Icloud log in

can't get logged into my icloud account on my mac using Mojave. No problem on my phone.

Posted on Jan 18, 2023 2:08 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 23, 2023 10:45 AM

Hi Roycash108,


Do you use a VPN or other security software? This software can sometimes block connections to servers and may prevent iCloud from syncing properly. If so, this article has some steps that may help: Check VPN (Virtual Private Network) and third-party software to help resolve network connectivity issues.

"

VPN and other third-party software that monitors or interacts with your network connections may cause connectivity issues with your Apple devices. You could see issues like these, but without an obvious cause like a network or internet outage. 

  • Your device can’t connect to Wi-Fi, or after connecting to Wi-Fi, your device can’t access the internet.
  • Your Mac is connected to the network via Ethernet but can’t access the internet. 
  • Your device can’t connect to the App Store to buy or download content.
  • Your device can’t use AirPlay or Continuity features.
  • Your device can't back up to iCloud (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac) or Time Machine (Mac). 

Although network connectivity issues can have other causes, this article is intended to help you rule out issues with VPN or third-party security apps. Before taking other steps, review the issue-specific articles at the bottom of this page for additional guidance.


Check basic settings on your device

Start by checking some basic settings:

  • Make sure the date, time, and time zone are set accurately on your device. Learn how to set the date and time on your MaciPhoneiPad, or iPod touch.
  • Make sure your device's software is up to date. Install any available software updates and then restart your device. 
  • Restart your modem and router. 
  • Try switching to another network. If your connectivity issue is resolved by joining a different network, check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or network administrator to make sure your network is working properly for the features and apps you want to use.


Check for VPN connections and third-party firewall or security software

Some types of software, including VPN apps or configuration profiles, may have settings or restrictions that can cause connectivity issues. Types of software that could affect connectivity include: 

  • VPN (Virtual Private Network) apps
  • Managed configuration profiles
  • Firewall apps
  • Anti-virus apps
  • Parental control apps
  • Content blockers

Review the apps on your device to see if these types of apps or configuration profiles are installed. 

On iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, scroll through your installed apps and check for VPN software or configuration profiles in Settings. 

  • Settings > General > VPN (even if it says Not Connected)
  • Settings > General > Profile (if this option doesn't exist, profiles are not installed)

On Mac, check your Applications folder in the Finder and check for configuration profiles in System Preferences > Profiles. 

If any of these types of apps are installed on your device, you may need to delete them to resolve the connectivity issue. Use caution if you choose to do this, since deleting an app or changing a configuration profile could affect how you use your device. For example, if you delete a configuration profile installed by your organization or school, your device may not work with that network.


Use caution if you choose to delete VPN apps or other software

Before you delete any software, you may want to contact the app developer for more information about how the app works with your network, and whether it could cause connectivity issues. For configuration profiles, contact the system administrator for the organization or school that asked you to install it.

On iPhone, iPad and iPod touch: Learn how to delete apps and configuration profiles. If you delete VPN, security or networking apps, also reset your device's network settings

On Mac: Learn how to delete apps and configuration profiles. If you delete VPN, security or networking apps, you may need to take additional steps. Work with the software developer to fully uninstall their software. Then restart your Mac. 

Third-party software might have a subscription to access certain features or services. If you don’t plan to keep using the software, make sure to cancel your subscription.

"

If the issue persists, and you need further assistance, Contact Apple Support. They can take a closer look with you.


Take care.


9 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 23, 2023 10:45 AM in response to Roycash108

Hi Roycash108,


Do you use a VPN or other security software? This software can sometimes block connections to servers and may prevent iCloud from syncing properly. If so, this article has some steps that may help: Check VPN (Virtual Private Network) and third-party software to help resolve network connectivity issues.

"

VPN and other third-party software that monitors or interacts with your network connections may cause connectivity issues with your Apple devices. You could see issues like these, but without an obvious cause like a network or internet outage. 

  • Your device can’t connect to Wi-Fi, or after connecting to Wi-Fi, your device can’t access the internet.
  • Your Mac is connected to the network via Ethernet but can’t access the internet. 
  • Your device can’t connect to the App Store to buy or download content.
  • Your device can’t use AirPlay or Continuity features.
  • Your device can't back up to iCloud (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac) or Time Machine (Mac). 

Although network connectivity issues can have other causes, this article is intended to help you rule out issues with VPN or third-party security apps. Before taking other steps, review the issue-specific articles at the bottom of this page for additional guidance.


Check basic settings on your device

Start by checking some basic settings:

  • Make sure the date, time, and time zone are set accurately on your device. Learn how to set the date and time on your MaciPhoneiPad, or iPod touch.
  • Make sure your device's software is up to date. Install any available software updates and then restart your device. 
  • Restart your modem and router. 
  • Try switching to another network. If your connectivity issue is resolved by joining a different network, check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or network administrator to make sure your network is working properly for the features and apps you want to use.


Check for VPN connections and third-party firewall or security software

Some types of software, including VPN apps or configuration profiles, may have settings or restrictions that can cause connectivity issues. Types of software that could affect connectivity include: 

  • VPN (Virtual Private Network) apps
  • Managed configuration profiles
  • Firewall apps
  • Anti-virus apps
  • Parental control apps
  • Content blockers

Review the apps on your device to see if these types of apps or configuration profiles are installed. 

On iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, scroll through your installed apps and check for VPN software or configuration profiles in Settings. 

  • Settings > General > VPN (even if it says Not Connected)
  • Settings > General > Profile (if this option doesn't exist, profiles are not installed)

On Mac, check your Applications folder in the Finder and check for configuration profiles in System Preferences > Profiles. 

If any of these types of apps are installed on your device, you may need to delete them to resolve the connectivity issue. Use caution if you choose to do this, since deleting an app or changing a configuration profile could affect how you use your device. For example, if you delete a configuration profile installed by your organization or school, your device may not work with that network.


Use caution if you choose to delete VPN apps or other software

Before you delete any software, you may want to contact the app developer for more information about how the app works with your network, and whether it could cause connectivity issues. For configuration profiles, contact the system administrator for the organization or school that asked you to install it.

On iPhone, iPad and iPod touch: Learn how to delete apps and configuration profiles. If you delete VPN, security or networking apps, also reset your device's network settings

On Mac: Learn how to delete apps and configuration profiles. If you delete VPN, security or networking apps, you may need to take additional steps. Work with the software developer to fully uninstall their software. Then restart your Mac. 

Third-party software might have a subscription to access certain features or services. If you don’t plan to keep using the software, make sure to cancel your subscription.

"

If the issue persists, and you need further assistance, Contact Apple Support. They can take a closer look with you.


Take care.


Jan 20, 2023 8:43 AM in response to Roycash108

Roycash108,


Got it. We'd like to provide you with a few more additional steps that can help to further isolate the behavior and possibly allow you to sign in to iCloud, on your Mac:


  1. Restart your Mac. This May seem like a simple steps to take but can refresh your Mac and the software.

On your Mac, choose Apple menu  > Restart.


2. Start up your Mac in safe mode. Completing this step can help you identify whether issues you’re experiencing are caused by software that loads as your Mac starts up. Your screen may flash and load slower. This is expected behavior for this mode. Proceed with setting up your account and verify if the issue persists: How to use safe mode on your Mac


3. Verify if the issue occurs in a new user account. This will allow you to determine if the behavior is specific to your account or if it is a system wide issue: Add a user or group on Mac


Let us know if this helps.


All the best.

Jan 19, 2023 12:17 PM in response to Roycash108

Hi Roycash108,


To clarify, are you unable to sign in through your web browser or system settings? Do you get a particular error when you try to sign in? Are you able to connect your Mac to a different network to see if there is any issue connecting with another network? Your answers will help us understand your issue better. In the meantime here's some troubleshooting you might find helpful:


"For the best iCloud experience, make sure your device meets the minimum system requirements.


  1. Use the latest version of macOS

Update to the latest version of macOS. Choose Apple menu  > About This Mac > Software Update. If you’re using macOS Mojave or earlier, choose Apple menu  > App Store. See if there’s an update available.

 

2. Sign in to iCloud

Choose Apple menu  > System Settings, then click Apple ID. If you’re using macOS Mojave or earlier, click iCloud. Enter your Apple ID. When you sign in, iCloud is turned on automatically."


You can take a look at the full resource here: Set up iCloud on your Mac


We look forward to hearing back from you.


Take care.



Jan 22, 2023 11:48 AM in response to Roycash108

Hello Roycash108,


We're glad to know the issue doesn't happen in safe mode. If you haven't already, restart to exit safe mode to see if the original issue continues. As for iCloud Contacts not syncing, begin with the steps listed below as they're specific to resolving sync related issues for iCloud Contacts, Calendars, and Reminders. You can also find these steps, along with additional troubleshooting steps outlined in the following article.


  1. "Check the system status of iCloud Contacts, Calendars, or Reminders for services outages or connection issues.
  2. If a reminder isn't showing up on some of your devices, make sure that your iPhone and iPad have the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, or that your Mac has the latest version of macOS.
  3. Make sure that you're signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID on all of your devices. Then, check that you turned on Contacts, Calendars, and Reminders in your iCloud settings.
  4. Check that the date and time settings on your device are correct for your current location."


If your iCloud Contacts, Calendars, or Reminders won’t sync - Apple Support


Have a great day!

Jan 20, 2023 7:24 AM in response to Lee_ms

I logged from the apple website. I can't log in from sys prefs. I get a msg. "You can't log in at this time. try again" . I only have 1 network here. my other iphone and ipad have no problem logging in. I'm using mojave on an older macbook with all the updates. On this page it gives instructions for Mojave or earlier. On another page, it starts with Ventura. So am I out of date maybe. Not very coherent info from apple.

Much appreciation your kind consideration

Jan 22, 2023 5:20 PM in response to Todd0213

I did all of the above except latest updates. still running mohave on my mac because i have to resolve an issue with the hardware i use to connect to the net before i can move to big sur. latest system on my ipod and still can't get contacts to synch. same with iphone ( but not updated to 16.2 yet). With notes on my mac - I can't get my icloud notes to show up. next to the icloud line i. the list the spinning wheel just keeps spinning. everything is fine with the ipad and iphone

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

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