f you own an iPhone, an iPad or almost any other modern Apple device, sooner or later you’re likely to end up with an Apple ID. This essentially consists of a single login, your Apple ID – usually your name followed by iCloud.com, me.com, or mac.com – and a password.

An Apple ID is used for a wide range of services, such as iCloud, Find My iPhone, iTunes Match and Apple Music, as well as make purchases from iTunes and download Podcasts. In this article we explain how, and offer our simple tips for managing an Apple ID account. Read next: How to check Apple ID balance and How to change Apple ID

What’s an Apple ID?

An Apple ID is your passport into the ever-expanding Apple universe, and it takes the form of an email address and a password.

You’ll need an Apple ID for everything from booking an appointment at the local Apple Store’s Genius Bar, to making a FaceTime call, to setting up Apple Pay, to buying music, movies and apps. An Apple ID is also used to access your iCloud dataand services, which includes tools such as iMessage, email, Reminders, Notes, Calendars, Photos storage, and so on.

More than this, however, is the fact that the Apple ID links your Apple devices or computers to each other, and to you. By logging in to Apple hardware with your Apple ID, you’re telling Apple that it belongs to you, and that your shared data, apps and services can be made accessible on it.

It’s possible to use a Mac or iOS device without an Apple ID but it would be a significantly diminished experience. For example, without an Apple ID you can’t log into the App Store, so won’t be able to download new apps on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

In fact, if you own anything Apple then the chances are you’ve got an Apple ID already. (If not, see How to create an Apple ID.) But next you’ll be wondering what you can use it for.