Can't sign in to Apple ID? 12 fixes to regain login access!
The Apple account may not let you sign in due to different reasons. Check out this full guide to explore all possible causes and find the right fixes to help you log in!
Jasmin Woods Updated on Apr 30, 2025 2:06 PM
If you failed to sign in to your Apple ID, you won't be able to access any Apple Services and personal data tied to that account.
Apple account (previously Apple ID) is the key to access all your Apple Services and make your devices work seamlessly within Apple ecosystem. If you can't sign in to Apple ID, you'll lose access to your iCloud data, App Store purchases, Apple Music, subscriptions, and more.
An Apple ID might not be signed in due to various reasons, such as an incorrect password, a locked account, Two-factor Authentication issues, network connections, outdated system, etc.
If you encounter unsuccessful Apple ID login on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, don't worry. This guide explains all potential reasons why Apple account won't let you sign in and how to fix it efficiently. With right solutions, you'll regain login access to your Apple ID for full services and features.
Table of Contents
If you have trouble in signing to your Apple ID because of a previous or locked account that you can't remove, iPhone Unlocker provides easy and quick solutions, letting you remove the Apple ID from iPhone/iPad without password, getting it ready for new login.
Why can't I sign in to Apple ID?
There can be various causes if you're locked out of your Apple account and can't sign in on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or online. Before walking through the solutions, it's necessary to understand why Apple ID login fails, so that you can verify your situation and find the rightful fix.
- Incorrect credentials. Apple account won't allow for login if you can't enter your Apple ID or password correctly.
- Apple account locked. If your Apple ID is locked for security reasons after too many wrong password attempts, you won't be able to sign in temporarily.
- Network problems. A weak internet connection prevents you from signing to Apple ID.
- System and software issues. System glitches and software errors may cause unsuccessful login to Apple account.
- Two-factor Authentication. With 2FA, it requires a verification code for sign-in access.
- Apple server issues. The Apple ID sign-in attempts may fail if your device can't connect to Apple's servers.
By figuring out these Apple ID login issues, it's now easier to decide which solution to use for fix.
How to fix if you can't sign in to Apple account
If you're unable to log in to your Apple ID on an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or on website, the following solutions can help fix failed sign-in issues, ensuring full access to your account services.
Check Apple system status page
When you fail to sign in on an Apple device and it continuously spins or can't connect to the server, check the Apple system status page to see if there's outage in your country or region. If the Apple servers are down, wait for Apple to fix it and try again later to log in.
Re-connect to network
A stable Wi-Fi or cellular network is required when signing to Apple account. If the login fails on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, check if you're connected to an active Wi-Fi or cellular, or reconnect the device or computer to a different internet network and try again to sign in.
Configure Date and Time Settings
When you request login to your Apple ID, the device use precise time and location to verify your account. Wrong settings of date and time may lead to Apple ID sign-in issues. To fix failed login, make sure to adjust the settings for automatic time zone accuracy.
- Access Settings > General > Date & Time.
- Select Set Automatically for accurate date and time zone.
After that, back to your Apple Account and sign in on your iPhone / iPad once again.
Unlock Apple account
If Apple ID login is not working because the account is locked, whether due to security reasons or multiple incorrect password attempts, you may unlock your Apple ID and sign in again later. To fix it, visit Apple's Account page and follow the onscreen steps to regain Apple account login access.
- Head to account.apple.com and click Sign in.
- Enter the email or phone number that you use with your Apple account.
- Click Forgot password? and it will redirect you to iforgot.apple.com for Apple ID unlock.
- Follow the steps to verify your identity and reset the password.
- Once done, use the new password to sign in to your Apple ID on your device.
Reset Apple ID password
For anyone who can't sign in to Apple account due to a forgotten password, Apple offers quick account recovery solution — simply go to iforgot.apple.com for online Apple ID password reset. The process requires identity verification, whether via trusted device, phone number, or email.
- Open a browser web and visit iforgot.apple.com.
- Click Reset password button.
- Enter your email address or phone number tied to your Apple account.
- Type the characters in the image and hit Continue.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to verify your account information.
- After verifying, create a new login password to sign into your Apple ID.
Check Two-factor Authentication verification code
With Two-factor Authentication, a verification code is needed when signing to your Apple account on a new device or browser. It's a six-digit code that will display on your trusted device or be sent to a trusted phone number. If you can't sign in to your Apple ID, check your trusted devices and Messages inbox for the verification code to complete login steps.
Remove locked Apple ID completely for new login
If you can't sign in to your own Apple ID due to a previous account that you don't have the password to sign out, or if you have no access to a trusted device or phone number to get a verification code, the reliable tool iPhone Unlocker can be your last sort to remove the locked Apple ID from your iPhone / iPad completely without needing a password.
This powerful Apple ID removal tool offers quick, simple steps to bypass Apple ID password and ensures that you'll sign in to your iPhone / iPad with your Apple account in no time.
Before removing locked Apple account for new sign-in:
- The process wipes out everything currently on your Apple device. Back up your data in advance if necessary.
- To avoid Activation Lock, ensure you know the lock screen passcode.
Step 1. Run iPhone Unlocker on your PC or Mac and select Remove Apple ID mode.
Step 2. Connect the iPhone / iPad that you can't sign in to your own account, click Start.
Step 3. Get your device ready for Apple account removal.
When Find My is Off, the Apple ID will be removed directly from your Apple device.
When Find My is On, extra steps are required:
- For iOS 11.3 and earlier, reset all settings through Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone (or iPad) > Reset > Reset All Settings.
- For iOS 11.4 and later, ensure the Two-factor Authentication is enabled by Settings > your Apple ID > Password & Security. If 2FA is turned on, enter 0000 and hit Confirm. Warning: If 2FA is NOT enabled, the device will be stuck in Activation Lock.
Then, the software will automatically scan the iDevice and prepare suitable firmware accordingly; click Start button to download it.
Step 4. Remove previous Apple login account and sign in with your own Apple ID.
Enter 0000 and click Unlock to start removing the unavailable Apple account completely.
The process erases all current data on your iPhone/iPad, including the old Apple account. Afterward, your device restarts and allows you to sign in with a new Apple ID.
TIP: If the Locked to Owner screen appears during setup, tap Unlock with passcode? and follow the steps to verify your lock screen passcode for new Apple account login.
Stop apps and websites from using your Apple ID
Apple allows you to sign in to third-party apps or websites with your Apple Account. However, this may cause some unexpected issues that result in failed Apple ID login. To resolve this, stop those apps from using your Apple ID.
- Open Settings and select your name > Sign-In & Security.
- Scroll down to locate Sign In With Apple option.
- You can see where your Apple ID is used in Apps Using Apple ID tab.
- Tap Stop using Apple ID to prevent the apps from using your Apple ID.
- Return to the Settings > Apple Account screen and request sign-in access to your Apple account again.
Update to latest iOS / iPadOS
Updating the latest iOS or iPadOS version can be an efficient way to address system-related glitches and bugs — if that's what makes your Apple account fail to sign in.
- Head to Settings > General > Software Update to check if there's any newer version.
- If yes, tap Download and Install to update your iPhone / iPad to the latest OS.
Repair iOS / iPadOS system
Usually, the newest OS can fix common system issues. However, if your device can't update due to errors or you still can't log in to your Apple ID account, try another iOS System Recovery tool to repair your system efficiently.
It's a user-friendly tool and very easy to use. Simply connect your iDevice with computer and let it fix almost all iOS & iPadOS issues, including the Apple ID not signing in problems.
1. Connect your iPhone/iPad to computer and run this iOS system repair software.
2. Proceed with iOS System Recovery and select a repair mode. TIP: The Standard Mode is capable enough to fix most of common issues on iOS / iPadOS without losing data.
3. Download a proper firmware to fix system and software issues on your Apple device.
4. When you're ready, click the Fix button to start iOS / iPadOS system repairing.
When it's all done, sign in to your iPhone / iPad in Settings > Apple Account to enjoy all features and services
Restart your device
A force restart can fix some common device issues if you still can't sign in to your Apple ID on your iPhone or iPad. The restart steps differ, depending on the iDevice model you have.
Restart iPhone to fix login issue
- For iPhone 8 and later, quickly press and release Volume Up button, press and release Volume Down button, then press and hold Power button until Apple logo appears.
- For iPhone 7 & 7 Plus, press and hold both Volume Down and Side buttons at the same time; don't release the buttons until you see the Apple logo.
- For iPhone 6S or earlier (iPhone SE 1st included), simultaneously press and hold the Home button and Side (or Top) button; keep holding the buttons until Apple logo shows up.
Restart iPad to troubleshoot sign-in bugs
- For iPad without a Home button, press and quickly release the Volume button next to the Top button, press and release the Volume button farthest from the Top button, and keep holding the Top button until Apple logo pops up.
- For iPad with Home button, press and hold Home and Top buttons until Apple logo appears.
If it works, you'll then regain Apple ID login access to all features and services tied to your account.
Reset all settings to regain sign-in access
Resetting all settings on your Apple device may help troubleshoot potential issues that prevent your Apple ID from signing in. However, all personalized settings you previously set will be lost, letting you have a fresh start.
- On your iPhone or iPad, navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.
- When prompted, enter your passcode to confirm and start resetting process.
- After reset, open the Settings app on your iPhone/iPad and tap Apple Account to sign in.
Sign in to Apple ID on iPhone, iPad, or Mac
Hopefully, after troubleshooting the login issues, you're now able to sign in to Apple account on your Apple devices, Mac, or online easily.
On iPhone / iPad:
- Open the Settings app > tap Apple Account (previously Apple ID).
- Enter your Apple account email address and your password to sign in.
- If prompted, enter the 6-digit verification code sent to your trusted phone number or device to complete login.
On Mac:
- Click the Apple menu > System Settings.
- Select Sign in from the left sidebar.
- Enter your Apple ID account and password to log in.
- If you've enabled Two-factor Authentication, enter the verification code sent to your trusted Apple device or phone number.
Prevent failed Apple ID login
While there are various factors that may cause your Apple ID can't be signed in, these solutions can help fix the login issues and grant you a fresh start.
To prevent unsuccessful login in the future, make sure you remember your account ID and password correctly. Also, add a trusted device, phone number, or email for identity verification. When you're trying to sign in, ensure your device or computer is connected to a stable network.
If your iPhone / iPad is locked with unknown Apple ID or password, get help from iPhone Unlocker to remove it completely.
