How to Resolve the Apple ID Sign-In Loop on macOS

Resolve persistent Apple ID sign-in loops on your Mac with these precise, step-by-step troubleshooting actions.

1. Verify Apple System Status. Before altering local settings, ensure the Apple ID server is operational. Visit the official Apple System Status page to confirm that Apple ID and iCloud services show a green status indicator.
2. Force Quit System Settings. A hung background process often triggers the loop. Press Command + Option + Escape, select System Settings from the list, and click Force Quit to terminate the application immediately.
3. Clear iCloud Caches via Terminal. Open Terminal and execute the following command to remove the account management cache: 'rm -rf ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.AppleAccount'. Follow this by restarting your Mac to force the system to rebuild the cache file.
4. Sign Out of iCloud. Navigate to System Settings > [Your Name]. Scroll to the bottom and click Sign Out. If prompted to keep a copy of your iCloud data locally, select the option to keep the data so it syncs back once you sign in again.
5. Re-authenticate the Account. Restart your Mac one final time. Open System Settings and click Sign in to your Apple ID. Enter your credentials and complete the two-factor authentication process when prompted to establish a fresh, stable connection.