There Was an Error Connecting to the Apple ID Server: Fixed

What to Know

  • You need your Apple ID to log into iCloud and other key services.
  • To resolve the error connecting to the Apple ID server, install software updates, restart your iPhone, and check your internet connection.
  • Apple ID not working still? Check Apple's System Status page to see if the Apple server is down.   

Have you ever tried to log in to your iCloud account, use your App Store login, or use any other Apple ID login and gotten an Error Connecting to Apple ID, Verification Failed message? Here's what to do if you can't sign into Apple ID. 

There Was an Error Connecting to Apple ID Server: Fix It Fast!

Are you seeing the Verification Failed, There Was an Error Connecting to the Apple ID Server message when you try to sign in with your Apple ID? Close out the app and try to log in again in a few minutes. Next, visit the Apple System Status Page to see if there are Apple problems today. If you're still getting an "Error Connecting to Apple ID, Verification Failed" error message, install the new iOS update. If your Apple verification failed again, read on to find the fix. For more Apple ID tutorials, sign up for our free Tip of the Day.

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Make Sure You're Connected to the Internet

If the device you're using isn't connected to the internet, you won't be able to access your Apple services. Make sure that your iPhone or iPad is connected to the internet via a stable Wi-Fi or Cellular network. If this doesn't fix your Apple ID problems, move on to our next suggestion.

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check wifi connection if appleid.apple.com refused to connect

Change Your Apple ID Password

It's a good idea to change your Apple ID password from time to time. If the password hasn't been changed in a while, or isn't up to Apple's current recommendations, go ahead and change your Apple ID password

reset apple id password to fix appleid.apple.com refused to connect

Check Your iPhone or iPad's Date & Time Settings

One issue that can cause the You can't sign in at this time Apple ID error message is a problem with your iPhone's date, time, and location settings. Here's how to check those settings. 

  1. Open the Settings app.

    Home Screen with Settings app icon marked.
  2. Tap General.

    Settings app screen with General option marked.
  3. Tap Date & Time.

    Settings app with General screen open and Date & Time marked.
  4. Toggle on Set Automatically. If this is already toggled on, turn it off, then on again. Also, make sure the Time Zone is correct.

    Settings app in the General Date & Time settings with the Set Automatically toggle marked.

Do a Network Settings Reset

If it seems like your Apple ID cannot connect to the server because your iPhone or iPad won't connect to the internet, and you've already checked your Wi-Fi and cellular connections, it's time to do a Network Settings Reset. This will reset your Cellular settings, and you'll need to sign back into any Wi-Fi networks you've joined in the past. Here's how to reset your network settings on an iPhone or iPad. 
 

Transfer or Reset iPhone screen with Reset menu open and Reset Network Settings option marked.

FAQ

  • Why can't I access my Apple ID? There are several reasons why you may be getting a "You can't sign in at this time" error message, including a problem on Apple's end, incorrect settings, or an iPhone glitch.
  • How do I fix an error connecting to the Apple ID server? There are several ways to fix Apple ID issues; make sure you're connected to the internet, check date and time settings, Reset Network Settings, and more. 
  • Why is my Apple ID not working still?  Still can't sign in to your Apple ID? Here's how to force restart an iPhone. If you still can't sign in, it's time to contact Apple Support, because your iPhone may have a hardware issue.

By now, you shouldn't be seeing any more Verification Failed, There was a problem connecting to the server or similar Apple ID login error messages. If you run into any other problems with your iPhone, iPad, or other Apple devices, be sure to check back in with iPhone Life for the fix! You may also want to read up on how to set up an Apple ID for a child under 13, and how to delete an Apple ID account, permanently.

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Author Details

Leanne Hays's picture

Author Details

Leanne Hays

Leanne Hays has over a dozen years of experience writing for online publications. As a Feature Writer for iPhone Life, she has authored hundreds of how-to, Apple news, and gear review articles, as well as a comprehensive Photos App guide. Leanne holds degrees in education and science and loves troubleshooting and repair. This combination makes her a perfect fit as manager of our Ask an Expert service, which helps iPhone Life Insiders with Apple hardware and software issues.
In off-work hours, Leanne is a mother of two, homesteader, audiobook fanatic, musician, and learning enthusiast.