The steps seem strange, but first you must create your appleid using a non Apple address (note that if you already have an @icloud, @mac, or @me email address that email address is already an Apple ID)

Once your Apple ID has been created, on the device go to Settings > iCloud and flip the mail switch on, you will be prompted there to create your @icloud.com email address.

Alternatively, you can go to setting and go to mail. From there, add account and choose iCloud. If you choose "create Apple ID" at this screen, for whatever reason, it will allow you to create an "@icloud.com" email.

source Apple kb

Answer from Tyson on Stack Exchange
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Apple
support.apple.com › guide › icloud › create-a-primary-icloudcom-email-address-mmdd8d1c5c › icloud
Create a primary email address for iCloud Mail - Apple Support
Note: You can’t rename your primary iCloud Mail email address later. If you change your mind, you can add an email alias instead. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud. Tap iCloud Mail (or Mail), then follow the onscreen instructions.
People also ask

Can I use iCloud email address to create an Apple ID?
Yes, you can create an Apple ID using a new or an existing iCloud email address.
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beebom.com
beebom.com › how-create-icloud-email
How to Create iCloud Email [2024 Guide] | Beebom
Are iCloud emails free?
Yes, iCloud Mail is free to use. When you create an Apple ID and set up your iCloud Mail account, you get 5GB of free iCloud storage space. To get additional storage, you can subscribe to iCloud+.
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beebom.com
beebom.com › how-create-icloud-email
How to Create iCloud Email [2024 Guide] | Beebom
Is iCloud the best email to use for Apple ID?
You can use iCloud, Gmail, or any other email address for your Apple ID. Just make sure you aren't already using that email ID with another Apple ID as a primary or recovery email.
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beebom.com
beebom.com › how-create-icloud-email
How to Create iCloud Email [2024 Guide] | Beebom
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Business Insider
businessinsider.com › business insider › how to create an icloud email account linked to a registered apple id
How to create an iCloud email account linked to a registered Apple ID
March 10, 2023 - If the address is unavailable a message will appear in red telling you the name is already taken. Devon Delfino/Business Insider ... Once you hit "Create," you'll have access to an iCloud email account. Devon Delfino/Business Insider · 10. If you don't already have an Apple ID, go through the process of setting one up through the App Store's sign-in option.
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Beebom
beebom.com › how-create-icloud-email
How to Create iCloud Email [2024 Guide] | Beebom
January 29, 2024 - Yes, iCloud Mail is free to use. When you create an Apple ID and set up your iCloud Mail account, you get 5GB of free iCloud storage space. To get additional storage, you can subscribe to iCloud+. Can I use iCloud email address to create an Apple ID?
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Blog do iPhone
blogdoiphone.com › blog do iphone › how to › how to create an icloud email address on iphone, ipad & mac
How to Create an iCloud Email Address on iPhone, iPad & Mac
May 9, 2025 - Turn on two-factor authentication if you haven’t already—Apple now requires it for most services. Enable Hide My Email (Settings › [Your Name] › iCloud › Hide My Email) to generate throwaway aliases for shopping sites. Custom domain? iCloud+ lets you use [email protected] for free—perfect for freelancers.
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Quora
quora.com › How-do-I-create-email-with-iCloud-domain-without-Apple-ID
How do I create email with iCloud domain without Apple ID?
Answer (1 of 3): You can’t create an iCloud email without creating an Apple ID. You also need an Apple device to create the iCloud email—not just the ID. Disclaimer: This answer is NOT for reproduction in a paid space.
Find elsewhere
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Lifewire
lifewire.com › how-to-create-an-icloud-email-4584873
How to Create an iCloud Email
October 1, 2024 - This article describes how to set up a free iCloud email account on any Apple device. This allows you to sign in to an Apple account with your Apple Account and gives you access to iTunes, Apple Podcasts, the Apple App Store, iCloud, iMessage, and FaceTime. If you have an Apple Account that ends with @mac.com or @me.com, you don't need to set up a separate @icloud.com address...
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Wikihow
wikihow.com › computers and electronics › internet › websites › file hosting and sharing websites › icloud › how to create an icloud email address on a pc or mac
How to Create an iCloud Email Address on a PC or Mac
November 12, 2024 - Don’t have an Apple Account yet? Click Sign In, then click the Create Apple Account link. Follow the prompts to create your new account. ... Click Create Email Address. Follow the prompts to create your new iCloud address.
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Neo
neo.space › blog › create-an-icloud-email-account
How to Create an iCloud Email Account - Sign up Process of 2024
Sign in with your new iCloud email and password. On a Mac, open System Preferences, click on Apple ID, then iCloud. Sign in with your iCloud credentials. And on a PC, start by downloading and installing iCloud for Windows, then sign in with your iCloud account.
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Apple Support
support.apple.com › en-us › 108647
How to create a new Apple Account - Apple Support
1 month ago - Provide your email address. This primary email address will be what you use to sign in to your Apple Account. If you don’t have an email address, tap “Don’t have an email address?” to get a free iCloud email address.
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ICloud
icloud.com › mail
iCloud Mail - Apple iCloud
View and send mail from your iCloud email address on the web. Sign in or create a new account to get started.
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Microsoft Support
support.microsoft.com › en-us › office › how-do-i-set-up-an-icloud-com-email-address-fdaf09a5-eee6-4c68-a19f-5e5b8230319f
How do I set up an iCloud.com email address? - Microsoft Support
Sign in or create an account. ... Select a different account. ... Choose the account you want to sign in with. ... Your AppleID account may not have Mail enabled. To set up an iCloud email address, follow the steps here: http://support.apple.com/kb/ph2620.
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The Mac Observer
macobserver.com › home › how to create an icloud email address | step-by-step guide
How To Create an iCloud Email Address | Step-By-Step Guide - The Mac Observer
July 3, 2025 - An iCloud email address (@icloud.com) is tied directly to your Apple ID. You must have an Apple ID to generate one. There’s no way to create a standalone iCloud email that isn’t linked to an Apple account.
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Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 254511456
How to create a new iCloud email address … - Apple Community
Follow the onscreen instructions to create an iCloud Mail address. If you don’t see onscreen instructions after turning on iCloud Mail on your Mac, you already have a primary iCloud email address.
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MultCloud
multcloud.com › explore more about popular clouds › free icloud email in minutes!
Free iCloud Email in Minutes!
October 23, 2024 - Step 3: If you're new to the Apple ecosystem, tap "Don't have an Apple ID or forgotten it?" Step 4: Choose "Create Apple ID". Step 5: Follow the on-screen prompts, which will guide you through creating a strong password, selecting security questions, and agreeing to Apple's terms and conditions. Step 6: During this process, you'll be prompted to choose an iCloud email address.
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Pocket-lint
pocket-lint.com › home › phones › phone guides › how to create and use an icloud mail account
How to create and use an iCloud Mail account
June 13, 2024 - First, ensure you went with an email that isn't in use already. A notification will appear if your desired address is taken. Alternative recommendations will appear either in the Suggestions box on iPhone, iPad or iPod, or in the dropdown menu on Mac. If you run into a "Problem Turning on Mail" error when setting up an iCloud Mail account on your iOS device, try signing out and back into iCloud. Make sure you know your Apple ID and password before doing so.
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iGeeksBlog
igeeksblog.com › home › how-to › how to create an icloud email account?
How to Create an iCloud Email Account? – iGeeksBlog
July 24, 2025 - All you need beforehand is an active Apple ID. Go to iCloud.com/mail using your preferred web browser → Sign in using your Apple ID credentials. Here, tap the blue Create Email Address button.
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Macworld
macworld.com › home › software › how-to
Three ways to add an iCloud.com address, even if you already have one | Macworld
February 24, 2025 - (Apple doesn’t validate it’s your birthday, they just want you to be 18 or over to create an unlimited account and for future verification purposes.) Click the text link “Get a free iCloud email address.”
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TidBITS
talk.tidbits.com › tidbits talk
How to create an iCloud email address? - TidBITS Talk - TidBITS Talk
June 6, 2024 - This seems like it would be simple… I have an elderly relative. Her first computer was a Bondi Blue iMac, using AOL for email. Later we moved her email to Comcast. When it became time to create an Apple ID, we used the Comcast email address, because that was her only email.