How to identify which application requesting previous used AppleID?

Like many others, I’m struggling to identify which application is requesting the previously used Apple ID that I initially used to set up my laptop. After about a week, I switched to a different Apple ID. Since I transitioned from another operating system to macOS, I didn’t have any prior purchases, subscriptions, or accounts associated with the old Apple ID.


I’ve double-checked all settings to ensure that everything is using the correct Apple ID. However, every time I reboot the laptop, I’m prompted to enter the password for the previous Apple ID immediately after logging in. The prompt only appears once per reboot, and oddly, it doesn’t specify which app or service is requesting it. I find it strange that the system allows an “anonymous” request like this, especially given how strict Apple’s security is in other areas. Unfortunately, the application’s file menu doesn’t provide any clues either.


I’ve tried checking the system logs but haven’t been able to identify which application or service is making this request.


I’m open to any suggestions on how to figure out what’s triggering this prompt. Additionally, I believe Apple could improve the logging for such requests by clearly identifying the application or process responsible. This would help users avoid being misled by potentially rogue or malicious applications.

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 15.2

Posted on Jan 19, 2025 2:48 PM

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1 reply

Jan 20, 2025 4:43 PM in response to mbpm4usr

Hi mbpm4usr,

welcome to te Apple (user-to-user) Community!


Re: How to identify which application requesting previous used AppleID?


Seems the Mac's system could be requesting your approval for use of an app that opens automatically on start-up ... (maybe an app downloaded from the App Store when using the old Apple ID ?)


You might try looking at which apps are set to open automatically when you start or restart your Mac.

Te culprit app may (or may not) stem from there ... am no expert in this area.


On Mac: Click: Apple menu (the Black Apple icon in the top menu) > System Settings > General (in the sidebar) >

(scroll down if necessary to:) Login Items & Extensions.


If there are only a few apps listed, you may want to experiment : ie: use the + / - to add or remove any

(If lots are listed: Apple Support's article may help: Remove login items to resolve startup problems on your Mac)

_______________________

Underneath above settings: There may also be third-party (non-Apple) apps you have allowed to run in the background ... if so, you could try toggling off one or more to find which one causes (or "no longer causes" if off) the issue you have.


Any necessary third party apps may need updating to remain compatible .

(Any un-neccessary third-party apps (virus-checkers, ad-blockers, cleaners and the like could be un-installed (ie: with the uninstallers from their developers) to prevent compatibility or other issues.)


If nothing above helped ... try turning off VPN (if installed) to see if that's it.


All the best :-)

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How to identify which application requesting previous used AppleID?

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