Initial verification sweep for account sign ups (#24005)

akristen · web-flow · commit f61c34a1f685 · 2026-01-23T09:09:37.000-06:00
This PR adds minor adjustments to sign up procedures in prerequisite
sections.

* Adding one word `verified` to instances of `Docker account` in
prerequisite sections is a subtle, unobtrusive change that returning,
verified users can gloss over, while still prompting new users to verify
their email if they haven't yet.
* Changes stick to specific instances in `## Prerequisite` sections and
does not add `verified` to every instance (which would be obtrusive).
* Edits to Create Account doc to remove redundant callouts, consolidate
steps for shorter procedures, and add context about verification.
* If an instance of `Docker account` links to /create-account and not
the sign up page, I did not add `verification`.
* **Note**: we may want to consider a direct link to a sign up page
rather than linking them to a create account page. This can be a
separate PR, however.
diff --git a/content/get-started/docker-concepts/the-basics/what-is-a-registry.md b/content/get-started/docker-concepts/the-basics/what-is-a-registry.md
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ In this hands-on, you will learn how to build and push a Docker image to the Doc
 
 ### Sign up for a free Docker account
 
-1. If you haven't created one yet, head over to the [Docker Hub](https://hub.docker.com) page to sign up for a new Docker account.
+1. If you haven't created one yet, head over to the [Docker Hub](https://hub.docker.com) page to sign up for a new Docker account. Be sure to finish the verification steps sent to your email.
 
     ![Screenshot of the official Docker Hub page showing the Sign up page](images/dockerhub-signup.webp?border)
 
diff --git a/content/guides/angular/configure-github-actions.md b/content/guides/angular/configure-github-actions.md
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ Complete all the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Containerize an
 
 You must also have:
 - A [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account.
-- A [Docker Hub](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account.
+- A verified [Docker Hub](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account.
 
 ---
 
diff --git a/content/guides/bun/configure-ci-cd.md b/content/guides/bun/configure-ci-cd.md
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ aliases:
 
 ## Prerequisites
 
-Complete all the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Containerize a Bun application](containerize.md). You must have a [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account and a [Docker](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account to complete this section.
+Complete all the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Containerize a Bun application](containerize.md). You must have a [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account and a verified [Docker](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account to complete this section.
 
 ## Overview
 
diff --git a/content/guides/cpp/configure-ci-cd.md b/content/guides/cpp/configure-ci-cd.md
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ aliases:
 
 ## Prerequisites
 
-Complete all the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Containerize a C++ application](containerize.md). You must have a [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account and a [Docker](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account to complete this section.
+Complete all the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Containerize a C++ application](containerize.md). You must have a [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account and a verified [Docker](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account to complete this section.
 
 ## Overview
 
diff --git a/content/guides/deno/configure-ci-cd.md b/content/guides/deno/configure-ci-cd.md
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ aliases:
 
 ## Prerequisites
 
-Complete all the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Containerize a Deno application](containerize.md). You must have a [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account and a [Docker](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account to complete this section.
+Complete all the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Containerize a Deno application](containerize.md). You must have a [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account and a verified [Docker](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account to complete this section.
 
 ## Overview
 
diff --git a/content/guides/dotnet/configure-ci-cd.md b/content/guides/dotnet/configure-ci-cd.md
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ aliases:
 
 ## Prerequisites
 
-Complete all the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Containerize a .NET application](containerize.md). You must have a [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account and a [Docker](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account to complete this section.
+Complete all the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Containerize a .NET application](containerize.md). You must have a [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account and a verified [Docker](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account to complete this section.
 
 ## Overview
 
diff --git a/content/guides/gha.md b/content/guides/gha.md
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ Docker builds. Use it as-is, or extend it further to fit your needs.
 
 If you want to follow along with the guide, ensure you have the following:
 
-- A Docker account.
+- A verified Docker account.
 - Familiarity with Dockerfiles.
 
 This guide assumes basic knowledge of Docker concepts but provides explanations
diff --git a/content/guides/golang/configure-ci-cd.md b/content/guides/golang/configure-ci-cd.md
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ aliases:
 
 ## Prerequisites
 
-Complete the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Build your Go image](build-images.md). You must have a [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account and a [Docker](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account to complete this section.
+Complete the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Build your Go image](build-images.md). You must have a [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account and a verified [Docker](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account to complete this section.
 
 ## Overview
 
diff --git a/content/guides/java/configure-ci-cd.md b/content/guides/java/configure-ci-cd.md
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ aliases:
 
 ## Prerequisites
 
-Complete the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Containerize your app](containerize.md). You must have a [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account and a [Docker](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account to complete this section.
+Complete the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Containerize your app](containerize.md). You must have a [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account and a verified [Docker](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account to complete this section.
 
 ## Overview
 
diff --git a/content/guides/nodejs/configure-github-actions.md b/content/guides/nodejs/configure-github-actions.md
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ Complete all the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Containerize a
 You must also have:
 
 - A [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account.
-- A [Docker Hub](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account.
+- A verified [Docker Hub](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account.
 
 ---
 
diff --git a/content/guides/php/configure-ci-cd.md b/content/guides/php/configure-ci-cd.md
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ aliases:
 
 ## Prerequisites
 
-Complete all the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Containerize a PHP application](containerize.md). You must have a [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account and a [Docker](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account to complete this section.
+Complete all the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Containerize a PHP application](containerize.md). You must have a [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account and a verified [Docker](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account to complete this section.
 
 ## Overview
 
diff --git a/content/guides/python/configure-github-actions.md b/content/guides/python/configure-github-actions.md
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ aliases:
 
 ## Prerequisites
 
-Complete all the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Containerize a Python application](containerize.md). You must have a [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account and a [Docker](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account to complete this section.
+Complete all the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Containerize a Python application](containerize.md). You must have a [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account and a verified [Docker](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account to complete this section.
 
 If you didn't create a [GitHub repository](https://github.com/new) for your project yet, it is time to do it. After creating the repository, don't forget to [add a remote](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/getting-started-with-git/managing-remote-repositories) and ensure you can commit and [push your code](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/using-git/pushing-commits-to-a-remote-repository#about-git-push) to GitHub.
 
diff --git a/content/guides/r/configure-ci-cd.md b/content/guides/r/configure-ci-cd.md
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ aliases:
 
 ## Prerequisites
 
-Complete all the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Containerize a R application](containerize.md). You must have a [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account and a [Docker](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account to complete this section.
+Complete all the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Containerize a R application](containerize.md). You must have a [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account and a verified [Docker](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account to complete this section.
 
 ## Overview
 
diff --git a/content/guides/reactjs/configure-github-actions.md b/content/guides/reactjs/configure-github-actions.md
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ Complete all the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Containerize Re
 
 You must also have:
 - A [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account.
-- A [Docker Hub](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account.
+- A verified [Docker Hub](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account.
 
 ---
 
diff --git a/content/guides/ruby/configure-github-actions.md b/content/guides/ruby/configure-github-actions.md
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ aliases:
 
 ## Prerequisites
 
-Complete all the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Containerize a Ruby on Rails application](containerize.md). You must have a [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account and a [Docker](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account to complete this section.
+Complete all the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Containerize a Ruby on Rails application](containerize.md). You must have a [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account and a verified [Docker](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account to complete this section.
 
 If you didn't create a [GitHub repository](https://github.com/new) for your project yet, it is time to do it. After creating the repository, don't forget to [add a remote](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/getting-started-with-git/managing-remote-repositories) and ensure you can commit and [push your code](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/using-git/pushing-commits-to-a-remote-repository#about-git-push) to GitHub.
 
diff --git a/content/guides/rust/configure-ci-cd.md b/content/guides/rust/configure-ci-cd.md
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ aliases:
 
 ## Prerequisites
 
-Complete the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Develop your Rust application](develop.md). You must have a [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account and a [Docker](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account to complete this section.
+Complete the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Develop your Rust application](develop.md). You must have a [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account and a verified [Docker](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account to complete this section.
 
 ## Overview
 
diff --git a/content/guides/vuejs/configure-github-actions.md b/content/guides/vuejs/configure-github-actions.md
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ Complete all the previous sections of this guide, starting with [Containerize an
 
 You must also have:
 - A [GitHub](https://github.com/signup) account.
-- A [Docker Hub](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account.
+- A verified [Docker Hub](https://hub.docker.com/signup) account.
 
 ---
 
diff --git a/content/manuals/accounts/create-account.md b/content/manuals/accounts/create-account.md
@@ -19,50 +19,35 @@ Your Docker ID becomes your username for hosted Docker services, and
 
 > [!TIP]
 >
-> Explore [Docker's subscriptions](https://www.docker.com/pricing/) to see what
-else Docker can offer you.
+> Explore [Docker's subscriptions](https://www.docker.com/pricing/) to see what else Docker can offer you.
 
 ## Create an account
 
-You can sign up with an email address or use your Google or GitHub account.
+Signing up with an email address, Google, or GitHub account requires additional verification to complete account creation:
+
+- If you sign up with Google or GitHub, you must first verify your email address with that provider.
+- If you sign up with an email address, Docker sends a verification email. Follow the procedures in that email to verify your account and complete the sign-up process.
+
+Docker blocks sign-in until you've verified your account. 
 
 ### Sign up with your email
 
-1. Go to the [Docker sign-up page](https://app.docker.com/signup/).
-1. Enter a unique, valid email address.
+1. Go to the [Docker sign-up page](https://app.docker.com/signup/) and enter a unique, valid email address.
 1. Enter a username to use as your Docker ID. Once you create your Docker ID
-you can't reuse it in the future if you deactivate this account.
-
-    Your username:
+you can't reuse it in the future if you deactivate this account. Your username:
     - Must be between 4 and 30 characters long
     - Can only contain numbers and lowercase letters
-
-1. Enter a password that's at least 9 characters long.
-1. Select **Sign Up**.
-1. Open your email client. Docker sends a verification email to the
-address you provided.
-1. Verify your email address to complete the registration process.
-
-> [!NOTE]
->
-> You must verify your email address before you have full access to Docker's
-features.
+1. Choose a password that's at least 9 characters long, then select **Sign Up**.
+1. Verify your email address when you receive the Docker verification email. This completes the registration process.
 
 ### Sign up with Google or GitHub
 
-> [!IMPORTANT]
->
-> To sign up with your social provider, you must verify your email address with
-your provider before you begin.
-
 1. Go to the [Docker sign-up page](https://app.docker.com/signup/).
 1. Select your social provider, Google or GitHub.
 1. Select the social account you want to link to your Docker account.
 1. Select **Authorize Docker** to let Docker access your social account
 information. You will be re-routed to the sign-up page.
-1. Enter a username to use as your Docker ID.
-
-    Your username:
+1. Enter a username to use as your Docker ID. Your username:
     - Must be between 4 and 30 characters long
     - Can only contain numbers and lowercase letters
 1. Select **Sign up**.
@@ -82,10 +67,6 @@ To reset your password, see [Reset your password](#reset-your-password).
 
 ### Sign in with Google or GitHub
 
-> [!IMPORTANT]
->
-> Your Google or GitHub account must have a verified email address.
-
 You can sign in using your Google or GitHub credentials. If your social
 account uses the same email address as an existing Docker ID, the
 accounts are automatically linked.
diff --git a/content/manuals/admin/organization/onboard.md b/content/manuals/admin/organization/onboard.md
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ with your organization's domain, or create a new account with that email.
    their email address in your organization's domain.
    - To create a new account, instruct your users to
    [sign up](https://hub.docker.com/signup) using their email address associated
-   with your organization's domain.
+   with your organization's domain. Ensure your users verify their email address.
 1. Identify Docker accounts associated with your organization's domain:
    - Ask your Docker sales representative or
    [contact sales](https://www.docker.com/pricing/contact-sales/) to get a list
diff --git a/content/manuals/docker-hub/quickstart.md b/content/manuals/docker-hub/quickstart.md
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ through creating a custom image and sharing it through Docker Hub.
 ## Prerequisites
 
 - [Download and install Docker](../../get-started/get-docker.md)
-- [Create a Docker account](https://app.docker.com/signup)
+- A verified [Docker](https://app.docker.com/signup) account
 
 ## Step 1: Find an image in Docker Hub's library
 
diff --git a/content/manuals/docker-hub/repos/manage/hub-images/move.md b/content/manuals/docker-hub/repos/manage/hub-images/move.md
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ organized under the correct accounts or namespaces.
 
 When consolidating personal repositories, you can pull private images from the initial repository and push them into another repository owned by you. To avoid losing your private images, perform the following steps:
 
-1. [Sign up](https://app.docker.com/signup) for a new Docker account with a personal subscription.
+1. [Sign up](https://app.docker.com/signup) for a new Docker account with a personal subscription. (Be sure to verify your account after you've signed up.)
 2. Sign in to [Docker](https://app.docker.com/login) using your original Docker account
 3. Pull your images:
 
