Error Connecting to Apple ID Server on Recovery Assistant

I just had this exact issue and managed to solve it with the help of Apple's customer support. Basically my issue was that the date/time of my Macbook did not match my current time zone, which caused the Apple ID server error. Below are the steps I followed:

PART 1: NVRAM Reset (This might turn off "find my". Check this after your device has restarted.)

Steps found here: Reset NVRAM on your Mac – Apple Support (UK)

• You may hear the start up sound multiple times.
• (Mine was a 2013 Mac, so I followed the Intel steps)

PART 2: Start up MacOS Recover

Steps found here: If you can't reset your Mac login password – Apple Support (UK)

• Needed to connect to wifi again upon restart

After this step, my computer showed "MacOS Utilities" screen.

PART 3: Reset Password Assistant

After the previous step, you should see the toolbar at the top of the screen. As others have suggested, you select Utilities > Terminal, type "resetpassword" and hit enter.

PART 4: Reset date/time

If, like in my case, part 3 led to the same Apple ID issue upon following the prompts, you'll need to reset the date/time.

• Reopen Terminal (this can be the same window as the resetpassword if you still have that open.
• type date into Terminal followed by today's date in this format [month][day][hour][minute][year]. So, for example, today is January 2, 2024 at 1:15pm so the command would be "date 0102131524" and hit enter. Make sure the time and date matches your current time zone.

PART 5: Reset Password Assistant (again)

• repeat Part 3 (this can be done in the same Terminal window if you still have it open).

After this, I was able to reset my password following the steps in the 'reset password assistant', by logging in with my apple ID successfully.

Hopefully this helps!

This fixed my problem, you’re a legend.

It’s been over two weeks and I’ve had the same error but on every Apple device including the devices at the Apple Store. Right now I have a ticket open after spending hours on the phone with senior advisors sending screen recordings and advanced logs. The response from engineers after two weeks were to use a different device, try the website. Instead of actually looking at the information and logs/screen recordings they are responding with simple suggestions regular senior advisors have already gone through several times. Apparently, the Apple iCloud server error have occurred on international accounts around the same time but you look on the apple status website and all systems are green. I believe it’s an issue with the last update that’s causing this that Apple refuses to fix and acknowledge. Shortly I’ll be getting rid of all my apple products watch, MacBook Air and iPhone because it’s no longer worth the hype.

Just part 1 of Bross1199 work for me! Had the same problem.

Hello naumanzafarch,

If you are working with an older version of macOS, we recommend reaching out to Apple Support directly for help. They'll be able to take a closer look and walk you through any additional steps: Contact - Official Apple Support

Take care.

I had this exact issue with an old MacBook and this worked, I am shook. Thank you!