Learning how to create a free AWS account takes about ten minutes, and this guide walks through every screen so nothing surprises you. However, a few details are worth knowing before you start, so read the requirements first.
Creating an Amazon Web Services (AWS) account is the first step toward learning cloud computing, whether you want to practice for a certification, host a website, or experiment with virtual machines in the cloud. The good news is that registering an AWS account is completely free, and the AWS Free Tier gives you a generous allowance to explore most services at no cost.
dns LAB TOPOLOGY & PREREQUISITES
# example values used while writing and testing this guide
AWS ACCOUNT
LAB ENVIRONMENT
VALIDATION
01constructionFree AWS account: What You Need Before You Start
- An email address that you control (this becomes your root account login)
- A phone number that can receive SMS or a voice call for verification
- A credit or debit card (AWS requires one even for the Free Tier; you are not charged unless you exceed the free limits)
02downloadStep-by-Step: Create Your Free AWS Account
- Go to the AWS sign-up page. Open aws.amazon.com and choose Create an AWS Account.
- Enter your email and account name. Use an email address you check often, then create a strong root password.
- Confirm your email. AWS sends a verification code to your inbox. Enter it to continue.
- Choose account type (Personal or Business) and fill in your contact information, including address and phone number.
- Add payment information. Enter a valid credit or debit card. This is a verification requirement, not a charge.
- Verify your phone number. AWS calls or texts you a code to confirm your identity.
- Select a Support plan. For learning and personal projects, choose the free Basic Support plan.
- Sign in to the console. After registration completes, log in as the root user and start exploring the AWS Management Console.
In short, free AWS account works best when you follow the order above and verify each step.
03usbUnderstanding the AWS Free Tier
The Free Tier works in three ways. Some services are free for 12 months after sign-up (for example, one t2.micro or t3.micro EC2 instance and 30 GB of EBS storage per month). Others are always free with no time limit, such as 750 hours of Lambda per month and 25 GB of DynamoDB storage. A few services offer short trials that start when you first use them.
04terminalKeep Your New Account Safe
As soon as your account is active, do two things: enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the root user, and create a billing alert in CloudWatch so you get an email if charges ever exceed a small threshold, such as $1. For day-to-day work, create a separate IAM user instead of using the root account. In short, free AWS account works best when you follow the order above and verify each step.
Watch: How to Create a Free AWS Account
Because some steps are easier to copy from video, this companion walkthrough mirrors the lab above. Also, the chapter pills follow the same order as the steps.
Q&AquizFrequently Asked Questions About the Free AWS Account
Is an AWS account really free?
Yes, creating the account costs nothing, and the AWS Free Tier keeps many services free for 12 months. However, you still need a credit or debit card for identity verification. For example, AWS charges $1 temporarily to confirm the card, then releases it.
Will I be charged automatically?
No. AWS only bills you when you use services beyond the free limits. In addition, you can set a billing alarm so you receive an email the moment charges appear.
What happens after the 12-month free period?
The 12-month offers end, but the always-free services keep working. For instance, Lambda and DynamoDB stay free within their monthly limits, so you can keep learning at no cost.
Which service should I try first?
Start with launching a free EC2 instance, then explore static website hosting on S3. Both fit inside the Free Tier when you follow the steps carefully.
EXTopen_in_newExternal Resources
These official guides go deeper on the free AWS account.
Related Content
- What Is Amazon AWS? An Overview
- AWS Service Categories Explained
- How to Create Amazon EC2 Instances
- Hosting a Static Website in an Amazon S3 Bucket
Once your account is ready, a great next step is launching your first virtual machine: see How to Create Amazon EC2 Instances.
What Is Amazon AWS? An Overview of Amazon Web Services
Finish this lab, then continue down the track. Each guide builds on the one before it.