I receive an “Authentication Failed” error every time I try to log in to my iCloud email. I’ve tried the solutions to make it work on my phone, but I can’t open my emails on any other device either (it gives me a “server not responding” error). I’m about ready to lose my mind. How can I fix this??
iPhone 13, iOS 18
First, check the status of the iCloud servers and your local network.
Check Apple System Status: Go to the official Apple System Status page and look for Apple ID and iCloud. If they are not marked with a green circle, the issue is on Apple's end, and you'll need to wait for them to resolve it.
Verify Internet Connection: Ensure you have a strong and stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection. A weak signal can prevent successful connection and authentication. Try restarting your Wi-Fi router.
Disable VPN/Security Software: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or third-party antivirus/firewall software can sometimes interfere with the connection to Apple's servers. Try temporarily disabling them.
If the servers are fine, the problem is likely on your device or with your account settings.
Restart Your Device: A simple restart (iPhone, iPad, or Mac) can often clear up temporary glitches causing the error.
Sign Out and Sign Back In:
Go to Settings (or System Settings on Mac) and tap on your name/Apple ID at the top.
Scroll down and tap Sign Out (you may be asked to keep copies of some data).
Restart your device.
Go back to Settings and tap Sign in to your [Device] to log back in with your Apple ID and password, including the two-factor authentication code if required.
Update Software: Ensure your device is running the latest version of iOS/iPadOS or macOS. Go to Settings > General > Software Update or System Settings > General > Software Update.
Check Date and Time: Make sure your device's date, time, and time zone are set automatically.
Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and ensure Set Automatically is toggled on. The time must match Apple's servers for authentication to work.
If the above steps don't work, try these more advanced solutions.
Reset Network Settings: This will reset all Wi-Fi passwords, cellular settings, and VPN settings, which can resolve underlying network conflicts.
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device] > Reset > Reset Network Settings. You will need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password afterward.
Change Your Apple ID Password: Even if you think your password is correct, changing it can sometimes force a successful re-authentication.
Go to Settings and tap on your name/Apple ID > Sign-In & Security > Change Password.
If you continue to experience the issue after trying all these steps, the next best action is to contact Apple Support directly for personalized assistance, as they can check your specific account status.
First, check the status of the iCloud servers and your local network.
Check Apple System Status: Go to the official Apple System Status page and look for Apple ID and iCloud. If they are not marked with a green circle, the issue is on Apple's end, and you'll need to wait for them to resolve it.
Verify Internet Connection: Ensure you have a strong and stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection. A weak signal can prevent successful connection and authentication. Try restarting your Wi-Fi router.
Disable VPN/Security Software: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or third-party antivirus/firewall software can sometimes interfere with the connection to Apple's servers. Try temporarily disabling them.
If the servers are fine, the problem is likely on your device or with your account settings.
Restart Your Device: A simple restart (iPhone, iPad, or Mac) can often clear up temporary glitches causing the error.
Sign Out and Sign Back In:
Go to Settings (or System Settings on Mac) and tap on your name/Apple ID at the top.
Scroll down and tap Sign Out (you may be asked to keep copies of some data).
Restart your device.
Go back to Settings and tap Sign in to your [Device] to log back in with your Apple ID and password, including the two-factor authentication code if required.
Update Software: Ensure your device is running the latest version of iOS/iPadOS or macOS. Go to Settings > General > Software Update or System Settings > General > Software Update.
Check Date and Time: Make sure your device's date, time, and time zone are set automatically.
Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and ensure Set Automatically is toggled on. The time must match Apple's servers for authentication to work.
If the above steps don't work, try these more advanced solutions.
Reset Network Settings: This will reset all Wi-Fi passwords, cellular settings, and VPN settings, which can resolve underlying network conflicts.
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device] > Reset > Reset Network Settings. You will need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password afterward.
Change Your Apple ID Password: Even if you think your password is correct, changing it can sometimes force a successful re-authentication.
Go to Settings and tap on your name/Apple ID > Sign-In & Security > Change Password.
If you continue to experience the issue after trying all these steps, the next best action is to contact Apple Support directly for personalized assistance, as they can check your specific account status.
iCloud Authentication Failed and server not responding
