How to Create a Free AWS Account: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

If you’re new to cloud computing, creating an Amazon Web Services (AWS) account can be a great way to get started. AWS offers a Free Tier account, which lets you use many services for free for the first 12 months. This is a great way to try out cloud services without spending any money!

In this guide, I’ll show you how to set up a free AWS account in simple, beginner-friendly steps.

Step 1: Go to the AWS Sign-Up Page

1. Open your web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari).

2. Type in aws.amazon.com and press Enter.

3. On the AWS homepage, click on the “Create an AWS Account” button. You’ll find this button in the top-right corner.

Tip: If you already have an Amazon account (for shopping), you can use it to sign in. But creating a new account specifically for AWS is recommended.

Step 2: Enter Your Email and Set a Password

1. On the Sign-Up page, enter your email address.

2. Choose a password that you can remember easily but is secure (use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols).

3. Enter a unique AWS account name (e.g., "my-first-aws-account").

4. Click Continue.

Note: Make sure to use a valid email address because you will need to verify it later.

Step 3: Enter Your Personal Information

1. On the next page, fill out the Contact Information form:

   • Account Type: Select Personal (unless you’re creating the account for a business).

   • Enter your name, phone number, and address.

   • Agree to the AWS Customer Agreement by checking the box.

2. Click Create Account and Continue.

Tip: Double-check your information to make sure everything is correct before moving on.

Step 4: Enter Payment Information

To use the AWS Free Tier, you still need to enter your credit card or debit card details. Don’t worry—AWS won’t charge you as long as you stay within the free tier limits.

1. Enter your credit or debit card number, expiration date, and CVV code (the 3-digit code on the back of your card).

2. Click Verify and Add.

Note: AWS might charge a small, temporary amount (around $1) to verify your card. This charge will disappear after a few days.

Step 5: Verify Your Identity

AWS needs to verify your identity to make sure your account is secure.

1. Choose your preferred method of verification (usually text message or phone call).

2. Enter your phone number.

3. Click Send SMS or Call Me.

4. Enter the verification code you receive via text message or phone call.

5. Click Continue.

Tip: Keep your phone nearby so you can enter the code quickly.

Step 6: Choose Your Support Plan

AWS offers different support plans, but for now, you can select the Basic Support Plan, which is free.

1. Click on Basic (Free).

2. Click Complete Sign Up.

Note: You can always upgrade your support plan later if you need more help.

Step 7: Sign In to Your AWS Account

Now that your account is created, it’s time to sign in and start exploring!

1. Go back to aws.amazon.com.

2. Click on Sign In to the Console.

3. Enter your email address and password.

4. Click Sign In.

Tip: You’re now inside the AWS Management Console, which is like the control center for all AWS services.

Step 8: Explore the AWS Free Tier Services

The AWS Free Tier includes many popular services that you can use for free. Here are a few examples:

• Amazon S3: Store your files and data (up to 5 GB for free).

• Amazon EC2: Run virtual servers (750 hours per month of a small server).

• AWS Lambda: Run code without managing servers (1 million requests per month for free).

To find these services:

1. Click on Services in the top-left corner of the AWS Management Console.

2. Browse through the list or use the search bar to find a specific service.

Step 9: Set Up Billing Alerts (Optional but Recommended)

Even though you are using the Free Tier, it’s a good idea to set up billing alerts to avoid unexpected charges.

Note: We will write an article on this topic later in detail. This will help you keep track of your usage and avoid any charges.

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Step 10: Start Using AWS!

Congratulations! You have successfully created your free AWS account. Now you can start exploring and using AWS services. Here are a few things you can try:

• Create a website using Amazon EC2.

• Store photos in Amazon S3.

• Run code without servers using AWS Lambda.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! The Free Tier is designed for beginners, so it’s a great way to learn and practice.

Important Tips for Beginners

1. Stay Within the Free Tier Limits: Check the Free Tier usage limits to avoid charges.

2. Explore Tutorials: AWS offers many free tutorials and guides to help you learn.

3. Ask for Help: If you get stuck, check out the AWS Help Center or ask questions in the AWS Community Forum.

Conclusion

Creating a free AWS account is an easy way to start learning about cloud computing. By following these simple steps, you’ll be ready to explore powerful cloud services without spending any money. AWS Free Tier gives you access to many tools and services for 12 months, so take advantage of this time to learn and build exciting projects.

Happy cloud computing, and enjoy your journey into the world of AWS!