Created new AppleID but stuck with email address?

[gabester]

I have a longtime AppleID which has @mac, @me, and @icloud addresses. It's not associated with any non-Apple email address because it was created back in the days of iTools...

I recently helped a family member create a new AppleID using an existing gmail address they had, and that's all I seem to be able to figure out how to do. I don't see where I can choose a "funusername@icloud.com" address to use with this account. In fact, this iCloud account does NOT have a Mail option when I log into iCloud.com. Shouldn't every iCloud account have Mail?

I just have Contacts iCloud Drive Notes Pages Numbers Keynote Settings and Launchpad. Heck, what is Launchpad?

But more importantly, how can they get an @icloud.com address so they can match the rest of the family?

[Sarcany]

When you go to enable iCloud in the System Preferences, don't use a pre-existing email account.

Use the "Create Apple ID" link/button.

Alternatively, create the account at appleid.apple.com which provides a more intuitive interface for it.

[gabester]

That did the trick... Apple apparently doesn't any old rabble on the internet with a web browser to be able to get an icloud.com address, you have to create one specifically through an Apple device to get one.

Now if only I could figure out how to transfer all my Messages from this old iPhone 5 to this new one I could leave it behind. It's running an old iOS and I can't seem to find a compatible iTunes that will back it up and allow me to restore to a current iPhone SE.

[Sarcany]

gabester wrote:
Now if only I could figure out how to transfer all my Messages from this old iPhone 5 to this new one I could leave it behind. It's running an old iOS and I can't seem to find a compatible iTunes that will back it up and allow me to restore to a current iPhone SE.

You can export them to text files or PDFs using 3rd party software.

PhoneView is one app that does it (free trial) tho there are many more.
https://www.ecamm.com/mac/phoneview/

[NewtonMP2100]

....how do you solve a problem like Maria....???