New Macbook Pro 13 - "Couldn't sign in because of server error"

I had exactly same issue and searched the web. The answer is two-fold: a) in order for the machine to check your Apple ID with the Apple servers, it needs internet. But before youre logged into your Mac, the internet connection wont work if it's via wifi. Solution is to either connect an Ethernet cable (which I didnt have) OR to ignore the screen with you Recovery Utilities options for a moment and look for the grey wifi symbol in the upper right hand corner (on my screen it was). After trying my Apple ID for seemingly endless times, I simply clicked on the wifi symbol - and voila, I was allowed to select my router, was able to put in router password, connected to the internet, and THEN when I tried my Apple ID again, I was finally able to reset my lost password.

Really hope this information helps others in the same situation:)

I had the same issue. Once I connect to the internet (top right hand corner of grey screen), I was able to use the Apple ID to sign in and the problem was resolved. So you need to be connected to the internet.

Apple>About This Mac>More Info>Service

Please read the warranty paperwork that came w/your computer.

You have 14 days to return the computer w/no questions asked.

You have 90 days of FREE phone tech support on top of your standard 1 year warranty unless you also purchased AppleCare which gives you an additional 2 years of coverage plus FREE phone support.

Strongly suggest that you take FULL advantage of the above before it runs out. Let Apple deal w/the problems.

I'm having exactly this problem, and have tried both ethernet connection and wifi connection.

I have a clue about this failure. When I ran resetpassword via terminal, there are some logs with lots of warnings. The moment in which I submit my Apple ID and password, this warning appears at the terminal window:

I have just bought a refurbished 2011 17 inch MacBook Pro. I try to sign in with my Apple ID but it wouldn’t let. I get a message saying: cannot login because of a server error. Try to sign in again. What should I do?

I forget my password I tried to rest the password with my apple ID it's seems not working i try again and again it just till me ^ couldn't sign in because of server error. Try signing in again^

Trying to log in to my MacBook Air with my password and keep getting notice: couldn't sign in because of a server error,. What does that mean?

please help having the same issue im not able to bypass the sign-in, getting the error message every single time.

how did you do it

I'm having the same problem

Same exact issue , apple support doesn't know how to fix it , they don't seem to have a clue how to get past this .

How did you bypass the sign-in screen?

I know this is post is a bit old but I'm having this same issue with my new MacBook Pro 2017, how was this issue resolved? How do I 'bypass'?

You're going to want to connect to wifi from that screen before you are able to log in. Otherwise you'll receiver an error message failing to log in because of server issues.