple of your Apple devices, you can get sync and access your photos, contacts, iMessages and documents at will. This way it comes in handy on a computer or on an iPhone for syncing your address book and calendars, files, photos and videos (iMessage and FaceTime Waiting for Activation). To set up and sign in iCloud on your iPhone, do the following.

How To Steps To Set Up iCloud On iPhone:
  1. 1
    Set Up iCloud On iPhone

    On your iPhone running iOS 14 or earlier, open Settings app > [Your Name] > iCloud.

    How To Set Up iCloud On iPhone
    How To Set Up iCloud On iPhone

iPhone Pro Tips

What Does iCloud Backup Include? In case of iOS data disaster, or the damage on an Apple device, the prior purpose of iCloud backup is to save the settings and data on iOS devices. In this comparison table, you'll find what exactly iCloud backup include.


The Bottom Line

The Apple ID and the iCloud ID are two different accounts, but as they are so tightly linked, the difference between two the two is blurred and they can often be considered the same account. Continue reading our 2020 Complete iPhone Manual Guide to learn more about getting started and using your iPhone.