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Update Apple ID Settings On iPhone? What It Means & What To Do!

    David Lynch
  • 4 years ago
    • Categories: Apple ID

Your iPhone says “Update Apple ID Settings” and you want to dismiss the notification. No matter what you do, you can’t seem to get that red, circular “1” to disappear. I’ll help you update Apple ID settings on your iPhone and show you how to fix the problem if this message won’t go away.

Why Does My iPhone Say “Update Apple ID Settings”?

Your iPhone says “Update Apple ID Settings” because you have to sign into your Apple ID again to keep using certain account services. Updating Apple ID settings will allow you to keep using those services. Most of the time, this just means you have to reenter your Apple ID password on your iPhone!

What To Do When It Says “Update Apple ID Settings” On Your iPhone

Open the Settings app and tap on Update Apple ID Settings. Then, tap Continue on the next screen. Enter your Apple ID password when the pop-up appears on the screen.

Most of the time, the “Update Apple ID Settings” notification will go away after you’ve entered your Apple ID password. However, in rare cases, the notification won’t disappear, and you may even receive an pop-up saying an error occurred. Keep reading to learn how to fix this problem!

Is “Update Apple ID Settings” Stuck?

Unfortunately, you probably found this article because the message Update Apple ID Settings is stuck in 2020. If this pesky notification message is stuck on your iPhone, it’s probably because your Apple ID cannot be verified. Believe me — you aren’t the only one dealing with this problem!

Many members of our iPhone help Facebook group brought this issue to our attention, which is why we wanted to write this article for you. Follow the steps below to diagnose and fix the real reason why the Update Apple ID Settings notification won’t go away!

Make Sure You’re Signed Into The Right Apple ID

It’s possible that your Apple ID can’t be verified because you’re logged into a different Apple ID account and therefore entering the wrong password. Open the Settings app and tap on your name at the top of the screen to quickly make sure you’re signed into the correct Apple ID. You’ll see the Apple ID you’re currently logged into near the center of the screen.

Check out our article if you need help changing your Apple ID!

Sign Out And Back Into Your Apple ID

If you’re signed into the correct Apple ID, try signing out and back into it. Go back to Settings -> Apple ID and scroll all the way down to Sign Out. Enter your Apple ID password and tap Turn Off.

Next, tap Sign Out in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. If you want to keep a copy of your Apple News or other settings, turn on the switch to the right of the feature underneath Keep A Copy Of. Confirm your decision by tapping Sign Out when the pop-up appears.

Now that you’ve signed out, tap Sign in to your iPhone near the top of the Settings app. Enter your Apple ID email and password, then tap Sign In in the upper right-hand corner of the screen to sign back into iCloud. If you’re prompted to merge your data with iCloud, I recommend tapping merge, just to make sure you don’t lose any important information.

Congratulations — you’re signed into iCloud once again! If the Update Apple ID settings is still showing up, move onto the final step.

Check iCloud Services

It’s possible that this notification is stuck because iCloud services have been temporarily disabled for routine maintenance or a system update. When this happens, you may be prevented from logging into your Apple ID as a safety precaution. You can check Apple’s system status on their website!

Apple ID Settings: Up To Date!

Your Apple ID settings are up to date and that annoying notification is gone for now. Next time it says Update Apple ID Settings on your iPhone, you’ll know exactly what to do! If you have any other questions about your Apple ID, feel free to leave a comment down below.

Thanks for reading,
David L.

View Comments (142)

  • it keeps asking me for my laptop password but when I enter it -correctly- it says its incorrect and gives no other option except to reset encrypted data

  • I (for some reason) deleted my ipad from my find a phone. I was having trouble tracking my husbands phone. Ipad is just like a toy nothing serious. That's when my trouble started. That is when the one appeared. So I seldom do backup on ipad cause just play games. Ended up deleted ipad info. And when I tried signing in is when the 1 appeared on my iphones. I have left my ipad deleted now and the 1 appears on one iphone (I am transitioning to different carrier) and if I sign in on that one and 1 goes away it shows up on other phone! Cant get it to go away. Thanks

  • I don't know what the password is when I checked looked and check the settings on my iphone.

  • I signed out and signed in again and still have the message. When I sign it it asks for my passcode, then it asks for my ICloud passcode- but I do not use iCloud and never set it up. Any way to get around this?

  • Hi David, I am also getting this message but on a factory reset Mac Book Pro (2013). I have signed out and back in and still get the same message one and over again. Any advice?

  • I have a question. I tapped this "update apple ID settings" recently when a cousin of mine got a new iPhone, cause I thought it was harmless. But I'm pretty sure it ignited two-factor authentication without asking me first. He really didn't mind. But now I got a new iPhone and after a week or so it started asking me the same thing. I DO NOT want two-factor. And once it's ignited nowadays, you cannot shut it off. The only way I've found to get rid of the alert is to sign out and sign back in to my apple id. But the alert always comes back a few weeks later. Does anyone know how to get rid of it? Or is it just something I'll have to live with? Apple has been trying to push everyone on two-factor, and I don't ever trust it. I don't want my ability to get into my Apple ID always linked to having access to my phone. It's ridiculous.

    • me too!I dont want to two-factor!but always one week ask me need update apple ID settings!just only ios 16 another devices not have this problem

  • I have a bit of a twist on this. I did a factory reset on my iphone as I had lost/forgotten my 6 digit passcode. Since then I have been seeing various screens, Update Apple ID Settings, Enter your previous passcode (I do not know how many times i have selected 'I have forgotten my Passcode') and now I am getting 'Enter your iPAD Passcode, I have just spent the morning resurecting a 2 year archived iPAD to do this, it accepts my iPad Passcode and is still updating. When I go back to my phone and try to go through the Update Apple ID Settings I put my phone Passcode in, then go to screen that says enter your iPAD Passcode. I enter the pass code that opens my iPad and get told it is the wrong Passcode. Spent 2.5 hours last night with Apple Support who sent me a page that tells me i need to Update My Apple ID Settings or my Trusted Phone Number. I have 1 phone and one iPad that is not linked to the phone service. I think I will go Android before I go bonkers.

  • Nothing helps. I have searched and done everything recommended. Not it wants me to reset encrypted data. I did it on my ipad and it still asks me to update apple settings. It started doing it on my iPhone 6s. And when I got an iPhone 13 I had to set it up from iTunes backup.
    And it was there almost immediately.
    So frustrating.

  • Thanks for the above. In process of 'signing in' to my restarted iPhone I get the prompt to enter my Apple ID, password and iPhone pin, and then it asks for the password I use to log on to my MacBook. I have two one is very old - I carefully entered pw for the new one but it says it is not accurate. I tried the old one and got the same answer. I am stuck here. I am sure they want the newer Mac pw, but it does not accept it. Can you help?

  • In my case, this message won't go away because the cycle always requires me to provide not only my Apple ID login and the PIN Code of this iPhone, but also the PIN of my last iPhone - but claims that I always get that wrong. Even though I don't (I checked on the old phone!).

  • So thank you very much to those who said the whole “When the loading wheel keeps spinning close the settings app” which I did after I clicked sign out then the phone said my account was there and had a sign out button but clicked the sign in or it prompted me and I put my AID in and it continued loading for a min so I closed settings after that I opened settings and I was logged in and I saw the 1 notification was there so I clicked on it and it vanished. Now I see all my iCloud data properly. On a new iPhone 11.

    i have a question for anyone who has a new iphone 11-12-13 or did have.

    My notifications are not coming up for like they are on my old iPhone 7 Plus that is still signed in as I like now I have 2 phones. But yeah is this because I haven’t opened all the apps I have and stuff like that? Also I haven’t moved sim from this old phone to the new one and wonder how much SOS mode effects notifications if at all? Since the settings I had on this iPhone7 was transferred when merging phones so it’s not the settings. Unless it is but it’s not in the main notification settings to make any changes Atleast yeah I have 0 Lock Screen notifications and notification centre is very scarce on my IPhone 11..? How to fix?

  • I am having the same issue on my iPad and iPhone that is listed above It doesn’t take around 5 to 30 seconds and it comes back up On my iPad and iPhone

    • Did you sign out of the AppleID? And then re sign in? When the Settings app loads forever Close it and re open and log in it will load forever so close it and re open and it will be signed in back into a new sign on your appleID (you won’t loose anything) tick all “keep” buttons before sign out and your fine. Know your Apple ID password before you log out too.

  • After I bought a new iPhone, I successfully transferred all data from the old iPhone. And I have facing issue new phone update Apple ID settings. I already tried to sign out and sign in again.

  • Hello I can't download Google app and other apps that is associated with my iCloud on my iPhone 6s plus please I need a solution

    • Do you have enough storage space to download apps? You can check in Settings -> General -> iPhone Storage.

  • 1st: Log out and log back in.

    The second issue is iMessage. I get this error that says "Your iMessage Settings Must Match Devices". It seems to be rejecting the request (in a hold forever) because my Apple ID settings do not match. It says to check your other device - see what is ‘checked” in iMessage. Then, go to a new device and change it to look the same. As a matter of fact, I have three devices and I had to do this with all three. When done, I go back and click “Continue” and put in my password - etc. That should fix it.

    Your other device(s) may then get a notification in the Settings app - with the same “Update Apple ID Settings” error. Just make sure your iMessage settings match the other devices, then click Continue. Enter your password, the notification should go away on each device.

    When you set up a new device, it defaults the iMessage to use your Apple account email only. However, I use two emails on my iPhone. This was my fix and it took about 5 minutes.

  • Is it likely this is Apple forcing us to buy later models? I've got the 5s, and I have the same problem.

  • Good morning. My phone keeps sending me the same Apple ID Update message again and again. I tried changing my password, signing in and out, and changing my Apple ID username but I still keep getting the same message. I don’t know how to fix it. So, if anyone knows what to do, please tell me.

  • How do I know what I will re-open, or reset or enable by doing this? Am I accepting new services I am not aware of or that I don't know I have? Do I need to review every option and privacy setting again?

    What happens if I decline? I don't have time right now to read the entire document in one sitting. I have to shut down my phone to get out of it until I'm finished reading it.

  • Hey,
    I changed my Apple ID and now I am logging in again in various apps that require Apple ID on my Mac and iPhone 12 Mini.
    The problem is that iCloud doesn't recognize that I have changed the Apple ID so it keeps asking for the password of my old Apple ID.

    What should I do?

    • Hi Mara, I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble with your accounts! I'd recommend reaching out to Apple's Support team directly to try to get this sorted out. If anyone can help resolve an Apple ID issue like this, it's them.

      I'm sorry we couldn't be of more help. Thank you for reading, and best of luck!

  • Hi, I have completed this process and it worked on my new phone. However, both my old phone and my iPad now have come with this message. When I reset it on the iPad, the new phone appears with the Update Settings message. I feel like I’m going around in circles. Have I missed something here?

  • ᎢᎻᎪΠᏦ?ᎩᎾᏌ I totally understand the process, however, I have had to keep doing this same process over and over, even when it seems like there are no apps which are updating. It is quite frustrating when you do it a score of times and then find the need to do so again. Is this some new idea for repetition to teach how to remember passwords? I swear I have done it 50+ times in the last two days. I wish it would finally be done! We do not have WiFi, so the updating process is slow. Problem is electricity too. All this updating/sign in is running out my power and we use a generator (which unfortunately is not working properly at the moment) so it is becoming burdensome. Hopefully it will finally finish updating soon

    • Hi Doris, that sounds very frustrating. I would recommend reaching out to Apple's support team directly to try to get this issue sorted out. If anyone can help with Apple ID issues like this, it's them. Sorry we couldn't be of more help, best of luck!

  • I followed these instructions and it worked. However, when I reset my iPhone, the message appears on my iPad. When I reset the iPad, the message reappears on the iphone. I cannot get rid of it. Help

    • Hi Don, I can imagine that gets pretty frustrating pretty quickly. You may want try signing out of your Apple ID, then signing back in on both your iPad and iPhone and see if that breaks the loop. First, make sure you know your Apple ID password, as you'll need it to sign back in.

      To sign out, open Settings and tap on your Apple ID. Then, scroll down and tap Sign Out. Then, open Settings again. Instead of seeing your Apple ID at the top of the Settings display, you should see a message inviting you to sign in to your Apple ID. Follow the prompts from there.

      Hope this helps!

  • After following all of these steps, I'm right back at square one, minus much of the personal data that wouldn't fit into the iCloud. The issue is not an incorrect apple ID, nor is it a disabled iCloud. Not one iPhone in our house can get rid of this error.

    • I'm sorry to hear you're still having trouble! If you've already tried all of our tips, I'd suggest reaching out to Apple Support directly about your Apple ID issues. If anyone can get this issue sorted out for you, it's them. I'm sorry we couldn't be of more help, thank you for reading nad best of luck!

  • Hi there, I recently purchased the iPhone 12 mini and I was getting the same message. I signed out of my Apple ID account and signed back in. This worked for approximately 6 hrs. I did the steps again and once again it worked. However, a few hours later I’m back to square one. Help please ?

    • Hi Jill, that's a very intriguing problem. I'd suggest reaching out to Apple Support directly about this issue. If anyone can help resolve such a specific Apple ID issue like this, it's them! I'm sorry we couldn't be of more help, thank you for reading!

  • After doing the exact same method you mentioned I have lost my photos. Is there any way I can restore them?

  • Hey I have iPhone 6 Plus. i bought this from my friend. but the reason is the Apple ID is removed. but when i entered my apple id. it sign in but after that he says to update apple id setting. when i continue it not go to the other page. also i lost my sim signals by facing this problem

    • There's no way that Apple ID settings could affect your SIM card or cellular connection. Sounds like your best bet would be to contact Apple Support for more help.

  • Signing out of AppleID deleted my recently transferred Apple pay cards! There must be a way around this? Maybe just worth mentioning to people. In the end, I still have the ‘update Apple ID settings issue! Ugh!

  • This worked for me on my new iPhone 12. It took a few seconds longer than I expected to sign back into the iCloud, but in the end it worked. Thank you

  • I just got the iPhone 12 and it says update Apple ID settings, but it’s just going round in circles. I’m worried that if I sign out then back in that something might go wrong. Also, my photos still haven’t transferred yet but they’re on my iCloud, I’m just worried that everything will disappear if I sign out

  • sir, I have iPhone 6s I bought from my friend but my previous apple id is not removed from my phone
    please tell me about that

  • I have iphone12Prof today and I have transferred all settings and data etc., from my iPhonex automatically without any issue except update Apple ID settings which will not go away. ios 14.4.2 installed. Apple ID, iCloud, Media & Purchases are running without any issue. All Apps are updated and running without any problem, I do not understand why the reminder for "Update Apple ID Settings" continue.

    • Thank you so much this literally worked for me as well. I simply turned off the wifi, turned the iPhone off, and then on, with wifi off, I entered the password on the "update settings message" done.

    • Update on my Query
      I shut off the WIFI, exit the settings and restarted the iPhone and changed the WIFI settings
      And the remainder is gone

      • Thank you! I mean! You just saved me from the trauma of feeling like I was loosing it all.

      • Omg, you’ve literally kept my nerves!! I was struggling with this issue and nothing from the above helped. But then I saw your comment, turned off Wi-fi, restarted my Iph12pro and voila! - it went different way, requesting my pass code, then the pass code from my previous old iphXR and that’s it! It’s just gone!
        I can’t thank you enough!

  • have a notification in Settings on my iPhone to "Update Apple ID Settings". When i click on continue it asks me to enter the password for my apple ID. When I put the password in and click "Sign In" it comes up with Verification Failed, An unknown error occurred. Why will it not accept my Apple ID password yet I can log into the Apple website and into my Apple account through itunes?

  • Hello, I did as instructed on the article in order to dismiss the “update Apple ID settis” that was stuck. I signed off from my Apple ID on the iPhone but now it stucks when trying to sign in again. Can you please tell me what should I do? Thank you.
    p.s: it’s a new phone that was copied directly from the old phone.

    • Hey, michal, I’m experiencing the same issues as you. Have you fixed yours? If yes, how did you do it?

  • I can sign in with my AID & pw on appleid.apple.com and icloud.com, but not to update AID settings on my phone or to sign out. Why?

    • I had to sign out and sign it, the wheel kept spinning so I just closed the settings app and when I opened it again, I was signed it. I guess it's just some weird thing. But thanks, it worked

      Sorry didn't mean to reply to yours, it's a general comment

  • I just bought the iPhone 12 Pro and all my apps I downloaded from iCloud from previous iPhone is not downloading. It’s on the phone but doesn’t want to complete download. I’m logged into the correct Apple ID as I only have 1. Keeps telling me to “Update Apple ID Settings” but when I click on “Continue” it just hangs when I enter the password. I cannot sign out as it’s greyed out and neither can I restart my phone as it doesn’t want to let me. Could this be because I have apps on my phone from two different regions/countries?

    • I have the same issue! New iPhone 12 Pro as well, and I also have apps from two different regions as I live in Europe and MENA. Does anyone know how to fix this issue? Thank you!

  • Just got an iPhone12 Mini

    Not only does it stick on “Update Apple ID Settings,” it also does not respond when I press the blue “Continue”, and I cannot turn the phone off, and I cannot gain access to the rest of the Settings menu.

  • Hi David,
    Thank you for helping us simple folk out there. I decided to change my Apple ID to my personal email address rather than my work one. It was a long overdue task. And it all looked so simple. I went to https://appleid.apple.com/account/manage and hey presto, the correct details have been registered. But on my iPhone, the Apple ID page still has my old Apple ID. And if I sign out, it's trying to sign me out of my old Apple ID, but won't recognise the password (as it's presumably transferred to my new Apple ID). Yet when I press on 'Name, Phone Numbers, Email', the updated info is there. So I'm sort of half in and half out. When I go to 'Update Apple ID Settings' (because some account services require me to sign in again), it wants me to enter the password for my old Apple ID - and again, it won't recognise my password. When I press 'forgot password', it takes me to 'forgot Apple ID' and when I input the info, it displays my NEW Apple ID, and suggests I 'continue to sign in', so I'm back to 'Update Apple ID settings'... whereupon I press 'Continue' and it takes me to... my old Apple ID. Ahhhhhhhh

  • Whenever i restart my iPhone, it always asks me to "Enter your Apple ID password in Settings". The point is it asks about the old one. How can i fix this?? Thanks a bunch!

  • Hi. My mother’s iPhone 4 has been 48 hours “updating Apple ID settings” and I can’t force quit or shut down the phone at all. Maddening. Must I wait until the charge dies? This is absurd!!!

    • Today I learned that the iPhone 4 is 10 years old! Man, I'm getting old ? Anyway, Apple no longer supports the iPhone 4. You're probably better off getting an upgrade to a new device that will work better, last longer, and has better software and hardware support. I recommend UpPhone's cell phone comparison tool to help you get the best deal possible. Another tip, with that tool you don't have to spend a fortune for a great device!

  • Excellent step by step article. I had to transfer my phone from current 7s to newer iPhone. I updated my Apple ID in the process but it wasn't updating on the settings page on the phone. I signed out and signed in and now it is update. Thank you!

    • I'm glad we were able to help! I'm sure you aren't the only one who has had this issue, so I'm sure others would appreciate it if you shared this article on social media. Thanks for stopping by! ?

  • When sign out is tapped on iPhone 8 it states find my phone will be turned off and request Apple Id password. When entered it gives error. I only have one Apple Id. I changed password as the Apple Support advised. Still not allowing sign out. But, will allow all resets except erase settings. I am able to use password to log into apple id via browser. Using iOS 14.2 on personal non-managed iPhone. Any guidance? Tech suspects malware?

  • I could not sign out on my phone. The wheel just kept spinning and spinning. So I just tried going to “passwords & security”. From there, I just changed my password and that seemed to fix it!

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David Lynch: David Lynch is an expert on cell phones, cell phone plans, and other tech. After using a flip phone into his early 20s, he learned the ropes about iPhones and Androids from a former Apple employee. Today, his articles and videos are read and viewed by millions, and he has been cited by major publications including Reader's Digest, Wired, CMSWire, Consumers Advocate, and more.