If it is happening on multiple places, then it isn’t something you are doing wrong, it’s a problem on Apple’s end. I would give them a call to look into it. Answer from RealGianath on reddit.com
🌐
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 251270555
an unknown error occurred while signing into apple id
April 17, 2020 - When you went to System Preferences/Internet Accounts, did you select an existing iCloud account there? ... Thank you Donv for going to https://osxdaily.com/2016/10/23/fix-icloud-unknown-error-cant-connect-problem-mac/, but it didn't work(any of the solutions). I had this problem for some time now (since i was using High Sierra) but at that time it wasnt a problem. I am currently using my mac without my Apple ID.
🌐
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 252664737
Apple ID (Unknown error occurred) FIXED - Apple Community
Did you notice you cannot add Google, Yahoo or other accounts too? I could not and after noticing this I realized the problem has nothing to do with iCloud or Apple server.
🌐
iSunshare
isunshare.com › iphone-ipad › an-unknown-error-occurred-ios-error.html
Solved Verification Failed: An Unknown Error Occurred
Perhaps the reason for the Apple ID verification error when logging into iCloud is a failed network connection, so please reset your iPhone network settings and log into iCloud while connected to a more stable WiFi or cellular network to eliminate the "verification failed, an unknown error ...
🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/applehelp › i can't log in to my apple id account "your account could not be updated due to an error"
r/applehelp on Reddit: I can't log in to my Apple ID account "Your account could not be updated due to an error"
December 14, 2024 -

I have an Apple ID account that I created for Apple TV a few months ago. This week I bought a Macbook Pro, but when I try to log in I'm having a problem. Basically, I enter my email and password, enter my verification code sent to my email, then enter my phone number and fill in the code that they sent me via SMS. In the last step, there is a Terms and Conditions screen, and when I click on "I have read" and then on the Done button, I get this error: "Your account could not be updated due to an error".

I tried to log in through the browser (Chrome and Safari), but the same thing happens. I fill in my email, password and phone number, but when I get to the Terms and Conditions screen, nothing happens and I get stuck there.

Any solution for this?

🌐
AppleToolBox
appletoolbox.com › home › how to fix an unknown error occurred in apple id on ios and macos
How to Fix an Unknown Error Occurred in Apple ID in 2023 - AppleToolBox
March 8, 2023 - If you’re not seeing the “An unknown error occurred in Apple ID” error after a recent update, then you must update your device from Settings > General > Software Update.
🌐
Apple
support.apple.com › en-asia › 111760
Resolve issues between iCloud for Windows or iTunes and third-party security software - Apple Support
If you still see the error message, then continue reading to learn how to check your connectivity and security software. ... Make sure that the date, time, and time zone are set correctly on your computer. Learn how to update these settings on a Mac or on a PC.
🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/applehelp › apple id saying "unknown error occured" on mac os
r/applehelp on Reddit: Apple ID saying "Unknown error occured" on Mac OS
December 21, 2019 -

Hi, recently my 2018 MacBook air has been having apple ID issues and making it impossible for me to sign in. it keeps popping up with an error message saying "Verification failed, an unknown error occured". I was on the phone with apple support for an hour and have not yet come to a solution. I've tried restarting, updating to Big Sur, cleaning out old bugged files, installing malware checkers, disabling VPNS and Adblockers, to no avail.

I'm running out of options and desperately need this issue fixed soon, and am wondering if anyone knows of any other possible solutions.

Top answer
1 of 4
2

Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in. Scroll to the bottom and on the left side there should be an area to create a support PIN. Then schedule them to call you. This happens time to time with iCloud accounts. I always go thru this with a specific customers work computer when it comes time to wipe it out.

2 of 4
2

Regards Every/One; I have the following HW/SW:

  • Macbook 5,2 + Lion 10.7

  • MacPro 1,1 + Capitan 10.11

  • iPhone + iOS 10.3.3

  • iPad + iOS 9.3.5

  • AppleTV 2gen. As well as two Apple IDs (the "Old and Unused [email protected]" and the "New and only used [email protected]").

Last week, Apple's https://www.apple.com/support/systemstatus/ displayed a failure in Calendar service. Failure showed up in the Macbook only, some CalDAV function failure.

Ever since cannot login with the "New" AppleID only in the Macbook, just after the User > Password entry, an "Unknown Error ocurred" dialog appears. However, when login in the Macbook with the "Old" AppleID; like knife in butter I enter User > Password > Agreement acceptance > Sync and Find my Computer settings, and everything works perfectly. Both accounts ("Old" & "New") login perfectly in all other devices as well as logging in icloud.com and setting new passwords in appleid.apple.com.

I have had chat support and have been in call meetings with Apple Support people, they have no idea as to the issuance of the bug, all proposed ideas with Secure Mode and removing files worked not. Tried different solutions and forum research with no success. Lastly, I formatted Macbook and reinstalled a brand new OS with no success either.

Yet may the bug "by itself" fixes, uncertain is that even a "Factory Setting" fails, my guess is, the problem IS RELATED WITH THE ACCOUNT ON APPLE'S SIDE, FAILURE RAISED LAST WEEK AFTER CALENDAR SERVICE FAILURE, unknown if it is some setting flag, a related device, some domain type of account ([email protected]); anything, but speculations... patience is no useful tool for those forgiven.

🌐
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 254674973
Unknown error message - Apple Community
If you see one of these messages, it means that you have exceeded the number of new Apple IDs you can set up with iCloud on a single device in one year. Learn what to do. ... If you have recently restored your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch from an iCloud backup, the restore may not have completed.
Find elsewhere
🌐
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255546266
Verification failed, unknown error when l… - Apple Community
Sometimes a simple refresh can fix verification issues. Sign out of your iCloud account by going to System Preferences > Apple ID. Select the Overview tab and click Sign Out.
🌐
Wikihow
wikihow.com › computers and electronics › update apple id settings stuck: 10 simple solutions
Update Apple ID Settings Stuck: 10 Simple Solutions
February 29, 2024 - If your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is stuck on the "update Apple ID settings" screen, it could be caused by an unstable internet connection, server issues, password changes, incomplete Apple ID information, or software issues.
🌐
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 251152933
Unknown error when signing into my Apple ID and iCloud.
Open system preferences > click on Apple ID icon , again click on overview , an error will show update your Apple ID settings click on continue , enter your Apple ID and password , in the same way click on name , phone , email . If you upgraded the Mac OS from previous version to Mac OS catalina ...
🌐
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 251575423
Update Apple ID Settings Error Message - Apple Community
This is a cloud based function and it takes a very long time for the syncing to occur · The keyboard on my (nearly new Macbook Air) is not registering one or more of the key strokes ... Does anyone have any idea why the message does not readily disappear once the password is entered (and it is correct, I verified)? ... Getting error messages in Apple ID under Systems Preferences that says "Update Apple ID Settings" As above, but it then also says below it: "Some account services will not be available until you sign in again".
Top answer
1 of 2
3

I spoke to the customer support again. This time an attentive guy there was able to point out the issue that is happening with my account.

Apparently Apple has put some restriction on new iCloud email accounts and they cannot be used as primary Apple ID for first 30 days.

They have added the following note in the documentation page as well but it is written in fine text so it goes unnoticed. One has to pay attention to notice it. It says:

"If you try to change your Apple ID to an @icloud.com email address created within the last 30 days, you might be asked to try again later."

I made my @icloud address 2 days back, so I guess in my case I have wait for 28 more days after which I hope I will be able to change my primary Apple ID address. Let's see.

2 of 2
2

The problem that you have is that the iCloud address you created with your Mac is already an Apple ID in its own right!

So, instead of changing your old Apple ID to your new iCloud address, you need to think of it in terms of either only using your new iCloud Apple ID, or of using both with each one used for different purposes.

For example, you can still use your old one to remain signed in for your App Store purchases, but use your iCloud one for all your iCloud services, etc.

Another option is to just juggle between them if/when you need to.

In my case I have an iCloud Apple ID and my original Apple ID. My iCloud Apple ID is used for syncing Contacts, Calendar events, Reminders, Notes, Safari bookmarks/history, Find My iPhone, iCloud Drive and so on. My original Apple ID is used for iTunes and the App Store as I have a lot of purchases on that account, so it's just more convenient. However, if/when I need to, I can log out of iTunes or the App Store and then log in with my other Apple ID.

Also, of particular relevance to you, is the following statement by Apple:

If your Apple ID email address ends with @icloud.com, @me.com, or @mac.com, you can only change your email address to another @icloud.com, @me.com, or @mac.com email that's already associated with your account.

Source: https://support.apple.com/en-in/HT202667

Finally, for a long time users have requested the ability to merge Apple IDs. Apple has never allowed this, so until they have a change in policy, there is no way around this.

🌐
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 253580766
Error while trying to update Apple ID - Apple Community
I get an error message when changing my iCloud address I'm try to change to another iCloud address which I've already created, but I get this information: You can only add the @icloud.com address that is already on file in your account. What's wrong? How do I put it "on file in my account"?
🌐
Apple Support
support.apple.com › en-us › 120636
If you can’t create an Apple Account or see “your account cannot be created at this time” - Apple Support
Learn what to do if you can't create an Apple Account. You can try again later, or try a different way to create an Apple Account.
🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/applehelp › iphone 16 pro could not update account
r/applehelp on Reddit: iPhone 16 pro could not update account
August 4, 2024 -

I've been trying to sign into my new iphone with my apple ID, and everytime i get to the terms and conditions page and click agree, I get a massage stating "Could not update account. An unknown error has occurred." Any idea what this means?

🌐
Apple Support
support.apple.com › en-us › 109057
If you see an error when you update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod - Apple Support
You might need to update, change, or uninstall software that could be interfering with your computer's connection with the Apple Devices app or iTunes.
🌐
iMyFone
imyfone.com › home › iphone issues › best 11 ways to fix apple id verification failed unknown error
11 Ways to Fix Apple ID Verification Failed Unknown Error
March 27, 2025 - Once it's on, you can go log in to your Apple ID, it should work without unknown error pop up this time. ... Deleting Apple ID from your iCloud account is proven to be an effective method.