Many iCloud login prompts on other devices

When I log on to iCloud on any of my devices, the other devices later require entering the iCloud password again. They don’t happen all at once, just one at a time. Sometimes this goes on for days. (I have many Apple devices in use, all with the same Apple ID.)


This has been happening ever since Apple implemented additional security features. (Several years now.) I used to just assume it was normal, but maybe I’m wrong. Now it also requires entering passwords for other devices I own, along with entering the iCloud password.


Would anyone care to comment? Is this normal?

Posted on Dec 21, 2022 1:29 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 22, 2022 3:20 PM

Hello JustSomeOldGuy,


Being prompted my be expected behavior if you're making changes to your Apple ID, iCloud, or any subscriptions or features that relate to the two. However, you mentioned that you're being asked to log in for other devices as well. Again, this may be expected behavior. Do you have Two-factor authentication for Apple ID enabled for your Apple ID account? If so, this may be why you're being prompted to sign in or approve authorization for other devices that are linked to the same Apple ID.


About trusted phone numbers and trusted devices
With two-factor authentication, a trusted device or trusted phone number helps verify your identity when you sign in to a new device or browser.

What is a trusted phone number?
To use two-factor authentication, you need at least one trusted phone number on file where you can receive verification codes. If you have a phone number that isn't associated with your trusted device, consider verifying it as an additional trusted phone number. If your iPhone is your only trusted device and it's missing or damaged, you won't be able to receive verification codes required to access your account.

To see, add, or change your trusted phone numbers:
• On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch: Go to Settings > your name > Password & Security. Next to Trusted Phone Number, tap Edit.
• Choose Apple menu  > System Settings (or System Preferences), then click your name (or Apple ID). Click Password & Security, then add or remove a trusted phone number.
• Go to the Account Security section of appleid.apple.com.

What is a trusted device?
A trusted device is an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, or Mac that you've already signed in to using two-factor authentication. It's a device that we know is yours and that can be used to verify your identity by displaying a verification code from Apple when you sign in on a different device or browser.


We hope this information helps you out.


Cheers!

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 22, 2022 3:20 PM in response to JustSomeOldGuy

Hello JustSomeOldGuy,


Being prompted my be expected behavior if you're making changes to your Apple ID, iCloud, or any subscriptions or features that relate to the two. However, you mentioned that you're being asked to log in for other devices as well. Again, this may be expected behavior. Do you have Two-factor authentication for Apple ID enabled for your Apple ID account? If so, this may be why you're being prompted to sign in or approve authorization for other devices that are linked to the same Apple ID.


About trusted phone numbers and trusted devices
With two-factor authentication, a trusted device or trusted phone number helps verify your identity when you sign in to a new device or browser.

What is a trusted phone number?
To use two-factor authentication, you need at least one trusted phone number on file where you can receive verification codes. If you have a phone number that isn't associated with your trusted device, consider verifying it as an additional trusted phone number. If your iPhone is your only trusted device and it's missing or damaged, you won't be able to receive verification codes required to access your account.

To see, add, or change your trusted phone numbers:
• On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch: Go to Settings > your name > Password & Security. Next to Trusted Phone Number, tap Edit.
• Choose Apple menu  > System Settings (or System Preferences), then click your name (or Apple ID). Click Password & Security, then add or remove a trusted phone number.
• Go to the Account Security section of appleid.apple.com.

What is a trusted device?
A trusted device is an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, or Mac that you've already signed in to using two-factor authentication. It's a device that we know is yours and that can be used to verify your identity by displaying a verification code from Apple when you sign in on a different device or browser.


We hope this information helps you out.


Cheers!

Dec 22, 2022 6:56 PM in response to JustSomeOldGuy

Replying to myself...


Contacted Apple Support.

No, Two-Factor Authentication cannot be turned off.

No, it's not supposed to be doing this. so...

Issue elevated

Symptoms documented.

Apple now waiting for me to do screen captures, so they can be absolutely certain of the exact issues and symptoms.



Since I didn't realize until now this was an abnormal behavior, I've never paid close attention to the issue. For example, how long does it take the issue to migrate from one device to another? Minutes? Hours? Does it migrate from one iOS device to another, or does it jump to Macs, then back again?


"Input... More input!"

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Many iCloud login prompts on other devices

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.