"There was an error connecting to the Apple ID server"

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colmshan1990 Author

Level 1

11 points

"There was an error connecting to the Apple ID server"

Since updating my Macbook Pro 13" (2018, with touchbar) to Big Sur, I have been unable to sign in to any service which requires my Apple ID.

I cannot access the Appstore to update or download Apps. I cannot use Mail, I can't even use Maps on my Macbook.

Despite this, I have full access to my Apple ID account, as evidenced by posting here (using a browser on my Macbook). On my other Apple device (iPad Air 2), I have full access to all services. This is not an issue with my Apple ID.

I have changed the password after the first few failed attempts, but neither the old or new password generated any response.

I do not understand what is causing this issue. I also do not know if it is safe to attempt to reset the laptop. I tried to sign out of my Apple ID in system preferences, but this requires me to enter my password to turn off Find My Mac. This request fails each time, with the same error message "There was an error connecting to the Apple ID server"

MacBook Pro with Touch Bar

Posted on Nov 17, 2020 12:55 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Eric Root

Level 10

684,573 points

Nov 17, 2020 1:15 PM in response to colmshan1990

Are you running any anti - virus programs? Using a VPN?

Try setting up another admin user account in System Preferences/Users & Groups to see if the same problem continues. Also try the Safe Mode.

Isolating an issue by using another user account

Safe Mode - About.

If it works in the Safe Mode, try running this program when booted normally and then copy and paste the output in a reply. The program was created by Etresoft, a frequent contributor. Please use copy and paste as screen shots can be hard to read. Click “Share Report” button in the toolbar, select “Copy to Clipboard” and then paste into a reply. This will show what is running on your computer. No personal information is shown. If the log won’t post, try posting it in Pastebin and provide a link in a reply. After pasting the report in a PasteBin page, go to the top of the page, and copy the address in the URL bar. Paste that in a new reply. Pastebin.

Etrecheck – System Information.

Web site version if required. https://etrecheck.com

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Answer 2

colmshan1990 Author

Level 1

11 points

Nov 17, 2020 2:48 PM in response to Eric Root

Thank you!

I went through everything you described. First tested with a new user, same issue. But I was able to log in to the AppStore using safe mode.

I don't use a VPN, but I do use antivirus software... MalwareBytes, and Clean MyMac X also has some malware protection function.

So after rebooting back into 'normal' mode, I disabled both, and was able to use the Appstore and update apps. I enabled MalwareBytes protection again and the updates continued. But they stalled once I turned on CleanMyMac X. So that's been uninstallled for now, and the Appstore is working again.

Thanks!

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Answer 3

Eric Root

Level 10

684,573 points

Nov 17, 2020 7:01 PM in response to colmshan1990

You are welcome. Most posters recommend not using cleaning programs. They can destroy normal computer operations.

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"There was an error connecting to the Apple ID server"

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