Create an Apple Account

Questions

  • How do I create an Apple Account for my Bowdoin iPad?
  • Do I need an Apple Account to set up my Bowdoin devices?
  • How do I sign in to iCloud on my iPad?
  • How do I download an app from the App Store on my iPad?
  • Should I use my Bowdoin email or personal email for my Apple Account?
  • What address do I use if I don't have a US address for my Apple Account?
  • How do I set up Touch ID and Face ID on my iPad?
  • I'm getting a prompt to review billing info in the App Store — what do I do?

Environment

This article applies to new Bowdoin students setting up their Bowdoin-issued devices for the first time. Creating an Apple Account before you receive your iPad and MacBook Pro is recommended, but you can also complete setup on your devices.

  • Applies to: All new Bowdoin students
  • Devices covered: Bowdoin-issued iPad mini and MacBook Pro
  • Important: All students must have a US-based Apple Account to access Bowdoin-provided apps from the App Store. International students, see Apple Accounts for International Students in the Related Articles section for specific guidance on setting up a US account.
  • Security note: Do not share your Apple Account with anyone. If others currently use your Apple Account, create a new one for yourself.

Resolution

Tap or click a section to jump directly to it:

1. Create an Apple Account 2. Sign in to iCloud on your iPad 3. Download an app from the App Store

1. Create an Apple Account

These steps may change without notice as Apple updates its account creation process.

  1. Go to the Apple Account creation page.
  2. Enter an email address. You may use your personal email or your Bowdoin email. We strongly recommend using a personal email address so your Apple Account is not tied to your Bowdoin account, which you will lose access to after graduating.
  3. Create a password following Apple's requirements. Do not share this password with anyone.
  4. Enter a phone number and email address that you have ongoing access to — Apple will send verification codes to both during setup.
  5. Complete the phone and email verification steps when prompted.
  6. After your account is created, scroll down to Payment & Shipping and click Add Payment Method.
    • Select None if you do not plan to purchase paid apps, or add a payment method if you want to buy apps.
    • Even if you select None, you must enter a US mailing address. If you do not yet have a US address, use the Bowdoin Mail Center address: 6000 College Station, Brunswick, ME 04011. This address is for registration purposes only and cannot be used to receive physical mail.
  7. Select Copy Billing Address to add the same address for shipping.
  8. Scroll up and click Save.
Security features: After creating your account, you can add Touch ID or Face ID for faster, more secure sign-in on your iPad. See Adding biometric (Touch ID) security access for your Bowdoin account in the Related Articles section.

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2. Sign in to iCloud on your iPad

  1. On your iPad, open the Settings app.
  2. At the top of the left menu, tap Sign in to your iPad.
  3. Enter your Apple Account email address and password.
  4. Enter the verification code sent to the phone number associated with your account.
  5. Review the Terms and Conditions and tap Agree twice to proceed.
  6. Enter your iPad passcode when prompted.

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3. Download an app from the App Store

  1. Open the App Store app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Search icon at the bottom of the screen and search for any app you want to install.
  3. Tap Get next to the app, then tap Install.
  4. If this is your first time using the App Store with your Apple Account, you may see a Review prompt asking you to confirm your account details:
    • Make sure the region is set to United States.
    • Accept the Apple Media Terms & Conditions, then tap Next.
    • Confirm your billing information and tap Next again, then tap Continue.
  5. Tap Get again for your app, then tap Install and authenticate with your Apple Account password or biometric (Touch ID/Face ID).
Free app timer: After your first purchase or download, the App Store may ask whether you want to enter your password every time or once per 15 minutes for free apps. Choose whichever option works for you.
iPad mini note: Bowdoin-issued iPad minis (6th generation and later) do not have a physical Home button. Use the side button to return to the home screen, or swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

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Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.

Additional Resources

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Related Articles (3)

Set Up a US Apple Account as an International Student
Instructions for Bowdoin international students who need to create a US-based Apple Account in order to access apps distributed through the US Apple App Store, including Bowdoin-provided apps for their iPad and MacBook Pro.
Setting up a Bowdoin-issued iPad for the first time
Information on how to setup a Bowdoin-issued iPad for faculty, staff, and students.