> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.highailabs.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating Your Account

> How to sign up for High IQ using Apple or Google, and what to expect during onboarding.

## Overview

High IQ uses **Clerk** for authentication, which means you sign in with your existing Apple or Google account. There are no passwords to manage, no email verification codes to enter, and no separate accounts to create. Your identity is verified through Apple or Google's secure authentication systems.

<Snippet file="ios-only-note.mdx" />

## Creating Your Account

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download High IQ">
    Get the app from the [App Store](https://thisiswhyimhigh.com/app). High IQ is free to download and use.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Tap Get Started">
    When you open the app for the first time, you'll see a welcome screen introducing High IQ. Tap **Get Started** to begin the sign-up process.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Your Sign-In Method">
    You'll be presented with two options:

    * **Continue with Apple** — Uses your Apple ID. You can choose to share or hide your email address using Apple's private relay feature.
    * **Continue with Google** — Uses your Google account. Your name and profile photo are imported automatically.

    <Tip>
      **Sign in with Apple** is recommended on iOS. It supports Face ID and Touch ID for fast, seamless authentication on future logins.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm Permissions">
    Depending on your sign-in method, you may be asked to confirm permissions through Apple or Google's standard consent flow. This is a one-time step.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete Your Profile">
    After signing in, you can optionally set a display name and avatar. These are visible only within the app and are not shared publicly.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start Exploring">
    You are now signed in and ready to go. The app opens to your Dashboard, where you can begin discovering strains, building your stash, and more.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What Information Do We Collect?

When you create an account, the following is stored:

| Information          | Source                          | Purpose                               |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| Name                 | Apple/Google profile            | Display name in the app               |
| Email                | Apple/Google profile            | Account identification (never shared) |
| Profile photo        | Apple/Google profile (optional) | Avatar display                        |
| Authentication token | Clerk                           | Secure session management             |

<Note>
  If you use **Sign in with Apple** and choose to hide your email, Apple generates a private relay address (e.g., `abc123@privaterelay.appleid.com`). High IQ never sees your real email in this case.
</Note>

Your account data is stored securely through Clerk (authentication) and Convex (user data). We do not sell or share your personal information. See our [Data & Privacy](/help/account/data-privacy) page for full details.

## Signing In on a New Device

Since High IQ uses Apple or Google authentication, signing in on a new device is straightforward:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open High IQ">
    Download and open the app on your new device.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose the Same Sign-In Method">
    Select the same Apple or Google account you originally used. Your data syncs automatically.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify Your Identity">
    Complete Face ID, Touch ID, or your Google account verification. No separate password is needed.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Make sure you sign in with the **same method** you originally used. If you created your account with Apple, signing in with Google will create a separate, empty account.
</Warning>

## Troubleshooting Sign-Up

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="I don't see the sign-in options">
    Make sure you have a stable internet connection. The sign-in screen requires connectivity to reach Clerk's authentication servers. Try closing and reopening the app.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Apple sign-in fails with an error">
    Go to **Settings > Apple ID > Sign-In & Security** on your device and ensure you are signed in to your Apple ID. Also check that High IQ has not been restricted under **Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions**.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Google sign-in shows a blank screen">
    This can happen if Google Play Services is out of date or if a VPN is interfering. Try disabling your VPN temporarily and ensure your Google account is active.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I accidentally created two accounts">
    If you signed in with both Apple and Google, you may have two separate accounts. Contact support and we can help merge them.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Snippet file="app-download-cta.mdx" />

## Related Articles

* [App Overview](/help/getting-started/app-overview) — Learn what each tab does
* [Your First Session](/help/getting-started/first-session) — What to do first in the app
* [Managing Your Profile](/help/account/managing-profile) — Edit your name, avatar, and preferences
* [Data & Privacy](/help/account/data-privacy) — How your data is stored and protected

<Snippet file="contact-support.mdx" />