iPhone keeps asking for your Apple ID password? How to make it stop
The pop-up usually comes from an app update, an expired payment card or an old Apple ID. Once you know which, it is easy to stop.
Why your iPhone keeps asking for the password
- An app update is waiting and needs your permission.
- Your payment card expired, so the App Store cannot verify your account.
- Some apps were downloaded with a different or old Apple ID.
- iCloud has new terms you have not accepted yet.
- You recently changed your password and one service has not caught up.
How to stop the Apple ID password pop-up
The fix
8 fixes that keep your data
- 1
Restart and update iOS.
Restart the iPhone, then install any update in Settings › General › Software Update.
- 2
Install pending app updates.
Open the App Store, tap your profile picture and tap Update All. Note which app asks for a password.
- 3
Update your payment method.
Go to Settings › [your name] › Payment & Shipping and remove expired cards or add a valid one.
- 4
Accept new iCloud terms.
Open Settings and tap your name. If a banner asks you to review terms, accept them.
- 5
Deal with apps from an old Apple ID.
If the prompt names another email, those apps belong to that account. Enter its password once, or delete those apps and reinstall them with your current account.
- 6
Sign out of Media & Purchases and back in.
Go to Settings › [your name] › Media & Purchases › Sign Out, then sign in again. This does not affect iCloud data.
- 7
Remove old devices from your account.
In Settings › [your name], scroll to the device list and remove phones or computers you no longer use.
- 8
Sign out of your Apple Account completely.
As a last step, tap Settings › [your name] › Sign Out, keep a copy of your data on the iPhone when asked, then sign in again.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my iPhone ask for an old Apple ID password?
Some of your apps were downloaded with that old Apple ID, and iOS needs its password to update them. Enter the old password once, or delete those apps and download them again with your current Apple Account.
Is the Apple ID password pop-up a scam?
A pop-up inside Settings or the App Store is usually genuine. A message or email with a link asking for your password is not. If unsure, cancel the pop-up and sign in through Settings instead.
What to try next
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