How to create an account

Create your own account to track your progress, have fun with your friends, and enjoy all the features we offer!

📚 If you're getting error RG45 or RP13 when creating your account, please refer to this article: I'm getting error code RG45, what should I do?

Web

Steps	Image
Visit the Sign-Up page From the Chess.com home page, click 'Sign Up' on the left-side menu Alternatively, you can click here
Choose your sign-up method You can sign up using an email address, Facebook, Google, or Apple. If you choose a social media account, you will be prompted to log in with that account. Once signed in, your social media login info will be linked to your new Chess.com account, so you won't need to create a separate password. You will simply log in through your chosen social media account.
Select your skill level Choose your skill level to determine your starting rating: New to chess - 400 Beginner - 800 Intermediate - 1200 Advanced - 1600
Enter your email and password Please enter an email you have access to to activate your account. Choose a strong password that is at least 8 characters long and includes letters and numbers. Weak passwords (e.g., 123456) will not be accepted.
Pick your username This is the name others will see when playing chess. Ensure it follows community guidelines. If the name is already taken, you’ll need to choose another.
Customize your chessboard and pieces Choose a theme for how you want your chessboard and pieces to look. This can be changed or customized further after you finish creating your account.
Connect with friends You can select friends to connect with from Facebook or invite them by email. Click 'Later' to skip this step.
Enable notifications Choose whether you want to enable notifications or not.

Mobile

Steps	Image
Visit the Sign-Up page Tap 'Sign Up' at the top left corner of your screen. If you are using an Android device this option will be at the top left corner.
Choose your Sign-Up method You can sign up using an email address, Facebook, Google, or Apple. If you choose a social media account, you will be prompted to sign into your social media account. Once signed in, your social media login info will be linked to your new Chess.com account, so you won't need to create a separate password. You will simply log in through your chosen social media account.
Pick your username This is the name others will see when playing chess. Ensure it follows community guidelines. If the name is already taken, you’ll need to choose another. Click 'Create Account' when you've got your username.
Select your skill level Choose your skill level to determine your starting rating: New to chess - 400 Beginner - 800 Intermediate - 1200 Advanced - 1600
Customize your chessboard and pieces Choose a theme for how you want your chessboard and pieces to look This can be changed or customized further after you finish creating your account
Connect with friends You can select friends to connect with from Facebook or invite them by email. Click 'Later' to skip this step.

Activate your account!

Please remember to check your email! Once your account is created, you'll receive an activation email that's essential for full access to our platform.

You won’t be able to chat or post in forums until your account is activated. If you don't see the email in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you still can’t find it, contact support for assistance.

After activating your account, you'll need to participate in 10 games of any type to fully unlock your account for normal posting and chatting.

What is Chess.com?

How can I contribute to the Chess.com community?

How do I become a Chess.com affiliate?

How do I connect my USCF ID to my Chess.com account?