Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up an AWS Free Tier Account
Tags: aws
Published: 2024-06-22 11:27:40

**Amazon Web Services (AWS)** is a cloud computing platform that offers IT resources on-demand over the Internet, featuring pay-as-you-go pricing. Instead of owning and managing physical data centers and servers, users can access compute, storage, databases, and more as required.

**AWS** offers a free tier with limited usage available to new AWS customers for 12 months from the date of sign-up. See more details on the free tier [here.](https://aws.amazon.com/free/)
![AWS](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/b8yf7i5jllhxbtya5rna.jpg)
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##**<center>Let's create an AWS Free Tier Account.</center>**
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**Step 1: Visit AWS Website**
Navigate to the [AWS](https://aws.amazon.com/) website and click on the create an AWS account button on the top right corner.
![Account](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/3lry8i96bq9c2pwexnc2.png)

**Step 2: Provide Your Email Address**
Enter your vaild Email, Password and AWS account name, then click verify email address. You will recive the verification code on your mail, enter the verification code then Click “Next.”
![Signup](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/b5ltemjn58tcr3yxpsbs.png)

**Step 3: Provide Contact Information**
Provide your contact information, including your name, company name (if applicable), and phone number. AWS may use this information to reach out regarding your account.
![Info1](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/mbpx154kdbwdodfrd7v7.png)

**Step 4: Payment Information**
Enter your payment information. AWS requires valid credit card details during account setup to verify your identity. A nominal charge of about INR ₹2.00 may be applied to confirm the card's validity, it will refunded within 2-3 working days. You will receive OTP to verify your identity and complete the payment process.
![Payment Info](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/x4z6vjkig83w7er4951d.png)

**Step 5: Choose your Support Plan**
Select your desired AWS support plan. If you're new to AWS, consider starting with the free Basic support plan. Select a support plan from below and make your choice from the available options.

I recommend familiarizing yourself with the details of each Support plan to understand what is covered. For me, I've opted for the Basic support - Free plan.

Finally, proceed with completing the sign-up process.
![Support Plan](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/hsdg007alu14ovywx3nw.png)

**Step 6: Confirmation**
Your AWS account has been successfully created.
![Confirm](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/g529xq95xskyzrhh4i6t.png)

**Step 7: Sign in to AWS**
After completing the setup, navigate to the AWS Management Console. Enter your personalized experience and click Submit. Sign in to the Console using your new AWS account credentials.
![Persionalized Exp](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/3s1r72xvdrs1048bqsbh.png)
![Sign-in](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/mhuv2eg3bb0zo80q6mpt.png)

**Step 8: Welcome to AWS!**
Congratulations, your AWS account is now active! You can begin exploring AWS services, creating resources, and managing your cloud infrastructure.
![Welcome](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/y6rfs8p8uys76idcp6b3.png)

**Step 9: Secure Your AWS Account**

**Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)**:
Here are the steps to enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for the root user in AWS:
- Sign in to the [AWS Management Console](https://aws.amazon.com/console/) with your root user credentials.
- Navigate to **"Security Credentials"** under your account settings.
- In the **"Security Credentials"** tab, locate the section for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
- Click on **"Assign MFA Device"**.
![MFA](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/rqjrsk90pn3tn4o9jor0.png)

- Give Device a Name and select MFA option from list. Select Authenticator App and click **"Next"**.
![Device](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/svmhezt6yylip7q5h70w.png)

- Follow the instructions provided to enable MFA using a virtual MFA device such as Google Authenticator:
Here is a list of compatible applications
![MFA 2](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/armzhgqv80cupqxx4xbd.png)

  - Download and install Google Authenticator or a similar app on your smartphone.
  - Scan the QR code displayed on the AWS console screen using your MFA app, or enter the secret key manually.
  - Enter the verification code generated by your MFA app to complete the setup.
- AWS will confirm successful MFA activation.

Enabling MFA adds an **extra layer of security** to your AWS **root account**, helping protect it against **unauthorized access**.
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In the next post, I'll walk you through setting up a **Billing Alarm** and creating an **IAM User** for AWS.