The Apple ID is an essential part of the Apple ecosystem and all its services. If you can’t connect to the Apple ID Server, you won’t be able to use any Apple services, such as iCloud, App Store, Apple Music, and more.
There are many reasons why you might encounter an “Error Connecting to the Apple ID Server” on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. This error generally appears for Mac users who use older Macs running on Intel chips. But don’t worry, I’ll show you how to fix this error on any Apple device. Let’s dive into the post.
Why does “There Was An Error Connecting to the Apple ID Server” appear on your device?
This error mostly occurs due to an incorrect time zone selected on your device. Also, many times the Apple Server might be down in particular regions, preventing you from connecting with your Apple ID.
Apple checks your authenticity with your Apple ID every time you access any product. So if your credentials are not recognized in the Apple system, you are not allowed to enter. That’s why it’s showing some “Verification Failed” errors.
How can I fix Apple ID server connectivity issues?
Before doing any steps, just wait for some time and check if your ID connects or not. If not, then follow the solutions below one by one to fix it.
Check Apple Server Status
Most of the time, the Apple Server might be down in some regions, and you won’t be able to connect with Apple services. Here’s how to check Apple System Status:
- Visit https://www.apple.com/support/systemstatus/
- Find the system status for your services
- If it shows a Green Circle, which means everything is Good. If it shows Blue highlights, that means a problem was found and fixed recently, and a Red triangle means the problem is not resolved yet, you need to wait for some time.
Check Date and Time
The second most common reason to get this “Error Connecting to Apple ID Server” is that your device’s time zone is not set properly.
Due to frequent new macOS updates, it might be possible that due to a bug, your time zone was not set to automatic and does not run on the current time zone. Try to set your time and date to automatic:
- Open System Settings > General > Date and Time.
- Now toggle on “Set time and date automatically.”
Test your Internet Connections
A poor internet connection can also start creating these issues. So make sure you are using a high-quality internet connection. If you use iPhone data connections, then switch to Wi-Fi and check network connection speeds:
- Visit any Internet Speed test sites
- Check Downloading and Uploading Speed.
For Apple ID services, we need good Downloading and Uploading speeds, so make sure they are Above 2 Mbps, which is sufficient for your work.
Turn off VPN
VPN provides an extra security layer on your device and stops unwanted activities in the background. So there’s a high chance that your Apple ID was not connected with the right server, due to which VPN can provoke the Apple ID Server error. If this happens, just turn off your VPN.
Check how to turn off the connected VPN on your device.
FOR Mac
- Open LaunchPad > Activity Monitor > Network tab.
- If any VPN apps are running, just select them and click on “X” in the top bar.
FOR iPhone / iPad
- Open System Settings > VPN.
- Just turn off the Toggle button to disconnect your VPN.
Change Apple ID Password
The problem “There was an error connecting to the Apple ID server” is also related to your authentication. If you haven’t changed your password for a long time, you need to change your Apple ID password which fulfills the requirements of current Apple requirements.
To change the Apple ID password:
- Go to System Settings > Apple ID > Sign-in & Security > Change Password.
- Enter your current Apple ID password.
- Enter a new Apple ID password and click Change.
You can also change your Apple ID password by using any internet browser via login with your iCloud.
Reset NVRAM on your Mac
If you are using an older Mac built with an Intel chip, it requires some additional steps to solve this error. However, the newer models of Apple Macs, which run on Silicon chips, do not require these steps.
If you haven’t used your Mac for a long time, it’s possible that your time zone is not set, and this data is stored in NVRAM. So, you need to reset your NVRAM on your Mac. Here’s how:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Turn on your Mac, then press and hold these four keys together immediately: Options + Command + P + R.
- Release the keys after 20 seconds, during which your Mac will restart several times.
- When your Mac has finished starting up, adjust your settings and time and date.
This feature does not remove any of your data. It just clears the cache in your NVRAM, which was stored previously and conflicts with your system.
That’s it. Most probably, your “Verification Failed” error will be gone after following any of the above methods. To avoid this error, I recommend changing your Apple ID password frequently and using your product from time to time.