CharlesErb

Q: mac keeps asking for iCloud password

My Mac keeps asking me for my iCloud password. I am not aware of having set one up. It does not accept my apple account password. When I sign in to the manage apple id web page, I cannot see anything about app specific passwords and I cannot work out what to do when I fail a couple of times and a dialog box comes up asking me to create an app specific password, but the link takes me to an apple page with a big advert on it, but nothing about passwords. I regard myself as technically very competent, but this has me completely stumped!!!

 

Can anyone help please.

 

TIA

 

Charles

Mac mini, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5)

Posted on Feb 4, 2016 11:11 AM

Close

Q: mac keeps asking for iCloud password

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by gail from maine,Solvedanswer

    gail from maine gail from maine Feb 4, 2016 11:27 AM in response to CharlesErb
    Level 7 (26,129 points)
    iCloud
    Feb 4, 2016 11:27 AM in response to CharlesErb

    An App-specific password is used for apps like Messages and FaceTime when you are using Two Step Verification.

     

    It's not really very intuitive, but you want to go to the Manage your Apple ID page, then click Edit in the Security section. This will take you to a more detailed page with a section for creating an App-specific password. Click on Generate Password, then you should be able to copy and paste that password into the password box in the sign into iCloud window that is appearing.

     

    You would also want to keep a note of that password, so you can use it again if needed, however, you can also always revoke it and create a new one if the need arises.

     

    Cheers,

     

    GB

  • by CharlesErb,

    CharlesErb CharlesErb Feb 4, 2016 11:27 AM in response to gail from maine
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 4, 2016 11:27 AM in response to gail from maine

    Thanks Gail.

    You're right, it is counterintuitive!

  • by gail from maine,

    gail from maine gail from maine Feb 4, 2016 11:30 AM in response to CharlesErb
    Level 7 (26,129 points)
    iCloud
    Feb 4, 2016 11:30 AM in response to CharlesErb

    Yeah - took me awhile to figure it out (even after reading the support article). The good news is that since I got the required ones in, I've not been asked for the password(s) again....

     

    Here's the support article FYI:

     

    Using app-specific passwords - Apple Support

     

    Cheers,

     

    GB