Apple ID Won't Sign In on iPhone? Real Fixes Here!

Updated by Brian Davis on Oct 31, 2025 • Category: iOS & iPhone Tips
7 mins read

Today, if you are an Apple device user, you will find that Apple ID can be used in Apple Store, iCloud, etc. Hence, the important role of Apple ID is beyond question. When your Apple ID can't sign in on iPhone, iPad or other devices, this means that you can not enjoy some features of your device. If you just forget the password, the solution may be simple.

However, some users once complained that they knew the password, but they still failed to sign in. This is a more serious issue. But how should users do if facing this issue? Here, to help most users, this tutorial will unfold with the most effective ways to fix Apple ID won't sign in.

fix Apple ID won't sign in

Part 1: Why Can't I Sign in with My Apple ID?

Before fixing Apple ID issues, we'd like to first talk about why won't my Apple ID let me sign in. If you are interested in this part, you can choose to keep reading. If not, just skip this to the real solutions.

1. Incorrect Apple ID or Password: You may be entering the wrong combination of Apple ID (email address) and password. This can happen if you've recently changed your password, have multiple Apple IDs, or made a typing error.

2. Unstable Internet Connection: Apple's authentication requires a stable internet connection to verify credentials in real time. Weak Wi-Fi or cellular data can interrupt the process.

3. Outdated Operating System: Older iOS, macOS, or Windows versions may not support the latest Apple ID authentication protocols.

4. No Access to Trusted Device or Phone Number: You might be unable to receive the verification code required for two-factor authentication.

5. Server Outages or Maintenance: Apple's login or verification servers might be temporarily unavailable.

Part 2: Basic Tips to Fix Apple ID Won't Sign in

Encountering trouble signing into your Apple ID can be a frustrating experience, blocking access to a wide range of Apple services. However, most sign-in issues can be resolved with a few basic troubleshooting steps. Here are some fundamental tips to help you get back into your account.

Tip 1: Sign out and sign in again

The first choice you can try is to sign out and re-sign with your Apple ID on your device. Minor software bugs or temporary glitches in the operating system can interfere with the sign-in process. Signing out and in can clear these transient errors. To sign out and sign in again, just do the following:

Go to Settings and press your name on the top. Then tap Sign Out on the screen that follows. Next, you sign in with Apple ID again to see if the issues can be fixed.

sign out apple id

Tip 2: Check your internet connection

In the case that if the internet connection is poor, you may face this issue. So you can change your internet server. For example, if you can connect Wifi or your friend's hotspot, just try this to change your own cellular data internet. Then, you can check if the sign-in issue gets fixed. If not, try the following ways.

sign out Apple ID

Tip 3: Check Apple's system status

Sometimes, the problem isn't on your end. Visit Apple's official System Status page and make sure services like "Apple ID," "iCloud Account & Sign In," and "App Store" have a green dot. If they're yellow or red, you'll need to wait for Apple to fix the issue.

check apple system status

Tip 4: Check for Screen Time restrictions

If your Apple ID is greyed out in Settings, it might be restricted by Screen Time. Screen Time isn't just for limiting app usage; it's also a tool for parental controls and for locking down certain features of a device.

Within Screen Time's "Content & Privacy Restrictions," there's a specific setting that governs account changes. When this is restricted, it can prevent you from signing in, signing out, or making any modifications to the Apple ID configured on the device.

So, check for Screen Time restrictions to see if there is account change issue.

Step 1: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.

Step 2: Scroll down to Accounts and make sure it is set to Allow.

screen time restrictions accounts

Tip 5: Check Date & Time settings

If your device's date is set to a time before the certificate was issued or after it has expired, your device will not trust the certificate. It will assume the certificate is invalid, causing the secure connection to fail. This is a protective measure to prevent potential security risks, such as "man-in-the-middle" attacks. Consequently, because a secure connection cannot be established, you will be unable to sign in to your Apple ID.

Here's how to check and correct Date & Time on iPhone and iPad.

Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and make sure Set Automatically is turned on.

date time settings iphone

Tip 6: Update your software

Keeping your device's software up to date is one of the most critical steps in ensuring a smooth and secure experience with your Apple ID. An outdated operating system can be the hidden cause of frustrating sign-in issues. And older software versions may no longer meet the stringent security requirements for connecting to Apple's servers.

Here's how to update your iOS to the latest version.

On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for and install any available updates. Once completed, your iPhone will restart and run the latest iOS version, which may fix the Apple ID won't sign in issue.

upgrade to ios 26

Tip 7: Disable iMessage and FaceTime temporarily

If Apple ID won't sign in, the problem could be associated with account settings problems in iMessage or FaceTime. Therefore, you can choose to toggle off these apps as these apps tend to use the Apple ID every time even when you don't use it. To turn off the two apps, please follow the steps below.

To turn off iMessage, just go to Settings > Messages. Tap the button beside iMessage to turn it gray.

turn off iMessage

To turn off FaceTime, just follow similar steps. You should open the Settings app and scroll down to tap FaceTime. Then, tap the button beside FaceTime to turn it off.

turn off FaceTime

Tip 8: Hard restart your device

Force restart your device can fix the most common issue, so you can try this way. Here, I'd like to introduce how to hard restart iPhone.

For iPhone 8, SE (2nd generation), X, XS, XR, 11, or 12: Press and quickly release the volume up button and then the volume down button. After that press and hold the side button. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.

For iPhone 7 or 7 Plus: Press and hold both the volume down button and the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.

For iPhone 6s or iPhone SE (1st generation): Press and hold both the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.

force restart iPhone

Tip 9: Reset all settings

Resetting all settings reverts every system-level configuration on your iPhone or iPad back to its factory default. This action does not delete your personal data like photos, videos, apps, contacts, or music. This process can fix an Apple ID sign-in issue because a core system file related to account authentication can become corrupted. Resetting all settings can restore these files to their original, working state.

Here's how to reset all settings on iPhone.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2: Tap on General. Scroll down to the bottom and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Step 3: On the next screen, tap Reset. This will bring up a menu of different reset options.

Step 4: Choose Reset All Settings from the list. Do not select "Erase All Content and Settings," as this will delete all of your personal data.

reset all settings

Tip 10: Reset your Apple ID password

If your Apple ID won't sign in, you can also try resetting the password for your Apple account and then use the new password to sign in to your device. To reset your Apple ID password, you need to:

  • First, go to the Apple ID official Website;
  • Move to "Forgot your password?" section, then click the "Reset your password" button;
  • Enter your Apple ID or username, and then click Start;
  • Next, Select email authentication or answer Security Questions;
  • Follow the instruction and then type in the new password you want.

reset Apple ID Password

Tip 11: Restore iPhone via iTunes

If the Apple ID is still won't be able to sign in, try restoring your iPhone via iTunes. Though it will erase all the iPhone data and content, it will factory reset your iPhone to the factory settings and fix most iOS software problems including Apple ID won't sign in. The following will show you how to restore your iPhone via iTunes.

Step 1. Launch iTunes on your computer, then connect your iPhone to iTunes.
Step 2. When your iPhone is detected, click on the little device icon.
Step 3. Select the Summary option, and then click on the Restore iPhone option to restore your iPhone.

restore iphone from itunes

Part 3: Two Best Solutions to Fix Apple ID Won't Sign In

When your iPhone refuses to sign in with your Apple ID, the problem often lies either in system glitches or in account-related restrictions. In such cases, using a reliable iOS repair tool can help fix hidden software errors and restore normal Apple ID functionality without data loss.

If the issue persists due to a locked or inaccessible Apple ID, an Apple ID removal utility can be used to safely unlock the device and allow you to sign in with a new account, regaining full access to all features.

There are now two powerful tools that can help you achieve this — keep reading to learn more.

Solution 1: Use TunesKit iOS System Recovery to fix Apple ID won't sign in

TunesKit iOS System Recovery is a professional repair tool. It can fix your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Apple TV issues caused by system or software glitches. If Apple ID won't sign in, it is no doubt that you can turn to TunesKit. It can solve this issue without data loss.

With easy steps, you can sign in normally again. But if your device is confronting more severe problems, it can also give you a solution at a fast speed. For instance, if your iPhone won't connect to internet, or gets stuck in recovery mode, Apple logo, etc., you can turn the device back to normal.

Fix iOS Issues in One-click

TunesKit iOS System Recovery enables you to fix Apple ID won't sign in and other iOS issues without data loss, and it can put iPhone into recovery mode without Home button.

Try It Free safe 600,000+ Downloads

In this part, we are going to show you how to use TunesKit iOS System Recovery to solve your question.

Step 1: Open TunesKit and use a USB cord to connect your device to the computer. Wait for seconds. TunesKit will detect your device and show you your device is connected. Then, click iOS System Repair on the main screen, and click the Start button to proceed.

connect iPhone to PC

Step 2: Now, it is time to select a mode. Here, the Standard Repair (No Data Loss) is recommended. Then, click Next.

select a mode

Step 3: The next step is to download the firmware package. Confirm your device's information, and select the appropriate firmware package on the list. Hit the Download butto to begin.

download firmware

Step 4: When the firmware is downloaded, just click Repair to fix your iPhone. Once completed, your iPhone will restart and fix the Apple ID won't sign in issue without data loss.

fix ios bugs

icon Note

If the Standard Repair does not work, just try Deep Repair. But you may need to back up your device data. Because Deep Repair will erase all your data.

Solution 2: Use TunesKit iPhone Unlocker to remove Apple ID from iPhone

If you can't remember your Apple ID passcode, and wondering how to solve this Apple ID won't sign in problem, you try using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker to remove your Apple ID from your iPhone.

TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is a multifunction iOS unlocking program that allows users to remove the iOS screen lock, remove Apple ID from iOS device, bypass MDM restriction, and remove Screen Time passcode. This program is super easy to use, and even a green hand can unlock their iPhone without encountering any hassle.

Key Features of TunesKit iPhone Unlocker

Securely remove a forgotten or locked Apple ID to restore device functionality with or without data loss.

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Step 1Connect iPhone to Computer

To begin with, you should download and install TunesKit iPhone Unlocker on your computer, and connect your iPhone to the computer. When your iPhone is detected, click on the Unlock Apple ID option and hit on the Start button.

iphone unlocker main interface

Step 2Check Find My Status

Whether data will be lost when removing the Apple ID depends on whether Find My iPhone is turned on.

When "Find My iPhone" is turned off:

  • Removing Apple ID works on any iOS version and won't cause data loss.

When "Find My iPhone" is turned on:

  • iOS 11.4 and later versions: Data will be erased, and the iOS system will be updated to the latest version. (A screen passcode and two-factor authentication must be enabled to remove the Apple ID.)
  • iOS versions below 11.4: Removing Apple ID is not supported.

dual confirmation

Step 3Download Firmware Package

Choose a firmware version on the list, and check your device's information. Hit the Download button to begin downloading the firmware package on your iPhone.

download firmware package

Step 4Remove Apple ID to Fix Apple ID Won't Sign In

After downloading the firmware package, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will start to remove the Apple ID. After removing the Apple ID from your iPhone, you can try logging in to your Apple ID again.

unlock apple id to sign in again

Part 4: FAQs about Apple ID Won't Sign In

  • 1. Why can't I log in to my Apple ID?

    Sometimes you will encounter this problem after factory resetting or updating your iOS device. Besides, a weak network connection will also cause this problem. In most situations, this problem is probably caused by software glitches if you are entering the correct passcode.

  • 2. What should I do if I forgot the Apple ID passcode?

    If you forgot your Apple Account password, you can find it back via your phone number or email address. Besides, you can use TunesKit iPhone Unlocker to remove the Apple ID if you failed to find back the Apple ID passcode.

  • 3. What should I do if my Apple ID is locked or disabled?

    Apple may lock your account for security reasons after multiple failed attempts. Visit iforgot.apple.com to verify your identity and unlock or reset your password.

  • 4. Why does my device say "Apple ID not active" or "cannot connect to server"?

    These messages typically appear when Apple's authentication servers are temporarily unavailable or under maintenance. You can check Apple's System Status page to confirm.

Part 5: Conclusion

In conclusion, if your Apple ID won't sign in on your iPhone, the issue could stem from software glitches, network problems, or system errors. While basic methods like checking your internet connection, updating iOS, and verifying Apple's system status can often help, deeper system issues may require a professional fix. TunesKit iOS System Recovery offers a reliable solution by repairing iOS system errors without causing data loss. Try it Now!

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