When you get the “Error Connecting to Apple ID Server” message, it could be a result of various reasons. However, don’t panic! Our article has discussed all you need to know about “errors connecting to Apple ID server”, from its causes to the step-by-step process to fix it on Mac, iPhone and iPad without compromising your device’s operation. Read on!
What Will Happen If My iPhone Keeps Saying “Can’t Connect to Server”
When you encounter the ‘Error Connecting to the Server’ message on your iPhone, iPad or Mac, certain Apple services and functions will be restricted. For example, you won’t be unable to update apps or your system, sign in to iCloud, change your Apple ID password, or reset your Mac login password using your Apple ID.
Why Does It Keep Saying "Error Connecting to Server”
The following reasons could cause the “There was an error connecting to the Apple ID server” message.
Network Issues:
This is a common reason for Apple ID connection issues. If you have a weak internet connection or incorrect nework settings like VPN, it can prevent the Apple device from connecting to the Apple ID server.
There Is A Problem With Apple’s Server:
Apple usually performs maintenance on their server, which can result in temporary connection issues. If this is the case, you’ll need to wait for Apple to fix the issue from their end.
Incorrect Apple ID Credentials:
Sometimes, you might be entering an incorrect Apple ID credential without knowing. It’s essential you double-check your email address and password to ensure they are entered correctly.
You May Also Need
Apple ID Account Issues:
There may be specific issues with the Apple ID account itself, such as a locked account or a problem with the account settings. You can unlock the Apple ID yourself or contact Apple Support for help.
iOS Glitches:
Outdated iOS or iOS bugs can also stop your Apple devices from connecting to the server.
Quick Check Before Fixing Error Connecting to Apple Server
Check the Apple server status and confirm the server required for establishing a connection with Apple ID is not experiencing downtime. See how to check the Apple server status on your device.
Step 1: Open the Apple System Status website in your browser.
Step 2: Find “Apple ID” and confirm whether its status is running smoothly.
If the “icon” next to “Apple ID” is showing “green” then, it is available. Otherwise, there is a problem and you might need to wait for Apple to resolve the issue.
If there is no problem with Apple ID from Apple server status, you can proceed to the next solution.
How to Fix Error Connecting To Apple ID Server on iPhone/iPad/Mac
Fixing “error connecting to Apple ID server” on your Apple device is not as difficult as you might think. We’ve discussed eight different methods that can help you get the job done below.
Fix 1. Switch to a Different Network
An available network is essential for your device to connect to the Apple ID server. Try the steps to see if the issue is gone.
- Switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data.
- Connect to a different Wi-Fi network or reconnect to the same Wi-Fi after rebooting the router.
Fix 2. Disable Proxy
Disabling a proxy is an easy-to-overlook fix that works for some users. If you have previously configured a proxy, follow these steps to turn it off, and the issue may be resolved.
On iPhone
Step 1: Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi.
Step 2: Choose the connected Wi-Fi network. Then, locate and tap HTTP PROXY.
Step 3: Select Off and hit Save to save your changes.
On Mac
Step 1: Click the Apple icon in the top pane and choose System Settings.
Step 2: Switch to Network in the sidebar and click Wi-Fi.
Step 3: Choose the connected network and hit Details. Then, select Proxies.
Step 4: Disable all the proxy options and save your changes by clicking OK.
Fix 3. Turn Off VPN
If there’s nothing wrong with your WiFi/cellular network and you have VPN enabled on your device, the problem might be from the VPN. So, it’s suggested to turn off VPN.
Fix 4. Reset Your Network Settings
Resetting your network settings can also come in handy when you encounter a network issue. Perhaps there is an issue with your Wi-Fi/Cellular data connection. You should reset your device’s network settings to see if the problem gets fixed. Here is how.
On iPhone/iPad
Step 1: Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone/iPad and select “General”.
Step 2: Scroll down and select “Transfer or Reset iPhone”.
Step 3: Select “Reset” and tap on “Reset Network Settings”.
Step 4: Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the reset. Then, turn on your cellular data or connect to your WiFi and check if you can log in to your Apple ID account.
On Mac
Mac computers do not have an option to “reset network settings”. However, the following steps can perform the same function.
Step 1: Go to the Apple menu and select “System Preferences” > “Network”.
Step 2: The status of your WiFi network will be displayed on the left side of the page. Click on the “-“ icon to remove the WiFi network you’re connected to.
Step 3: Re-add the network to your WiFi network by hitting “+” and opting for Wi-Fi from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Click on the “Create” button, and select “Apply” to finish.
Fix 5. Reset NVRAM
If you are using an Intel-based Mac, this method is worth trying. Recommended by Apple Support, it has helped some users fix the ‘Error Connecting to Apple ID Server’ issue.
Step 1: Turn off your Mac.
Step 2: Power on your Mac. Then, quickly press these four keys for about 20 seconds: Option + Command + P + R. Your Mac will restart and you will hear the startup sound several times.
Fix 6. Sign Out and Sign In Apple ID Account
Still not able to connect to the Apple ID server? Maybe you should try logging out and logging in to your Apple ID account.
Here are the steps to use this method on iPhone/iPad, Mac.
For iPhone/iPad
Step 1: Open the “Settings” app.
Step 2: Tap on the “Apple ID Name.
Step 3: Scroll down and tap on “Sign Out”
Step 4: After that, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the operation.
The Sign-out option is greyed out? Check this post to fix Can’t Sign Out of Apple ID on iPhone.
For Mac
Step 1: Open the “System Preferences” and select “Apple ID”
Step 2: Once the “Overview Tab” opens, click on the “Sign Out” button.
Step 3: Click on “Keep A Copy” if you have an application to save data.
After signing out of the Apple ID on your iPhone/iPad, sign in to your Apple ID again to see if the error got fixed.
Fix 7. Change Apple ID Password
Sometimes Apple can perform a system update that will affect the password you use for your Apple ID account. So, if you’re certain you’re using the correct password, then there’s a high chance that your current password no longer meets Apple’s standard for a “Strong password”. You should change your Apple ID password by using the steps below:
On iPhone/iPad
Step 1: Open Settings > your name > Password & Security.
Step 2: Click “Change Password.”
Step 3: Enter your device passcode
Step 4: Enter your new password and confirm it. Then, tap Change.
Step 5: Sign in with your new Apple ID password.
On Mac
Step 1: Choose the Apple menu > System Preferences > Apple ID.
Step 2: Tap “Password & Security”.
Step 3: Click “Change Password”.
Step 4: Enter your login password. Then, type in your new password twice and click Change.
Step 5: Sign in with your new Apple ID password.
If this solution does not fix the error, proceed to the next one.
Fix 8. Set Your Device Date & Time To Automatic
You can also set your device date & time to automatic to get rid of errors connecting to Apple ID server. However, this solution can be quite tricky, as some users report that they were able to get rid of the issue when they disabled automatic date and time and it worked when other people enabled it. So, if you’ve enabled automatic date & time on your device, try disabling it, or vice-versa.
The steps to operate have been provided below:
On iPhone
Step 1: Go to the “Settings” app.
Step 2: Select “General” > "Date & Time".
Step 3: Turn on the “Toggle” next to “Set Automatically” if it’s disabled and turn off the toggle if otherwise.
On Mac
Step 1: Open the Apple Menu and select “System Settings”.
Step 2: Locate and click on “General” on the left pane. Then, select “Date & Time”.
Step 3: Scroll down and turn on/turn off the toggle next to “Set date & time automatically” depending on your current settings.
Fix 9. Restart Your Device
If you’re still facing the problem, it’s high time you perform a quick restart on your iPhone. This can also help get rid of bugs that might be causing Apple’s server to not connect with your Apple ID.
Here is how to restart your device:
On iPhone
Step 1: Press button combinations.
- iPhone X or Later: Simultaneously hold down the “Side” button and the “Volume Up” button.
- iPhone 6, 7, 8, or SE (2nd & 3rd Gen): Press the “Side button”.
- iPhone SE (1st Gen), 5, or Earlier: Press the “top button”.
Step 2: Drag the “Power Off” slider to the right to turn off your iPhone.
Step 3: Wait for 60 seconds. Then, hold down the “Side button/Top button” until you see the “Apple Logo” to turn your iPhone back on.
On iPad
Step 1: Press the responding button.
- For iPad with home button: Press the “Top” button.
- For iPad without home button: Press the “Volume button” and the “Top button”.
Step 2: Drag the “Power off” slider to the right and wait for your iPad to completely turn off.
Step 3: Press the “Top” button until the “Apple Logo” appears to turn your iPad back on.
On Mac
Step 1: Navigate to the top left side and click on the Apple menu. Then, select “Restart”.
Step 2: Finally, click the Restart button to initiate the restart process.
Fix 10. Update Your Device Software
Sometimes running an outdated version of your Apple device software can compromise certain operations, and connecting to the Apple ID server is not excluded. If your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is still running an outdated version of its OS, use the following steps to update it to the latest version.
On iPhone/iPad
Step 1: Open the Settings app and select General.
Step 2: Tap on Software Update.
Step 3: Wait for your phone to check if there’s a new iOS update available. If there is, tap on “Download & Install” to download the update.
Step 4: Once the download is complete, install the new iOS or iPadOS version on your device.
On Mac
Step 1: Go to “Apple Menu” on your Mac and select “System Preferences.”
Step 2: Click on “Software Update” in the system preferences windows.
Step 3: If there is a new update available, click on “Update Now” to download and install the update on your Mac.
Bonus: Remove Apple ID From iPhone Without Password
With the Apple ID password, you can easily sign out of Apple ID on your iPhone. However, you may need to remove the Apple ID from your device without password when you can’t recover a disabled account or reset the password. In that case, Passixer iPhone Unlocker can help. It allows you to delete the Apple ID from your iPhone or iPad without password, regardless of the Find My status that you need to check when unlinking Apple ID via Settings.
Besides Apple ID removal, Passixer can also turn off other security features without credentials, including screen passcode, Screen Time, and iCloud Activation Lock. It can be a lifesaver when you’re locked out of a second-hand iPhone or iPad and can’t reach the previous owner.
Steps to Remove Apple ID from iPhone with Passixer:
Launch the “Passixer iPhone Unlocker” app on your computer. The tool supports both Mac & Windows systems. Then, select the “Remove Apple ID” from the home interface.
Connect your iPhone to the computer and click on the “Start” button. But before that, make sure you’re satisfied with the “warning” information as shown in the image below.
Once you click the Start button, Passixer iPhone Unlocker will start to remove “Apple ID” from your iPhone/iPad, if Find My is disabled on your device.
If Find My is enabled, you need to make certain settings before Passixer can remove Apple ID for you.
Find My iPhone is on(iOS 11.4 earlier): Reset all settings in the iPhone itself.
Find My iPhone is on(iOS 11.4 and later): Enable 2FA and screen passcode > download firmware in Passixer > confirm the Apple ID removal. Passixer will guide you through the steps.
After completing the required settings, Passixer will start deleting the Apple ID on your iPhone.
Conclusion
Whenever you encounter an error connecting to Apple ID server, you don’t have to panic. The problem can be solved using any of the solutions recommended on this page. All you just need is to follow the steps for each solution correctly. However, if you need a solution to remove Apple ID from iPhone without password, we advise you to use Passixer iPhone Unlocker. It makes the process more straightforward.