Setting up an AWS Free Tier Account: Your First Step to Cloud Mastery
Tags: ec2, aws, cloud, beginners
Published: 2024-01-22 02:19:35

## Introduction
Hey there, fellow learners on the exciting journey to becoming a DevOps engineer! If you're just starting to explore the vast world of cloud computing, you're in for an exhilarating ride. The cloud has become the backbone of modern IT, and understanding how to harness its power is essential for a DevOps engineer. Today, I want to take you through one of the very first steps in this journey: creating an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Free Tier account.

As someone who was once in your shoes, I know the initial steps can be a bit daunting. However, I'm here to guide you through the process and ensure that you not only create an AWS Free Tier account but also understand why it's crucial for your learning path.

## Why Create a Free Tier Account?

1. Cost Efficiency: The thought of incurring huge bills can be daunting for anyone, especially learners. AWS Free Tier provides access to a range of services at no cost for 12 months.

2. Hands-on Experience: Learning by doing is the best way to grasp concepts no matter the discipline. AWS Free Tier presents the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the AWS platform, products, and services.

3. Extensive Range of Services: AWS has an extensive catalogue of services ranging from compute to storage to database to machine learning among others. Creating a Free Tier account provides access to this range of services.

## How to Create a Free Tier Account

1. **Visit the AWS Free Tier Page**: Go to the AWS Free Tier Page [here](https://aws.amazon.com/free/?sc_icontent=awssm-evergreen-free_tier&sc_iplace=2up&trk=ha_awssm-evergreen-free_tier&sc_ichannel=ha&sc_icampaign=evergreen-free_tier&all-free-tier.sort-by=item.additionalFields.SortRank&all-free-tier.sort-order=asc&awsf.Free%20Tier%20Types=*all&awsf.Free%20Tier%20Categories=*all&awsm.page-all-free-tier=1) and create a free account by clicking the "Create a Free Account" button.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/e7hdyptvvjdxqk5zia7a.png)

You can also explore the web pages to learn more about the types of offers (Free Trials, 12 months free, and Always free), explore top product categories, and search free tier products.

Watch a demo below 😊:

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/95o2gp3ooisxgm1iul51.png)


2. **Account Setup**: You'll be prompted to enter your "email address" and "AWS account name". Once you've filled in the fields, click "Verify email address".

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/2e88u5bx2n0d2haibkio.png)

3. **Verify your email address**: Check your inbox for the verification code and enter the code in the allocated box to confirm your mail.

*If you don't see the code in your inbox, check your Spam or Junk. There's also an option to resend the code by clicking the "Resend Code".

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/pginzacp2q2g38q01g86.png)

4. **Create Your Password**: Enter your chosen Root user password and confirm the password to have sign-in access to AWS. Click on "Continue (step 1 of 5)".

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/6883rz0l1kxem69bludf.png)

5. **Add your contact information**: For how you plan to use AWS, Select "Personal - for your own projects" and fill in the details including Full Name, Country Code, Phone Number, Country or Region, Address, City, and Postal Code. Next, tick the checkbox of the "AWS Customer Agreement". Click on "Continue (step 2 of 5)".

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/4e2gjk9vdivfbjvg1x44.png)

6.**Add your billing information**: Enter your billing information and click on "Verify and Continue (step 3 of 5)".

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/hkgmwqmyqdzignqobrx3.png)

7. **Confirm your identity**: AWS will require you to confirm your identity. Confirm your identity by entering your phone number and typing the characters in the "Security check". Click "Call me now (step 4 of 5)" for an automated phone call for verification.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/m1f4v2sezu0fdedafdp1.png)

8. **Select a support plan**: The final step is to select a support plan, for Free Tier select "Basic Support: Free" and click Complete sign up. After completing the above steps, you'll receive a confirmation email.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ya0nyg2262v3senoywgz.png)

9. **Congratulations!**: That's it, you've successfully created your AWS Free Tier account and have access to surplus AWS products and services. Click "Go to AWS Management Console" to access the AWS services.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/7tjezndkmgew48aqn8tg.png)

10. **Sign in and Get Started!**: Sign in using the Root user email address and password you set up earlier and Get Started building awesome projects.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/xqj5sp0cs6hwy8mwv36s.png)

**Conclusion**
Congratulations! You've just taken a significant step toward your goal of becoming a DevOps engineer. Creating an AWS Free Tier account is your gateway to exploring the world of cloud computing, building skills that are in high demand in the industry, and setting yourself up for a successful career.

Remember, the AWS Free Tier provides you with a safe and cost-effective environment to experiment, learn, and innovate. As you progress in your journey, you can always keep an eye on your usage to ensure that you remain within the Free Tier limits and avoid unexpected charges.

So, go ahead, create that AWS Free Tier account, and start your cloud adventure today. The cloud is your playground, and your skills are your ticket to endless possibilities. Keep learning, keep experimenting, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!