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This lesson guides you through setting up your AWS account, explaining each step in detail. In this example, we use “main” as the account name and a dummy email ([email protected]). Feel free to customize these details to match your requirements. While this guide covers the creation of an initial account, you can later create multiple AWS accounts with more descriptive names as your usage expands.
When you register with your email, AWS sets up a root user using that email as the username along with your chosen password.

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Step 1: Create Your AWS Account

  1. Open your web browser and navigate to aws.amazon.com.
  2. Click the Create an AWS Account button located at the top right of the homepage.
The image shows the homepage of the AWS (Amazon Web Services) website, highlighting options for builders and decision-makers, and offering solutions by industry.

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Step 2: Enter Account Details

On the account creation page, provide:
  1. Email Address – This will serve as the login credential for your root user.
  2. Account Name – In this guide, it is set to “main”.
Enter your email address (e.g., [email protected]) and the account name. Then, click Verify Email Address.
The image shows an AWS signup page where users can enter their email address to create a new account or sign in to an existing one. It also highlights the option to explore free tier products.
AWS will send a verification code to your email. Locate the code, paste it into the verification field on the signup page, and click Verify.
The image shows a Gmail inbox with an email from AWS for email verification, containing a verification code.

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Step 3: Create a Secure Password

Create a secure password that includes:
  • An uppercase letter
  • A lowercase letter
  • A number
  • A non-alphanumeric character
After setting your password, click Continue.

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Step 4: Provide Contact Information

Next, provide your personal details. AWS will ask how you plan to use the service; choose Personal for this example. Fill in your name, phone number, country, address, city, state/province, and postal code. Be sure to agree to the terms and conditions by checking the appropriate box.
The image shows an AWS signup page with a form for entering contact information and details about free tier offers.
After entering your details, click Continue.
Personal information on this guide has been blurred out for privacy reasons.

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Step 5: Enter Billing Information

Even if you plan to use the free tier, AWS requires billing information to verify your identity and charge any usage beyond free tier limits. Enter your credit card details and click Verify and Continue.
The image shows an AWS signup page where users can enter billing information, including credit card details, to verify their identity. There is a section for secure verification and a button to proceed with the signup process.
Always monitor your resources and remember to delete any that you are not using to avoid unexpected charges.

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Step 6: Identity Confirmation

Confirm your identity via SMS or voice call. In this example, select SMS. Enter your phone number and complete the CAPTCHA security check. Once you receive the SMS code (e.g., “3425”) on your phone, enter it on the page and click Continue.
The image shows an AWS signup page for identity verification, requiring a phone number and a CAPTCHA security check.

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Step 7: Select a Support Plan

Choose a support plan that fits your needs. For this demonstration, select the Basic support plan available for free. If you plan to deploy production systems, consider a support plan that better aligns with your requirements. Click Complete Sign Up after making your selection.
The image shows an AWS signup page where users can select a support plan, with options for Basic, Developer, and Business support. There is a "Complete sign up" button at the bottom.

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Step 8: Access the AWS Management Console

When registration is complete, sign in to the AWS Management Console using your email (as the username) and your password.
The image shows the AWS Management Console dashboard, displaying various sections like recently visited services, AWS Health, cost and usage, and options to build solutions.
At the top right of the console, your account name (“main”) is visible. Clicking on it displays additional account information, including your AWS account ID. Scroll down to the Alternate Contacts section. These fields are optional, but for production environments, specifying contacts for billing, operations, and security is recommended.
The image shows a screenshot of the AWS Management Console, specifically the Billing Management section, displaying options for payment currency preference, alternate contacts, security challenge questions, and AWS regions.
Additionally, you can manage billing settings on a dedicated page. By default, only the root user can access billing information. If you wish to allow IAM users to view billing details, click Edit, enable Active IAM access, and then click Update.
The image shows a webpage from the AWS Management Console, displaying billing information settings, including IAM user access and reserved instance marketplace settings.
Your AWS account is now set up and ready for use. Explore AWS with confidence, and remember to monitor your resources regularly to prevent unwanted charges. For more insights and best practices, visit the AWS Documentation or AWS Management Console.

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