How to Create a Free Tier AWS account
Tags: aws101, cloudcomputing
Published: 2024-06-02 10:59:34

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the most popular cloud service providers in the world, offering a range of services from computing power to storage solutions. Creating an AWS account is the first step to accessing these powerful tools. In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of creating and logging into an AWS account, with step-by-step instructions and helpful GIFs to illustrate each part of the process.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/s5o7hs6ou7bggoemqzbr.gif)

## Step 1: Create Your AWS Account
Creating an AWS account is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

**Visit the AWS Sign-Up Page:**
Navigate to the [AWS Sign-Up page](https://portal.aws.amazon.com/billing/signup#/start/email) and click on the "Create an AWS Account" button.


**Enter Your Email and Choose a Password:**
Enter a valid email address and choose a secure password. This email will be your root user email address, which has full access to all AWS services.

**Choose an AWS Account Name:**
Enter a unique AWS account name that will be associated with your account.

**Verify Your Email:**
AWS will send a verification email to the address you provided. Enter the verification code from the email to proceed.

**Enter Your Contact Information:**
Provide your contact details, including your full name, address, and phone number.

**Choose Your Account Type:**
Select either a personal or professional account based on your usage needs.

**Enter Payment Information:**
AWS requires a credit card or payment method on file. You won't be charged unless you use services beyond the AWS Free Tier limits.

**Identity Verification:**
AWS will verify your identity by sending a text message or automated phone call with a verification code.

**Select a Support Plan:**
Choose from various support plans based on your needs. The Basic plan is free and suitable for most new users.

**Complete the Setup:**
Review and complete the setup process. Your AWS account is now ready to use!

## Step 2: Log into Your AWS Account
Once your account is set up, logging in is simple:

Go to the AWS Management Console.

Enter Your Root User Email:
Enter the email address you used to create your AWS account.

Enter Your Password:
Provide the password associated with your AWS account.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/xrzwbcanw2g70cka8kgx.gif)


Using the root account for daily operations is not recommended due to security concerns. Instead, create an IAM user with administrative privileges.

Visit the [AWS Management Console](https://aws.amazon.com/)
Navigate to the IAM Service:
In the AWS Management Console, go to the **IAM** (Identity and Access Management) service.

**Create a New User:**

Click on "**_Users_**" in the left-hand menu.
Click the "**_Add user_**" button.
Set User Details:

Enter a username for the new user (e.g., admin-user).
Select "_AWS Management Console access_".
Set a custom password or choose to generate one automatically. Ensure the user is required to reset their password upon first login.
Assign Permissions:

Click "**_Next: Permissions_**".
Choose "**_Attach existing policies directly_**".
Select the "**_AdministratorAccess_**" policy.
Review and Create:

Review the user details and permissions.
Click "**_Create user_**".
Download Credentials:

Download the .csv file containing the user credentials or copy the access details. This file contains the login URL, username, and password for the new IAM user.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/xdvdb0ajuvfof8g86uui.gif)