# Step-by-Step Guide to Create Azure Free Account

Microsoft Azure offers a **Free Trial** subscription with **₹14,500/$200 worth of credits** for 30 days, which is perfect for learning and exploring cloud services.

Let's walk through the steps to create an Azure account and activate the Free Trial subscription.

## Important Note for Learners

When you sign up for an Azure Free Trial:

* You get **$200 (around ₹14,500)** worth of Azure credits.
    
* The **Free Trial subscription is valid for 30 days**, or **until the credit is exhausted** — **whichever happens first**.
    
* After 30 days or credit exhaustion:
    
    * Your subscription is **automatically disabled**.
        
    * You will **not be charged** unless you manually upgrade to a **Pay-As-You-Go** subscription.
        
    * Azure ensures there are **no hidden charges** during or after the trial period.
        
* You can continue learning by upgrading or using services under the **always-free tier**.
    

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## Note: Azure Account vs. Azure Subscription

It's important to understand the distinction between an **Azure account** and an **Azure subscription**:

* **Azure Account**:  
    This refers to your **identity in Azure**, usually linked to an email address (Microsoft account or organizational account). It gives you access to the Azure portal and allows you to manage subscriptions and resources.
    
* **Azure Subscription**:  
    A subscription defines **how your Azure services are billed**. It is a **billing mechanism** for resources created in Azure (like VMs, databases, storage, etc.).  
    You can have:
    
    * Multiple subscriptions under one Azure account.
        
    * Different access controls and billing settings per subscription.
        

### Example:

You might use one Azure account (your email) to manage:

* A **Free Trial subscription** for personal learning.
    
* A **Pay-As-You-Go subscription** for a production project.
    
* A **Student subscription** through your university.
    

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## Prerequisites:

* A **valid email address** (preferably not used earlier for Azure).
    
* A **mobile number** for verification.
    
* A **debit/credit card** (₹2 will be charged temporarily for verification).
    

## Step by step instructions

### Step 1: Visit Azure Free Trial Page

Go to: [https://azure.microsoft.com/en-in/free/](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-in/free/)

Click on **Try Azure for free**

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1744988375177/b49d7f6e-b1f5-4498-b5be-66e1b953f344.png align="center")

### Step 2: Sign in or Create a Microsoft Account

If you already have a Microsoft account, sign in.  
Otherwise, click **Create one!** and follow the instructions.

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1744988486528/d3923fa0-d54b-4078-8c35-cb6481ff51a5.png align="center")

### Step 3: Add profile details

Enter your address, state postal code and other details

![Form to create an Azure subscription.](https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1181/1*zCn0_6THE77EEzGEKGKtZQ.png align="left")

### Step 4: Identity Verification by Phone

Select your country and enter your phone number.  
Choose **Text me** or **Call me** for OTP verification.

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1744989092771/9a64476c-c13e-4467-b2d6-037314965f92.png align="center")

### Step 5: Identity Verification by Card

Enter your card details for identity confirmation. Make sure you have a **Credit card** and international payments should be enabled.

✔ Don’t worry — ₹2 or $1 is just a verification charge and will be refunded.  
✔ Debit cards may work; Credit cards are more reliable.

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1744989063897/b737bc05-2feb-40cf-834a-c41b71f6c587.png align="center")

### Step 6: Accept Agreement and Start

✔ Review the **Microsoft Azure Agreement** and **Privacy Statement**.  
✔ Check the required checkboxes.  
✔ Click **Sign up**.

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1744989242700/19aca07c-b5b2-4c43-9227-4109ac8cca91.png align="center")

### Step 7: Azure Portal Dashboard

You’ll now be redirected to the Azure Portal:  
[https://portal.azure.com](https://portal.azure.com)

You’ll also see a banner showing your ₹14,500/$200 free credit balance.

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1744989218998/d1f0a2f3-2af7-4b55-bde7-e79db7837a2e.png align="center")

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## Tips for Learners

* Free services include **Linux/Windows VMs**, **App Services**, **Azure SQL**, **Azure Functions**, and **Blob Storage**.
    
* Track your credit usage under **Cost Management + Billing**.
    
* After the trial, either upgrade or continue using **always-free services**.