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You can set up an Apple ID when you set up your iOS device or Mac, when you want to buy something from iTunes or download from the App Store, or by using a browser and going direct to appleid.apple.com. Click ‘Create an Apple ID’ and fill in the details, making sure to include a valid email address, then click Create Apple ID. Next check that email account for a message from Apple. Open the message, click Verify Now and follow the instructions to finish setting up your Apple ID.

You can change your Apple ID name, password or billing information at any time. On your Mac, open iTunes and go to Store > View Account, or click your name in the top bar and select Account Info. Enter your password to view your Account Information. Click Edit next to the information or setting you want to change. On your iOS device, tap Settings > iTunes & App Store, and tap your Apple ID on the next screen. Note that you must now use the site in step 1 to change security questions and other details.

Children under 13 can’t create their own Apple ID, but you can create one for them using Family Sharing on a Mac or iOS device. This Apple ID enables them to access music and other content you share with them (which you can limit by setting Restrictions on an iOS device or Parental Controls on OS X and iTunes), as well as use iCloud and other Apple services. Ask to Buy is enabled by default for under-13s, though you can turn it off if you wish. For more, see support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201084.

You’ll now be asked to sign in. If you’ve already created the additional Apple ID, tap Use Existing Apple ID and enter the name of the kids’ account. If not, tap Create New Apple ID and go through the steps to set one up now. Tap Review, then Next, agree to the terms and conditions, and then enter your payment card details. (Don’t worry this is just temporary! We’ll remove this information in the next step.) After the app has finished downloading, tap the back arrow at top left.

On the App Store’s main Featured page, scroll down to the bottom and tap Apple ID >View Apple ID. Verify this is the kids’ account and not yours, then sign in, tap Payment Information and under ‘Payment Type’ select None. Now tap Done, then Done again on the next screen. Now when your kids visit the iTunes Store, App Store or iBook Store with this account they’ll be able to download free apps or media (subject to any age ratings you set using Restrictions) but will have to enter the card details for paid-for items.