Q: can I use icloud email account to setup new iPad?

Hi winwin666,

I understand you want to know if you can set up a new iPad or iPads using your existing iCloud email account.   Are you asking specifically about the email address that ends in @icloud.com, or your Apple ID?   The answer to your question depends on your situation.  If you are the one that is going to be using the additional iPads, then you most certainly want to use the same Apple ID to keep all of your data (calendars, contacts, backups, etc.) synced across your devices.

If the additional iPads are going to be used by someone else, then each user should have their own Apple ID to keep their data, messages, notes, iCloud email accounts, etc. tied to one account.

Below are some resources that explain Apple ID's and iCloud features in a little more detail for you.

Apple ID - Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Apple ID?

An Apple ID is the personal account you use to access Apple services like the App Store, iTunes Store, iCloud, iMessage, the Apple Online Store, FaceTime, and more. It includes the email address and password you use to sign in, as well as all the contact, payment, and security details that you’ll use across Apple services.

When do I use my Apple ID?

Any time you set up a new device, make a purchase, or use any Apple service, you will be asked to sign in with your Apple ID and password. Once signed in you’ll have access to the service and all the personal information in your account.

How many Apple IDs do I need?

Just one. Use the same Apple ID everywhere you sign in to ensure that all your Apple services and devices work together seamlessly and you can access your personal content from all your devices.

Can I share an Apple ID with someone else?

Your Apple ID should not be shared with anyone else. It provides access to personal information including contacts, photos, device backups, and more. Sharing your Apple ID with someone else means you are giving them access to all your personal content and may lead to confusion over who actually owns the account. To share iTunes & App Store purchases, photos, a calendar, and more with someone else, try Family Sharing, iCloud Photo Sharing, or other easy-to-use sharing features.

About your Apple ID email addresses

iCloud: What is iCloud?

iCloud connects you and your Apple devices in amazing ways. It makes sure you always have the latest versions of your important information—like documents, photos, notes, and contacts—on whatever device you’re using. It lets you easily share photos, calendars, locations, and more with friends and family. It even helps you find your device if you lose it.

Get started

To get started, just set up iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac, or get iCloud web-only access right on iCloud.com. Then you can use iCloud.com from your computer’s web browser.

 Keep your mail, contacts, calendars, notes, and reminders up to date using Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Notes, and Reminders on iCloud.com, and using apps on your iOS devices, Mac, and Windows computer.

iCloud: Mail overview

If your Apple ID doesn’t end with @icloud.com, @me.com, or @mac.com, you must set up an @icloud.com email address before you can use iCloud Mail on iCloud.com.

iCloud: Set up an @icloud.com email address

If you set up iCloud using an Apple ID that doesn’t end with @icloud.com, @me.com, or @mac.com, you must set up an @icloud.com email address before you can use iCloud Mail. 

If you have an email address that ends with @mac.com or @me.com, you already have an equivalent address that’s the same except it ends with @icloud.com. If you use email aliases that end with @mac.com or @me.com, you also have equivalent addresses that end with @icloud.com. 

On an iOS device, go to Settings > iCloud, turn on Mail, then follow the onscreen instructions.

On a Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click iCloud, select Mail, then follow the onscreen instructions.

After you set up your @icloud.com email address, you can use it to sign in to iCloud. You can also sign in using the Apple ID you used to create your iCloud account. 

You can send iCloud email from any of the following addresses: 

• Your iCloud email address (youraccountname@icloud.com) 

• An alias

Last Modified: Mar 25, 2016

Using your @icloud.com email address

You can sign in to iCloud with either your @icloud.com email address or the Apple ID that you use with your iCloud account.

I hope this information helps with what you are trying to do.

Cheers!