I want to buy an iPad mini as a gift for someone who doesn't have an email account, how can they get an apple id?

They/you can create an account on their own ...

To create a new icloud account, go to

http://www.apple.com/icloud/setup/

Create an iCloud email account at the same time.

They really have to have an email address in order to have an Apple ID. I believe that Apple will only allow you to use an email address now for the username/ID.

You can activate the iPad without entering an Apple ID. After it is activated, the user really will need to get an email address so they can get an Apple ID.

You know that iCloud email is an Apple service don't you? That's why I didn't suggest iCloud. I don't use their email service. I have my own email address. I don't need to be locked into another Apple service or totally locked into their ecosystem myself.

The bottom line is you're still doing what Apple tells you you have to do.

Jetjay wrote:

This is one of the reasons I don't like the way Apple does things, you have to become a sheep and do it their way or no way! Thanks for your reply.

With Android phones, you need a Gmail account and with Windows phones, you need a Windows LiveID for the same sort of reasons you need an Apple ID on an iPhone. So, I guess everyone is a sheep.

Baaa

That's rather like "That's the trouble with buying a car, you have to buy petrol, and become a sheep".

If a person has not got an email account, I doubt they are ready for the technology of an iPad.

Hi,

If you want to set it up before you give it, you will create the email account. Make sure he or she is happy with the name on it because it's not that easy to change. You can do it all right on the ipad.

When you set it up, PLEASE write it down. If you are creating the password which you have to so during set-up, PLEASE write that down, too. They will also ask 3 security questions (you get to pick.) Again, PLEASE write down the questions and answers. Your friend can also change his/her password later for better security. You would be amazed at how many people start threads here because they put in the wrong password too many times and were shut out of their ipads! We all think we'll remember, yet so many don't!

Also, set up the 'find my iphone' app as soon as you set up the ipad. And always set it to be 'on.'

If you live in a place where there are Apple stores, many have free classes to get people started and then learning more on the ipad. You'll make an appointment through the Apple site.

The 90 days of phone support is great. They can even help you both set it up together if you think that might be the way to go.

If the person is a Senior and not used to computers, or if he/she has sight, hearing, or other issues, you might want to read up on 'accessibility' for that on the ipad. (I only bring that up because the person for whom you're buying it has never had an e-mail address.

If you have any other questions, this support site can be very helpful, especially if you can stay above some of the defensive sarcasm that some have posted in response to you.

Great gift - and I'm sure it will be a great and much loved surprise!

Hope this helps.

Hi Jetjay,

Please don't think your idea of a useful gift has soured. It's still a wonderful and thoughtful gift you are giving!!!

And then you blamed yourself that they won't be joining the Apple 'Club' because of you. Please don't think that way!

Giving an ipad as a gift is surprise enough when someone opens it! It will takes mere minutes to set up on the phone with Apple support.

I know I went into detail as to what to expect if you set it up beforehand so you would be aware of dealing with their name on new emial address (which you can do on the ipad after you activate it (turn it on.) Personally, I think the pre-set-up can be a little awkward, given you'd have their private info, but that would have been your decision.

Can you please give more details? I

s it someone you see often?

Do they live near you?

Are they younger, older?

Any needs they might be able to work around to maximize how they can best use the ipad? Are they out of communication with family, friends, etc., because of distance?

Do have an Apple store where you live?

Given no email account, I thought it could possibly be a Senior. While my father-in-law used to use a computer, he hasn't in a while, yet for his 91st birthday in May he wanted an ipad and looked forward to it. I put many, many hours into researching how it can be useful to him (partial vision and some other things.)

In my research I also found many you tubes taken as families gave Senior parents ipads as gifts. They were overjoyed and some cried. If you would need help there, Apple support, who have always been incredibly patient, will walk you through anything you need.

There are also many others who have posted similar concerns.

Please let me know asap. You're doing such a kind thing and we won't give up on your gift if you don't!

I saw that I solved your problem. I'm always happy to see that anyone has solved anyone's problem, but I only needed to let you know the pre set-up details. I don't think I really solved it.

So please send more details. No one here knows you, so you can let us know what you want and your concerns. Check those you tube dvideos out. The ipad recipients did not complain that they weren't set up when they unwrapped their ipad presents!

FYI - you don't need to copy/paste the post you're responding to. In the corner of each post, there is a greyed out word reply. Click on that and write what you want.

Hope this helps.

Think hard about that engraving. If you ever sell it you will hurt the resale price. And if the iPad has to be replace for service under warranty (I hope not) you would have to send it in, you couldn't do so at a local store.

Here is a suggestion for you: get a nice leather case for it instead and have it embossed. It would also add a level of surprise since they would not be expecting it.