You can install macOS without using Apple ID, but some functions are limited. During the installation process, you do not need to force login to the Apple ID. You can create a local account to use the basic functions of the system. However, functions such as iCloud synchronization, App Store download, and search for my Mac require an Apple ID to enable it. 1. During installation, you can use the USB drive to boot disk or recovery mode to create a local account; 2. The local account can browse web pages, edit documents, program development, and play media, but it is impossible to use iCloud and download most App Store applications; 3. Skip Apple ID to log in when you first boot up and create a local account; 4. Suitable for computer room equipment, development and testing, and privacy-sensitive users. It is still recommended to bind Apple ID to improve the experience for a long time.

Directly answer the title question: You can install macOS without using Apple ID, but some functions will be limited.

During the installation of macOS, you are not mandatory to log in to your Apple ID, especially when you install a brand new or reinstall the system. However, it should be noted that certain features (such as App Store download, iCloud synchronization, etc.) require an Apple ID to be used.

1. Install macOS without Apple ID

If you just want to install the system itself, you can complete the operation without entering the Apple ID. For example:

• Install macOS using USB drive boot disk
• Erase the disk in recovery mode and reinstall the system

After the installation is completed, the system will allow you to create a local account without binding the Apple ID. This account can use most functions normally, such as office software, browsers, development tools, etc.

Pay attention to a few details:

• The account created is a "local account" and does not synchronize iCloud data.
• Desktop wallpapers and some personalized settings cannot be synced using iCloud.
• If you want to download software from the App Store, you need to log in to your Apple ID.

2. What can I do without Apple ID? What can't be done?

Many people are worried that they can't use a Mac without using Apple ID, but this is not the case. The functions you can use normally include:

• Browse the web (Safari or Chrome)
• Edit documents (Pages, Word, etc.)
• Programming and development (Xcode, VSCode, etc.)
• Media playback (music, video, podcast)

However, the following functions will be limited:

• iCloud synchronization (photos, files, memos, etc.)
• App Store download app (although some free apps can be downloaded without logging in, most still require an account)
• Security features such as "Find My Mac"

3. How to create a local account without binding an Apple ID?

When the installation is completed, the system will guide you to create a user account. In this link, you can choose to skip Apple ID login. The specific steps are as follows:

• On the interface prompted to log in to Apple ID, click "Prepare in Settings later"
• The system will automatically create a local account for you
• You can then manage account types in "System Settings> Users and Groups"

hint:

• When creating a local account, remember to set a strong password for your password.
• If you want to bind Apple ID in the future, you can also add it in "System Settings> Apple ID" at any time

4. Who is suitable for not using Apple ID?

This situation is relatively rare, but there are indeed some user needs:

• Unit or school computer room equipment, multiple people share one Mac
• Develop a test environment, focusing only on system stability rather than personal data synchronization
• Privacy-sensitive users want to avoid being associated with cloud services

For these scenarios, it is completely acceptable not to use Apple ID, as long as you do not rely on iCloud and App Store features.

Basically that's it. Although Apple ID is not mandatory, it has been deeply integrated into the system experience in modern macOS. If you just use it temporarily or do basic development, it is okay to not have an account; but if you use it for a long time, it is recommended to bind one, which is much more convenient.

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