Sign in to iCloud with your Apple Account on a Mac

Why it happens

iCloud is part of your Apple Account, so it only starts once your Mac is signed in with that account. Until then, there's a Sign in button at the top of System Settings instead of your name. If you change your password elsewhere, your Mac may sign you out and ask you to sign in again.

How to fix it

1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and choose System Settings.

2. Click Sign in at the very top of the sidebar.

   Sign in

3. Type the email address or phone number you use for your Apple Account, then your password. Use the same account as your iPhone if you want your things to match.

4. If a verification code appears on your iPhone or another Apple device, type it on your Mac. Your Mac may also ask for its own login password, which it uses to set up your saved passwords.

5. Once your name shows at the top of the sidebar, click it, then click iCloud. Turn on what you want on this Mac, such as Photos, Drive and Passwords.

   Apple Account›iCloud

Still not fixed?

1. If sign-in keeps failing, check that you're online, then open General, then Date & Time, and make sure Set time and date automatically is on. A wrong clock can block the sign-in.

   General›Date & Time›Set time and date automatically

2. Forgot your password? Use the forgotten password link on the sign-in screen and follow Apple's steps. If your iPhone is signed in to the same account, you can also change the password there, in Settings under your name.

3. No Apple Account yet? The sign-in screen offers to create one. You only need one account for all your Apple devices.

4. If the code doesn't arrive, look for it on your other Apple devices, or choose to get it by text or phone call to your trusted number.

5. On a work or school Mac, the Apple Account may be managed by your organisation, so ask whoever set it up.

6. Restart your Mac and try once more. If it still won't sign in, or says your account is locked or disabled, contact Apple Support. They can help without you sharing your password.