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Apple ID Password Not Working? Common Issues & 7 Fixes

"Why can't I sign in with my Apple ID?" "Why is my Apple ID not working, although I entered the correct password?" These are common questions when users experience login issues.

Sometimes, you may see an "Apple ID is not active" message when logging in to your Apple Account. As a result, you get stuck on the password entry screen and cannot access iCloud, App Store, or iMessage. If this is what you're facing now, read this guide to discover the causes and useful fixes to regain access to your device quickly.

Part 1: Why Is My Apple ID Not Working

If your Apple ID does not work, it usually means there is a problem with verification, network connection, system settings, or your account status.

  • Incorrect Apple ID password: You may enter the wrong Apple ID and password by mistake.
  • Apple server outages: If Apple's system services are down, sign-in and verification may fail.
  • Network issues: A weak or unstable internet connection may interrupt the login process.

Part 2: Quick Fixes If Your Apple ID Is Not Working

Most Apple ID issues can be fixed with a few simple checks. Try the following solutions one by one to restore your account.

Fix 1: Check Apple System Status

Sometimes the problem isn't on your device. Visit the Apple System Status page to check whether any Apple services are temporarily down. If a service is down, it will be marked with a red or yellow dot next to its name. If everything is working normally, you'll see a green dot instead.

Check Apple System Status

Fix 2: Check Screen Time Restrictions

Screen Time settings can sometimes restrict certain functionalities and sign-ins on your device. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions, and toggle off the option. If your device is managed through Family Sharing by a guardian, you cannot turn off Screen Time on your own.

Disable Screen Time

Fix 3: Check Date & Time settings

Incorrect date and time settings can cause the Apple ID not working issue and may even affect some services like iMessage and FaceTime. To fix it, go to Settings > General > Date & Time, and toggle on Set Automatically to let your device sync with Apple's servers. You can also tap Time Zone to adjust your region manually.

Check Date & Time Settings

Fix 4: Sign Out and Sign Back into Apple ID

Signing out of your Apple ID and signing back in can refresh your account connection with Apple's servers. This often fixes syncing errors and verification problems. Make sure you remember your Apple ID password before signing out.

Step 1. Open Settings, tap on your profile name, then hit the Sign Out button at the bottom.

Step 2. Enter your Apple ID password to confirm.

Step 3. Restart your device, then return to Settings and sign back in.

Fix 5: Force Restart Your Device

A force restart can clear temporary system bugs that may cause the Apple ID password not working problem. Reboot your system to see if the software glitches are fixed.

How to force restart your iPhone:

  • For iPhone 8 or later: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button. Long-press the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
  • For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down and Side buttons until the Apple logo appears.
  • For iPhone 6 or older: Press and hold the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button together until the Apple logo appears.

Fix 6: Reset All Settings

If some system settings are misconfigured, they may cause the Apple ID not working issue. Resetting your settings to their defaults can help restore normal functionality without data loss. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. Enter your passcode, and confirm again to start resetting. This reset will remove Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth connections, display preferences, and network settings.

Reset All Settings

Fix 7: Reset Apple ID Password

If your Apple ID on iPhone is not working, try resetting the password to see if the problem gets solved. Go to Settings > [your name] > Sign-in & Security > Change Password. Enter your device password to confirm it, then create a new Apple ID password, and tap Change to save it.

Tips: After updating your password, you may need to sign back in to services like iCloud, the App Store, and iMessage on your device. This is normal and helps refresh your account connection.

Reset Apple ID Password

Part 3: How to Remove Apple ID If You Forgot the Password

If you forgot your Apple ID password, you may not be able to sign out of your account directly from your device. The standard solution is to reset the password first. However, this may not always be possible if you forgot the trusted phone number, cannot receive the verification code, or your device repeatedly prompts you to enter the password. In such cases, Apeaksoft iFoneKit can be your last resort to help remove your Apple Account without a password.

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Step 1. Launch the software on your computer, and choose the Remove Apple ID mode in the interface. Connect your iOS device to the computer and tap Trust on your device to allow the connection.

Choose Remove Apple ID Mode

Step 2. Click the Start Now button to begin the removal process.

If Find My is disabled, the software will start removing your Apple ID immediately.

If Find My is enabled, you need to follow the on-screen instructions to reset your iOS device first.

Note: The reset will delete all data on your device, so make sure to back up your important information in advance.

Reset All Settings

Step 3. Click OK, then click Confirm Again when prompted. The current Apple ID will be removed soon.

Remove Apple ID

Part 4: FAQs About Apple ID Not Working

Why can't I sign in with my Apple ID?

Try the following fixes: (1) Check the Apple System Status page. (2) Make sure that you're signed in to the same Apple Account. (3) Update your device to the latest iOS version.

Why is my Apple ID disabled for security reasons?

This usually happens when the password or account information has been entered incorrectly too many times. To regain access, you'll need to reset your Apple ID password.

Why is my Apple Account grayed out in Settings?

This may be caused by Screen Time restrictions. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. If it is turned on, scroll down to select Accounts, and set it to Allow.

Conclusion

Now you've understood the common causes and effective fixes for the Apple ID not working issue. Fixing it with the mentioned solutions is not as complicated as you think! If none of the methods help resolve the problem, you can contact Apple Support for assistance. Hope you get everything back to normal soon!

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George Connor
George Connor

Expertise: iOS Problems · Mind Map · Change Location · Unlock iOS

George Connor is an editor at Apeaksoft specializing in iOS troubleshooting and device management tools. He has experience testing various iOS utilities. He writes tutorials on fixing iOS issues, unlocking devices, and managing location settings.