Can't log in to iCloud

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Level 1

13 points

Can't log in to iCloud

The tab in System Preferences won't log in to iCloud. The Apple ID is accepted but the password just times out. No problem with these login details on other devices, just the iMac.

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Jan 4, 2023 2:29 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

R4FTY

Level 4

1,393 points

Jan 4, 2023 3:18 PM in response to Cambusmore

If you are unable to log in to iCloud on your iMac, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

Check that you're using the right Apple ID and password. If you have multiple Apple IDs, you may be using the incorrect one.

Examine your internet connection. Check that you are connected to a stable Wi-Fi network or that your ethernet connection is operational.

Check that you have the most recent version of macOS. Go to "System Preferences" > "Software Update" to check for updates.

Reboot your iMac. This frequently resolves iCloud login and other technical issues.

Log in to iCloud.com with your Apple ID and password. If you can access the website, the problem may be with your iMac rather than your Apple ID.

If none of these steps work, you should contact Apple Support for further assistance. They may be able to assist you in troubleshooting the issue and restoring your iCloud account.

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Answer 2

BDAqua

Level 10

250,253 points

Jan 5, 2023 6:31 AM in response to Cambusmore

We need to see what all is running, a report from this will not display any personal info...

EtreCheck is a FREE simple little diagnostic tool to display the important details of your system configuration and allow you to copy that information to the Clipboard. It is meant to be used with Apple Support Communities to help people help you with your Mac. It will not display any personal info.

https://www.etrecheck.com/

Pastebin is a good place to paste the whole report if you capture the URL while there…

https://pastebin.com/

Workable but harder for me to work with...the Note tool on the bottom of this editor's toolbar, as shown in the image, to copy and paste the output from EtreCheck. In a Reply before you click post, look for this to add longer texts...

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Answer 3

Cambusmore Author

Level 1

13 points

Jan 5, 2023 3:38 PM in response to BDAqua

I think I may have found, at least a partial, answer. The 'iCloud' panel in System Preferences wouldn't let me log in but I found that the 'Internet Accounts' panel had no entry for iCloud. I added one and that let me log in OK - it then showed up in the 'iCloud' panel as logged in.

It still won't let me include Keychain as a synchronized item, though - if I try to select it, it promptly logs me out. So it seems I may have a corrupt Keychain - no idea how to fix that.

Grateful thanks to all who tried to help.

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Answer 4

BDAqua

Level 10

250,253 points

Jan 5, 2023 5:43 PM in response to Cambusmore

Delete these files & restart...

~/Library/LaunchAgents/jp.plentycom.boa.SteerMouse.plist

/Library/LaunchAgents/com.microsoft.update.agent.plist

/Library/LaunchAgents/com.extensis.FMCore.plist

/Library/LaunchAgents/com.adobe.AdobeCreativeCloud.plist

~ tilde indicates your home folder

Apple hid the Users' Library folders...

Method 1:

1 From the Finder, select the Go menu at top of the screen, and choose Go to Folder.

2 In the window that opens, enter ~/Library, and click Go.

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Answer 5

BDAqua

Level 10

250,253 points

Jan 4, 2023 4:40 PM in response to Cambusmore

Are you running any VPN, Anti-Virus, or Cleaning apps?

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Answer 6

Cambusmore Author

Level 1

13 points

Jan 5, 2023 2:26 AM in response to BDAqua

Nope - disabled AVG and ExpressVPN months ago, with the same thought. Don't use a cleaning app or firewall. Diagnostics (Disk Utility, Onyx) don't find anything. Another factor that might be related is that the OS now takes ages to do anything - e.g. about 10 to 30 seconds to load an app.

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Answer 7

Cambusmore Author

Level 1

13 points

Jan 4, 2023 4:04 PM in response to R4FTY

You’re right - I’ve done all you suggest. Nothing works but I can log in via the web, so it must be the iMac. I even wiped the HD, reformatted it and installed a fresh copy of Mojave - still no luck.

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