[Fixed] “This Mac Can’t Connect to iCloud Because of a Problem With Email” Error

Opening your Mac and seeing the “This Mac Can’t Connect to iCloud” error can be really frustrating. I’ve been there too, and I know how it feels. But after trying a few things, I found some simple solutions that actually worked. In this post, I’ll show you the steps I took to fix the issue and get my Mac back on track.

Why Are You Getting the Error?

This error message usually appears when the Mac cannot connect to iCloud due to an issue with the email address associated with the Apple ID used to sign in to iCloud. Some causes of the error are as follows: 

1. ❌ Incorrect Login Credentials: Double-check your Apple ID email and password. Even a small typo can prevent your Mac from connecting to iCloud.
2. 📧 Email Address Issues: Problems like a misspelled, expired, or deactivated email associated with your Apple ID can block iCloud access.
3. 🌐 Internet Connectivity: A weak or unstable internet connection can hinder iCloud access. Reset your router or try a different network.
4. 🛡️ Account Security or Firewall Issues: Security or firewall settings on your Mac or email provider might block iCloud access.
5. 🖥️ Server Issues: Apple’s server maintenance or outages can temporarily prevent your Mac from connecting to iCloud.

How to Fix the “This Mac Can’t Connect to iCloud Because of a Problem With Email” Error 

Here are a few fixes that I personally tried and found effective:

1. Verify Apple ID Credentials

Ensure your Apple ID credentials are correct to access iCloud and related Apple services. Here’s how you can verify your Apple ID credentials:

1. Click the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and select System Settings.

2. Click your Apple ID in System Settings.

3. You will be prompted to enter your Apple ID password if you’re not already signed in. Provide the password associated with your Apple ID and click Continue.
4. Once you’re signed in, you’ll see the overview of your Apple ID settings. In the right pane, click the Password & Security option.

5. In the Password & Security section, look for the Trusted Phone Number option.

6. Click the Get a Verification Code button.

This will send a verification code on one of your trusted devices or through a trusted phone number associated with your Apple ID.

2. Disable and Re-enable iCloud

Refresh the connection to iCloud by signing out and back in to resolve issues. Here are the steps to disable and re-enable iCloud on your Mac:

1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings.

2. Click Apple ID.

3. Scroll down the right pane, and click Sign Out.

4. After signing out, restart your Mac.
5. Return to System Settings and click Apple ID again.

6. Sign in with your Apple ID credentials.
7. Make sure the checkbox for iCloud is selected.

It should re-establish the connection between your Mac and iCloud and resolve the error.

3. Update Your macOS and Apps

Keep macOS and apps updated to fix compatibility issues with iCloud. Here’s how to update your macOS on Mac:

1. Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.

2. Click General and select Software Update to open the updates menu.

3. Your Mac will automatically scan for updates. If your Mac is already running the latest macOS version, it will display your current system version. However, if an update is available, you can simply click the Update Now button to initiate the download and installation process.

4. Once the update has been successfully installed, you shouldn’t get the “This Mac Can’t Connect to iCloud Because of a Problem With Email” Error.

Now that your Mac is up-to-date, you should look for app updates, too. If you also want to learn about updating apps on Mac then here is my detailed guide on how to update apps on Mac.

4. Check Security Settings and Firewall

Adjust your Mac’s security and firewall settings to allow iCloud access. To check your security settings and firewall on your Mac, follow these steps:

1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings.

2. Click Network.

3. Click the Firewall tab.

4. Check if the firewall is turned on. If not, toggle on the switch next to Firewall. You may need to enter your administrator password.

5. If the firewall is on, click the Options button to review the settings.

6. Make sure the firewall does not block iCloud. If so, click the + button to add iCloud to the list of allowed apps.

Close the Firewall Options window and System Settings and check if the error has been resolved.

5. Check Your Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is crucial for resolving the “This Mac Can’t Connect to iCloud Because of a Problem With Email” error. An unreliable connection can disrupt communication between your Mac and iCloud services.

Follow these steps to troubleshoot:

1. Verify Connection Stability: Ensure your Mac is connected to a reliable network by visiting websites or using other online services.
2. Check Wi-Fi Signal: If using Wi-Fi, confirm a strong signal by checking the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
3. Test with Another Device: Connect another device, like a smartphone, to the same network to see if it accesses iCloud services without issues.
4. Inspect Ethernet Connection: If on a wired connection, ensure the Ethernet cable is securely connected to both your Mac and the router.
5. Reset Your Router: Unplug your Wi-Fi router or modem, wait a few seconds, then plug it back in to restart it.
6. Disable VPN/Proxy Settings: Temporarily turn off any VPN or proxy settings that might interfere with iCloud.
7. Try a Different Network: If possible, connect to another network, such as a mobile hotspot, to determine if the issue is network-specific.

6. Restart Your Mac

Restart your Mac to clear temporary glitches that may affect iCloud connectivity. Follow these steps to restart your Mac:

1. Click the Apple menu in the upper left corner of your screen.
2. Click Restart.

3. Wait for your Mac to start up again.
4. Try connecting to iCloud, and you shouldn’t get the same error.

7. Check your Apple servers

Verify Apple’s server status online to ensure the issue isn’t related to server downtime. To check Apple servers’ status, follow these steps:

1. Open your web browser and go to the Apple System Status page.
2. Scroll down to the iCloud section and look for any red dots or exclamation points next to the iCloud services. If there is a problem with Apple’s servers, it will be indicated here.
3. If your system works fine, you’ll see all green dots and a message saying, “All services are operating normally”.

4. If there is a problem, wait for Apple to fix it.

More Suggestions

Encountering the “This Mac Can’t Connect to iCloud Because of a Problem With Email” error can be frustrating, but you can resolve it by following the methods above.

Below, you can find some more troubleshooting tips for other Mac-related issues:

• You must know how to find your Apple ID password to avoid service disruptions.
• Troubleshoot Wi-Fi issues on your Mac to prevent potential iCloud errors.
• Monitor and reset network settings if the connection is slow or unstable.

Frequently Asked Questions