> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.creatures.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Creating your account and signing in

The same **Join Free** window creates a new account or signs you back in. Choose email, text message, Google, Facebook, or X; Creatures recognizes whether the account already exists.

## Choose a sign-in method

Select **Join Free** or **Sign in**, then choose the method that is easiest for you.

![Join Free choices for email, phone, Google, Facebook, and X](https://cdn-test.creatures.com/ff5/869/709/86586.png?width=1760)

- **Email:** enter your address and select **Continue**. Creatures emails a six-digit code and a one-time link.
- **Phone:** when phone sign-in is available, enter a US or Canadian mobile number and select **Text me a code**, then enter the six-digit code from the message.
- **Google, Facebook, or X:** choose the provider and approve the sign-in there.

There is no Creatures password to create or remember. A new code or one-time link protects each email or phone sign-in.

## Finish an email sign-in

The most reliable option is to enter the six-digit code in the same browser where you started. If you open the email link instead, Creatures shows **Confirm your sign-in** before changing the signed-in account. Check the masked email, then select **Continue as** or **Continue with** that address.

![Confirm your sign-in card for the masked Help Center email with Continue as, Use a different email, and one-time-link protection](https://cdn-test.creatures.com/c79/81a/3e5/d82e5.png?width=1760)

The link works once and expires after one hour. If it has expired or was already used, select **Email me a fresh link**. If Creatures says too many new links were requested, wait an hour before trying again.

## If the link opened in the wrong place

Email apps and social apps sometimes open links inside their own small browser. That browser may not share the Creatures sign-in you use in Safari or Chrome.

Return to the browser where you entered your email and use the six-digit code. Or copy the link into Safari or Chrome, confirm the sign-in there, and [add Creatures to your home screen](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/getting-creatures-on-your-phone-add-it-to-your-home-screen-nadbx1/) for a reliable app-like shortcut.

## Add a recovery phone

After signing in with email or a social account, Creatures may suggest **Add a recovery phone**. Adding and verifying a number gives you another safe way back into the account. It also lets you turn on text alerts later. For the verification steps, see [Verifying your phone number](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/verifying-your-phone-number-1n2mfmy/).

### Related information

- [What is Creatures?](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/what-is-creatures-1c5f9ow/)
- [Your home screen and getting started](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/your-home-screen-and-getting-started-1pvqu49/)
- [Getting Creatures on your phone (add it to your home screen)](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/getting-creatures-on-your-phone-add-it-to-your-home-screen-nadbx1/)