Signing in to another Apple ID's iCloud fails
Adding iCloud Drive for another Apple ID needs Advanced Data Protection off and Access iCloud Data on the Web on, plus Apple's verification code. Apple asks for a new code about once a month — use Sign in again when it does.
Signing in to another Apple ID's iCloud Drive works only when that Apple ID allows web access: Advanced Data Protection must be off and Access iCloud Data on the Web on. After the password, Apple sends a verification code to that Apple ID's devices. Most failures are one of those three things — and about once a month Apple asks for a new code, so the account needs Sign in again.
What you might see
| Message | What it means |
|---|---|
| This Apple ID has Advanced Data Protection on, or web access to iCloud off. | Change those two settings on that Apple ID, then try again. |
| Apple didn't accept that Apple ID or password. | Check the Apple ID and password. |
| That code didn't work, or it expired. Enter the newest code — or use Send a new code. | Enter the latest code Apple sent. |
| This Apple ID has no phone number that can receive codes. | Use the code shown on one of that Apple ID's devices instead. |
| Couldn't reach Apple. Check your internet connection and try again. | A connection problem on this Mac. |
| Apple needs you to confirm this Mac again for this iCloud account. | Apple's monthly check — use Sign in again. |
| Apple changed how iCloud sign-in works, and this version of Storage Studio can't sign in to iCloud yet. | Your Apple ID and password weren't the problem. Check for a Storage Studio update. |
Likely causes
- Advanced Data Protection is on for that Apple ID, or Access iCloud Data on the Web is off.
- The code expired or an older code was entered. Enter the newest code Apple sent.
- No code arrived on that Apple ID's devices.
- Apple wants the Mac confirmed again. "Apple asks for a new verification code about once a month — when it does, use Sign in again on this account." It can also happen when the Apple ID password changes.
Flowchart outline: Getting another Apple ID's iCloud Drive signed in
- iCloud sign-in fails
- leads to Advanced Data Protection off and web access on?
- Advanced Data Protection off and web access on?
- No: leads to Change both on that Apple ID's device
- Yes: leads to Sign in again
- Change both on that Apple ID's device
- leads to Sign in again
- Sign in again
- leads to Code arrived?
- Code arrived?
- No: leads to Use Send a new code or Text me a code instead
- Yes: leads to Enter the newest code and click Verify
- Use Send a new code or Text me a code instead
- leads to Enter the newest code and click Verify
- Enter the newest code and click Verify
- leads to Account added
How to fix it
- On a device signed in to that Apple ID, open Settings, then the account name, then iCloud. Turn Advanced Data Protection off and Access iCloud Data on the Web on.
- Sign in again in Storage Studio: in Remotes & Accounts, select the account and click Sign in again — or, if it isn't added yet, add iCloud Drive (another Apple ID) with Add Account.
- Enter the code. "Apple sent a verification code to the devices signed in to this Apple ID. Enter it to finish." Type the 6-digit code and click Verify.
- No code? Click Send a new code, or Text me a code instead to have it sent to the Apple ID's phone number.
- Once a month, when Apple asks again, repeat steps 2–3. If Test connection on the account fails, that's usually the sign.
If a sign-in again fails or you cancel it, the account is left exactly as it was.
Good to know
This uses Apple's web access to iCloud rather than an official connection, so Apple could change how it works. See iCloud Drive for another Apple ID for what it can and can't do. Your own Apple ID's iCloud Drive is already on your Mac and doesn't need adding — see Storage Studio's cloud accounts and iCloud Drive.
See also: iCloud Photos of another Apple ID · When an account needs signing in again · Testing, editing and removing an account · Something's not working: start here