After updating to the latest iOS version, your iPhone may continuously ask for your Apple ID password.
The possible reasons behind this issue could be a failed download or a problem with your account settings in iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, or the App Store.
Don’t fret! In this article, I’ll walk you through what you can do when your iPhone keeps asking for your Apple ID password!
- Restart your iPhone
- Update your software
- Check your apps update
- Turn off iMessage and FaceTime
- Sign out from Apple ID and iCloud
- Reset your Apple ID password
- Reset all settings
- Backup and restore your iPhone
1. Restart your iPhone
Restarting is an essential process that many people overlook. But it works in fixing several kinds of software problems. If your iPhone keeps asking for an Apple Account password, restart it using the proper buttons. Here’s how you can do it. Go to Settings → General → Shut Down.
After a minute or so, turn your phone on, and the problem may be resolved. If not, try the next solution
2. Update your software
Apple introduces multiple bug fixes with every new version of iOS, and staying on an older version may be the cause of your problem. In such a situation, I recommend updating to the latest version of iOS.
- Open Settings, then tap General.
- Now, tap Software Update. If you have a pending update, tap Download and Install.
3. Check for app updates
The process to check for third-party app updates changed slightly in iOS. But it remains smooth and accessible.
Long press on the App Store icon and then tap Updates. If you have app updates, tap UPDATE next to individual apps. You can also tap Update All.
You may be prompted to enter your Apple ID password when downloading or updating apps. Try reading our guide covering how to download free apps without a password.
4. Turn off iMessage and FaceTime
Temporarily switching iMessage and FaceTime off might work. Here’s how:
- Open Settings and tap Messages.
- From the top, turn off iMessage.
- Now go back to Settings again and navigate to FaceTime.
- Turn off FaceTime.
Now restart your phone and re-enable these services by following the steps above. After you’re done, your iPhone may stop asking for an Apple ID password randomly.
5. Sign out from Apple ID and iCloud
- Open Settings and tap the Apple ID banner at the top of the screen.
- Scroll to the end and tap Sign Out.
- Enter your Apple ID password. Next, tap Turn Off.
- You may choose to keep a copy of your Calendars, Contacts, and Keychain. Toggle them on according to your preferences. Finally, tap Sign Out and confirm.
- Restart your iPhone.
- Open Settings and tap Sign in to your iPhone. Enter your Apple ID, password, and follow the on-screen instructions.
6. Reset your Apple ID password
- Launch Settings and tap your Apple ID at the top of the screen.
- Tap Password & Security.
- Tap Change password. Enter your iPhone’s passcode if asked.
- Enter a new (and secure) Apple ID password. Re-enter it and tap Change.
Restart your iPhone, and the issue of your iPhone randomly asking for an iCloud password might no longer disturb you.
7. Reset all settings
This process will reset your iPhone to its default configuration. This includes erasing Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth devices, location settings, VPN configuration, keyboard settings, and much more. However, it will not delete any personal data. Still, I recommend making a backup save before proceeding.
8. Backup and restore your iPhone
- Open Settings and tap General. After this, tap Reset.
- Next, tap Reset All Settings, enter your device password, and confirm.
It’s a bit of a lengthy process with two main parts – back up and then restore (check out our detailed guides). Here’s a quick recap:
1. Backup iPhone to iCloud: For this, open Settings → tap Apple ID at the top of the screen → iCloud → scroll down and tap iCloud Backup → toggle on iCloud Backup → tap Backup Now. Wait for the backup to complete.
2. Backup iPhone to a Mac or PC: Unlock your iPhone and connect it to a computer. Trust the computer if prompted. In iTunes (for Windows PCs and older Macs), click on the iPhone logo. In Finder (on a Mac running macOS Catalina or later), click on your iPhone name from the left Sidebar.
Now, under the General tab, click Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac.
Choose Encrypt local backup and enter the password to secure it. Finally, click Back Up Now.
3. Before resetting, we need to turn off Find My iPhone: To do this, open Settings → tap the Apple ID banner → Find My → Find My iPhone.
Now, turn off Find My iPhone → Enter your iPhone passcode, and tap Turn Off.
4. Erase everything: Open Settings and tap General. Next, tap Reset → Erase All Content and Settings. Enter your iPhone password and confirm.
5. After the erase completes, you have to set up your iPhone again. Follow the on-screen instructions. On the screen that says ‘Apps and Data,’ choose Restore from iCloud Backup or Restore from Mac or PC accordingly.
I hope one of these solutions put an end to your iPhone constantly asking for your Apple ID Password. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below. We’ll do our best to help you!
Read More:
Not backing up my Apple device is what caused mine to repeatedly ask for my Apple ID password.
I’d recommend using a computer to back up your device. If the problem persists (and you’ve checked that your apps are up to date) reset to factory settings (after making a backup!)