If your iPhone keeps nagging you with “Verification Failed” or an endless “Update Apple ID Settings” prompt, you’re not alone—and it’s usually not a hardware problem. In 2026, this loop is most often caused by a stuck iCloud sync, a 2FA sign-in handshake that can’t complete, a payment method issue, incorrect time/network conditions, or MDM (work/school management).
From here on, I’ll use the current term: Apple Account (formerly Apple ID).
Step 0: Quick Diagnosis (pick your situation, jump to the right fix)
| What you’re seeing | Most likely cause | Start here |
|---|---|---|
| Loop started right after iOS update / restore / Quick Start transfer | iCloud sync/token refresh still in progress | Step 1 → Step 2 → Step 6 |
| You can’t receive or approve 2FA codes | Trusted device/number issue | Step 3 → Step 4 |
| App Store works, but Settings keeps demanding “Update Apple ID Settings” | Payment method / billing validation issue | Step 5 |
| Works on one network but fails on another | VPN / captive Wi-Fi / router DNS | Step 2 |
| It’s a work/school phone, “Sign Out” is blocked, or profiles exist | MDM restrictions / configuration profiles | Step 8 → Step 9 |
| You recently changed your password or suspect account lock | Account security state / recovery needed | Step 10 |
Step 1: Check Apple’s side first (30 seconds)
If Apple’s iCloud/Apple Account services are having issues, you can enter the correct password forever and still get stuck.
Check the official Apple System Status page
Pro Tip: If there’s a yellow/red indicator for iCloud or Apple Account services, stop troubleshooting and retry later—your device can’t complete verification until service is stable.
Step 2: Quick Fix — reset your connection path (most common win)
This loop often happens because your iPhone has “internet” but the Apple auth endpoints are partially blocked.
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Toggle Airplane Mode ON → wait 10 seconds → OFF
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Switch networks:
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Try a different Wi-Fi
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Then try cellular data
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Turn off VPN (if enabled): Settings → VPN (or Settings → General → VPN & Device Management → VPN)
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Reboot your router (yes, really—some routers break sign-in calls)
Now retry: Settings → [your name] → Update Apple ID Settings
Editor’s Note: Captive Wi-Fi (hotels, airports) is notorious for causing verification loops. Always test on cellular or a clean home network.
Step 3: Fix time/date (token verification fails if time is off)
Incorrect time settings can break secure sign-in.
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Go to Settings → General → Date & Time
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Turn ON Set Automatically
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If it’s stuck, set manually once, then re-enable Set Automatically
Retry: Settings → [your name] → Update Apple ID Settings
Having carrier signal issues alongside verification errors? See how to [Fix iPhone ‘SOS Only’ and No Service Issues fast].
Step 4: Complete 2FA the “right way” (don’t brute-force it)
If you aren’t receiving Apple verification codes:
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Approve the sign-in prompt on a trusted Apple device (Mac/iPad/other iPhone)
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Or request a code via SMS/call to your trusted number
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Confirm your trusted number is correct: Settings → [your name] → Sign-In & Security → Two-Factor Authentication
Pro Tip: If you changed your phone number recently, update trusted numbers first—otherwise verification can loop indefinitely.
Step 5: Fix Payment & Shipping (silent blocker)
Payment validation issues can block verification even if you’re not buying anything right now.
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Open Settings → [your name] → Payment & Shipping
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Add a valid payment method
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Remove expired cards
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Re-order methods so a valid one is at the top
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If you’re in Family Sharing, confirm the organizer’s payment method is valid
Then retry the prompt in Settings → [your name]
Editor’s Note: If you have active subscriptions, an expired card can trigger repeated Apple Account verification prompts until billing is updated.
Step 6: Update iOS (but do it clean)
If the loop began after an update or restore, you may be on a buggy build or a partial install.
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Go to Settings → General → Software Update
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Install the latest update available
If the update download looks stuck/corrupt:
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Settings → General → iPhone Storage → iOS Update → Delete Update
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Re-download via Software Update
Is your iPhone acting slow or failing to sync? Learn [How to Clear ‘System Data’ and Free Up iPhone Storage] to prevent system glitches.
Step 7: Sign out and sign back in (token refresh that actually sticks)
This forces a clean Apple Account token refresh.
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Settings → [your name] → Sign Out
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Restart iPhone
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Sign back in: Settings → Sign in to your iPhone
If Sign Out is greyed out or blocked, skip to Step 9.
Pro Tip: If you’re mid-restore, keep the phone on Wi-Fi + power for a while before signing out. Interrupting iCloud sync can make the loop worse.
Step 8: Check for MDM (work/school management)
If this is a company/school device, the loop may be enforced by policy.
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Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management
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Look for “This iPhone is supervised and managed…” or any management profile
If you see management, you may need IT to fix the account state or policy rules. Removing MDM yourself may be restricted and could violate workplace policy.
Step 9: If Apple Account is greyed out or “Sign Out” is disabled
This is typically Screen Time restrictions or MDM.
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Check restrictions: Settings → Screen Time
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If you can’t change Apple Account settings:
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Remove restrictions (if you have the passcode), or
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Confirm the device is not managed (Step 8), then contact the admin/IT
Step 10: Reset password / account recovery (only if you suspect lock or compromise)
If verification started after a password change on another device—or you think the account is locked—resetting may be required.
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Reset your password using Apple’s official flow
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If you can’t reset normally, start account recovery
Pro Tip: Repeated “Verification Failed” after correct password + correct 2FA often means your account is in a security/recovery state, not a device bug.
Stuck in a never-ending sign-in cycle? Check out our guide on [How to Fix Login Loops and Cookie Errors on Secure Sites].
Step 11: Last resort (safe → extreme)
Option A (safe): Reset Network Settings
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Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings
Option B (extreme): Backup, erase, and set up as new
Only after you’ve ruled out MDM and confirmed your Apple Account is healthy.
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Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings
Editor’s Note: If the loop comes back immediately after a full erase/restore, it almost always points to Apple Account state, iCloud sync, 2FA, payment validation, or MDM—not the device.
FAQ
Why does “Update Apple ID Settings” keep popping up even after I enter the correct password?
Because your iPhone still needs to complete the full sign-in chain—network reachability, correct time, and often a 2FA approval and iCloud token refresh. If any piece fails, the prompt can reappear.
Can an expired card really cause Apple Account verification to fail?
Yes. Payment & Shipping validation can block Apple Account verification flows, especially if subscriptions or App Store services need updated billing.
What if this is a work phone?
If the device is managed (MDM), your org can enforce Apple Account settings and sign-in rules that trigger persistent prompts. Check VPN & Device Management and involve IT.