System Settings App not loading for months

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System Settings App not loading for months

Hi, I've been having a recurring issue with my system settings app on my MacBook. It has been on this loading screen for a few months now, like it will NOT load, I cannot force quit it or just cancel it, and I cannot get access to any of my system settings because of it. I had to reset my password in December, so unsure if they are linked, but I would just like to be able to access my system settings. If anyone has any knowledge on how to fix this issue, I would really appreciate the help : )

MacBook Air, macOS 14.5

Posted on Feb 4, 2026 6:18 AM

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Answer 1

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HWTech

Level 9

69,650 points

Feb 4, 2026 7:01 PM in response to lilycvca1

Have you tried restarting your laptop?

Usually when you restart the computer, then when System Settings is launched, it will default to the "General" tab.

If you get a prompt from macOS to provide your AppleID, then just click cancel for now....if you get multiple pop-ups, then try cancelling the one behind it (maybe the order matters). I know macOS is very annoying when a person is not logged into AppleID/iCloud since Apple doesn't think you are serious about "Cancel" until it is done a dozen times.

Try booting into Safe Mode to see if things are any better.

Try to avoid the "AppleID" section of System Settings for now to see if the rest of macOS is working Ok.

Run the third party app EtreCheck and post the complete report here so we can examine it for possible clues.

How to Post an EtreCheck Report by @Old Toad

I may not be of too much help here, but thought I would get things started for the other contributors who may be more knowledgeable here.

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