6 Fixes For “There Was An Error Connecting To The Apple ID Server” Error

If you’re getting the “there was an error connecting to the apple id server” error, there are a bunch of fixes we can suggest.

We’ve seen this error occur on all Apple devices, from iPads to Apple watches.

First we’ll walk you through some obvious stuff you might have already tried.

But bear with us, we’ve assembled a bunch of different fixes so you can resolve this annoying Apple ID server error.

Easy Solutions

The first several fixes come from Stack Exchange. They say reasons for this error are numerous. But they suggest: 1. Check if you are actually connected to the internet

2. Reboot your phone (hold down the Power and Home buttons simultaneously until you see the Apple logo on a black screen)

3. Reset your router

4. Logging out and back in. Follow the steps below:

1. Go to Settings >iTunes & App Store
2. Tap on your Apple ID at the very top
3. Tap on Sign Out
4. Now sign back in

Video Walkthrough: How to Fix The ”verification failed there was a problem connecting to the server” Error

If you prefer a video guide, check out this popular series of solutions from the Ryk TV tech vlogger:

Other Solutions

Solution #2 (Set Time/Date Automatically)

Another fix came from a Stack Exchange user who said that he found the “set time/date automatically” had been disabled.

As a result, his date was way off base. Once he re-enabled it, Apple ID worked and all Google apps (YouTube) resumed functioning.

To check your settings:

1. Navigate to Settings > General
2. Click Date & Time
3. Then make sure Set Automatically is enabled

Solution #3 (Clear the history and cookies from Safari on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch)

Another possible fix comes from Apple Support. The support document will walk you through how to delete your history, cookies, and cache using the Settings app.

Solution #4 (WiFi Verification Code)

Here’s another Stack Exchange fix that requires another Apple device. Basically, you’re generating a WiFi verification code from a working device and inputting it into the malfunctioning device.

1. Use the malfunctioning Apple device, and Connect via WiFi and navigate to Settings > iCloud
2. Click on your Account
3. Generate a verification code with the working device (it has to be using the same Apple ID as the malfunctioning device)
4. Use the malfunctioning device and navigate to Settings > iCloud > Password and Security > Generate Verification Code
5. And then enter the verification code in the device with the error

Solution #5 (OPENDNS/Cisco Umbrella)

Another technical solution came from a Stack Exchange user who said that If a user you had previously installed OPENDNS/Cisco Umbrella, try disabling it and then reinstalling it.

After a restore and upgrade, the Stack Exchange user says that the VPN Client was unable to connect and was not allowing the User to connect to iCloud or the verification servers.

Solution #6 (Popup Signout)

Over in Apple Discussions, a user said that after he updated to iOS 9, he’s unable to sign into iCloud and can’t restore his backup. That means he doesn’t have access to anything on his iPad Air.One possible fix came from a user who said that the following worked for her:

1. Navigate to Settings
2. Locate to your App & iTunes preferences
3. Click your Apple ID at the top.
4. A popup will appear allowing you to sign out
5. Sign out and then sign back in

A Windows Fix

If you’re experiencing this error in the Microsoft Windows operating system, Apple Support does have some advice. One user said they had the error when connecting to the Apple ID Server on Windows 10.

They linked to the following support document for a fix that helps you connect to the iTunes Store, iBooks Store, or App Store.

It will walk you through checking your settings and network connections to try to address the connectivity issue on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, PC, or Apple TV.

Related Fix: My iPhone Is Verified, but Cannot Connect to the Server

The eHow YouTube channel posted a video fix:

They say that if you are attempting to get your e-mail on your iPhone and you get an alert that it cannot connect to the server, although you have verified your password and in the past gotten your email, there’s a few steps you can take to fix the problem.

What’s happening and what can potentially solve the issue, the vlogger asks? To begin with, he says you should eliminate some thing basic like you altered your password and then didn’t switch it on your iPhone.

To fix this, go into Settings and then go down to Mail, Select the account, tap on it and then go in adjust the password to whatever It ought to be.

Another fix: Let’s imagine you’re connected to Wi-Fi: turn it off for a minute. Then you will attempt to connect with the server over cellular data.

That may in fact fix the problem. You may be surprised that it does.

If it doesn’t try resetting your Network Settings. Once you reset your network settings, it’s going to forget things like your Wi-Fi, passwords, etc., but it’ll become more likely to be able to find its way to the server and acquire the appropriate information so you can get your email.

Those ideas would be the simplest ways to solve this issue, though it may be that your wireless system both at home and work merely has to be rebooted or power cycled.

Lastly, if you have attempted all these things and you are still having problems, especially on Wi-Fi, go on and disconnect your wireless router, wait a few seconds, and plug it back in. That may also solve the problem.

Summary

There you have it- a range of fixes  the “error connecting to the apple id server”. If all else fails, open a support thread over at Apple Support, or try contacting them by phone/email/chat.