Why Register a US Apple ID?
In-app subscriptions for ChatGPT and Claude memberships are fully available on the US App Store. However, the Hong Kong and Macau App Stores may have limited availability or restrictions for these subscriptions. By registering a US Apple ID, you can easily subscribe through Apple's in-app purchase system.
Prerequisites
- An email address not already associated with any Apple ID (Gmail or Outlook recommended)
Step 1: Create a US Apple Account on the Web
- Open account.apple.com in your browser
- Click "Create Your Apple Account"
- Enter your First Name and Last Name
- Set Country/Region to "United States"
- Select your Birthday
- Enter your prepared email address, then set and confirm your password
- Phone verification: Change the Country Options to "+852 (Hong Kong)" or "+853 (Macau)", enter your local phone number, and select "Text message" to receive a verification code
- Complete the CAPTCHA and click "Continue"
- Follow the prompts to verify your email and phone number
Step 2: Sign In on iPhone / iPad
Important: Only switch accounts in the App Store app — do NOT sign in with the US account in Settings → Apple ID, as this will affect your iCloud data.
- Open the App Store
- Tap your profile icon (top right)
- Scroll to the bottom and tap "Sign Out"
- Sign in with your US Apple ID
- The App Store will automatically switch to the US store
Step 3: Enter a US Address
You'll need a US address when first signing in to the App Store or adding a payment method. We recommend using an address from a sales-tax-free state so you won't be charged extra tax on App Store purchases.
Open Google Maps, search for "Portland, Oregon", click on any location on the map, and note down the Street, City, State, and ZIP code.
Select "None" for payment method or set it up later — no credit card is required at this stage.
Step 4: Add a Payment Method (Apple Gift Card)
Since Hong Kong/Macau credit cards typically don't work with US Apple ID accounts, you'll need to use a US Apple Gift Card to add funds:
- Purchase a US Apple Gift Card from:
- Amazon.com
- Various gift card reseller platforms
- Apple's official website
- Sign in to your US Apple ID in the App Store
- Tap your profile icon (top right) → "Redeem Gift Card or Code"
- Enter the gift card code to add funds
Step 5: Subscribe to ChatGPT / Claude Membership
Since ChatGPT and Claude may not be directly accessible in some regions, please set up OpenHK proxy service first to ensure a stable connection before proceeding.
- Search for and download ChatGPT or Claude from the US App Store
- Open the app and choose "Sign in with Google"
- If phone number verification is required, grab a US number from OpenHK SMS Verification — pay in HKD, with an automatic full refund if no code arrives.
- Navigate to the subscription page and select the membership plan
- Complete the in-app purchase using your Apple Gift Card balance
Step 6: Switch Back to Your HK/Macau Account
After subscribing, you can switch back to your original account:
- Open the App Store
- Tap your profile icon → Sign Out
- Sign back in with your Hong Kong/Macau Apple ID
Your installed apps and active subscriptions will remain intact after switching accounts.
Tips
- Keep both accounts: Maintain both your HK/Macau and US Apple IDs and switch as needed
- Apps persist: Downloaded apps continue to work after switching accounts
- Auto-renewal: Subscriptions renew automatically through the US account — make sure your Gift Card balance is sufficient
- Manage subscriptions: To manage or cancel subscriptions, switch back to the US Apple ID and go to Settings → Subscriptions
- Use with OpenHK: If you have trouble accessing ChatGPT or Claude services in your region, pair with OpenHK proxy service for a stable connection