icloud mail on android stopped working

Not only must you enable 2FA and create an app-specific password, you must leave 2FA enabled. If you turn off Apple's (horrible) 2FA, you lose access to your mail from Android (etc.)

This is unacceptable to me. I think Apple has done a terrible job of implementing 2FA - it's as bad or worse than the previous 2SA. It is so deeply embedded in the iOs it just can't be made simple (or understandable) for users. I have multiple generation Mac devices spread over three workspaces (not counting mobile) on three continents. Oh yes, I'll just hop on a plane to make sure that box is going to work tomorrow. Hopeless.

I understand the security concerns Apple has. I appreciate I am allowed to choose what level I think is appropriate. Until now. Now, I have to use 2FA or my Apple Mail (which is all I really care about) is unusable on my Android devices. I have no choice.

Perhaps Apple could write an Android App that would then allow us to us access our Apple Mail from Android? Too much trouble? Too far outside the Walled Garden? In the meantime, I'll be transitioning my email more to GMail for important use - the old Apple Mail can be for the newsletters and special offers. Your choice, Apple

Apple doesn’t routinely monitor the discussions. These are mostly user to user discussions.

Send Apple feedback. They won't answer, but at least will know there is a problem or a suggestion for change. If enough people send feedback, it may get the problem/suggested change solved sooner.

Feedback

You may find setting up 2-step verification preferable - if you don't have access to either a Mac running El Capitan or above or an iOS device running iOS 9 or above it's your only option.

You can set up 2-step verification to use that to create an app-specific password (see link below). Then go to http://appleid/apple.com , select 'Password and Security'; click 'Generate an App-Specific Password' and follow the instructions. Once you have the password, copy it and paste it into the password field in the application instead of your usual iCloud password. You should also keep a note of it (though you can generate a new one if required).

https://support.apple.com/kb/HT204152

You will need to nominate a 'trusted device' - any phone capable of receiving SMS messages. There will be a 2-day wait before you can complete the process.

(A particular caveat - you will be issued with a 'Recovery Key' in case you lose your 'trusted device'. Make sure to write this down and keep it in a safe place; if you lose both it and your trusted device you will be permanently locked out of your ID. You'd be surprised at the number of people who've posted here that they've got themselves into just that position.)

You'll need to set up two-factor authentication -- Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support, then use an app-specific password -- Using app-specific passwords - Apple Support

One day it works, the next it doesn't. It isn't possible to get to the point where you can set up anything. The email address/password are not recognized. I don't think that has anything to do with two-factor authentication. But if it does, I sure appreciate Apple blocking my Android mail with no warning.

I completely agree.

I had had to enable 2FA to access my iCloud mail on Android phone Back in June. A few weeks ago I bought a new iPad Pro after my MacBook broke and spent 3 days having to reset my account as the authentication code was being sent to the MacBook that I could not access.

Eventually I managed to get 2FA turned off and have just realised now why I can not access my iCloud mail anymore on my Android device. Very inconvenient since I am on the go most days. As you suggested, time to head over to gmail.

Security is important but what’s the point in having a nice house surrounded by high walls, barbed wire fences and large bolted doors if you can’t get in!

It is Apple's "security" which is so secure it doesn't appear to work anywhere easily even on their own products. I had real difficulty with this on Apple TV and then turned it off. Apple need to sort this out as they appear to be trying to stop you using multiple platforms (if that is the right term). However, I can log in on windows IE still.

same here, and i can't get anything to work, the security option ions are not listed in my account

What changed in the past week or so to cause this to be necessary?

Well stated.

So could I check, is the only way to receive my icloud emails on my android phone and windows pc to set us the 2 factor thingy....seems incredibly inconvenient...😕