Cannot sign in to Apple Music and iTunes on Windows 11 due to server connection error

Got it!! Type this into your Windows + R prompt: %programdata%\Apple Computer\ then open the iTunes folder and delete the adi folder. Open iTunes again, and it will create a new adi folder. Log in to iTunes.

Windows 11 user here. Changing my account from local to admin allowed me to complete the sign-in dialog with Apple. Thanks for the insight Keiawyn.

I'm always amazed at how this little trick with Windows helps solve to many issues. When all of your product testing is done with admin accounts, this is what you get.

Hey all! So, I just spent 45 minutes on the phone with Apple Support trying to fix this exact issue, and of all things . . . running iTunes as Administrator fixed the problem. I had been locked out with this same error message for 2 days, and tried all of the things suggested in this thread (along with uninstalling & reinstalling iTunes, uninstalling & reinstalling my anti-virus software, uninstalling & reinstalling my VPN, etc.) and it was "Run as Administrator" that worked.

Try this...

With iTunes OPEN, run Win+R %programdata%\Apple Computer and delete ADI file then try signing in...

Wonder if it has to do with 2FA? When I deleted ADI while iTunes was opened then signed in it prompted 2FA....

Dunno, but I can FINALLY see and play my library....

The adi solutions works, deleting the ADI folder in apple computer in program data gives me one chance to sign in, if I sign in then, the rest of the app works. If you mistype the password in that sign in you will have to delete the adi folder again and repeat.

Deleting iCloud for PC worked for me...But i started with all the suggestions here first. 1-Win+R to delete ADI file, no good.. 2-Deleting Cache, no good....3/4-also tried resetting and tried repairing app, no good...

5-Deleting iCloud for PC from my machine WAS GOOD!!!

Hope this helps someone, anyone, or just one...

This worked for me FINALLY - but it's very glitchy!   I posted earlier all the steps I took (like 8 different steps) but nothing worked in logging me into iTunes using two different Windows 10 computers.  I kept trying different things and finally got into my account but there's obviously something wrong with iTunes from the Apple/Microsoft end that they need to fix.   In the meantime, this worked for me to get into my account AND buy music after more than 24 hrs of failure:

1)  logged into iTunes but instead of clicking on "sign in" after I entered my password, I hit ENTER a bunch of times (more than 10) and I was suddenly in my account.   My music library appeared

again.

2)  BUT the screen was frozen.  I couldn't do anything, not even

X out.  At this point, I went to Task Manager (ctrl+alt+del) and chose END TASK for iTunes to close it out.

3)  I opened the iTunes app again and I was in my account without having to log in again.  Now I could play my library music files, I could

access the store and find songs - BUT it was not allowing me to purchase anything because it wasn’t taking my password, telling me something was wrong with the server.  Hitting enter a bunch of times here didn't work.  But I was still in my account.

4)  found a song in the store I wanted to buy so it was listed on my screen.  DO NOT purchase, just make sure it’s on the screen.

5)  clicked on Edit, Preferences, Devices, Reset Sync History, OK.

6)  clicked on Edit, Preferences, Advanced, and then (a) reset file location, (b) reset warnings, (c) reset cache, (d) reset identifier, (d) OK

7)  at this point I was able to buy the song I wanted as it accepted my password as always.

8)  I tried to change my account to "never require password" to make purchases but that didn't work because it wouldn't take my password. Hitting ENTER didn't work here either.

I had to repeat steps 4 to 7 in that exact order every time I wanted to buy a song.  It's a royal pain but at least I was able to access my account and buy music, too. Hope Apple and/or Windows fix this soon!

Another thing is to run the Diagnostics through Help and see if iTunes helper is running. If it is not you can go to the iTunes folder in file explorer and run iTunes helper through there. Then if you haven't already restart iTunes. It may ask you to reset your password. If it does reset it at the address it gives you and then try to sign in again. That was what worked for me.

Was dealing with this for the last hour after an unrelated reinstall. The ADI folder trick didn't work then I tried to resetting Itunes Store Cache in settings and was able to sign in.

Just sorted it on my PC by turning automatic time/date off and then on again. It worked!

I was able to get iTunes working on both of my PCs. Run either PowerShell or CMD as admin. I started off with the following:

1. sfc /scannow
2. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
3. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Close iTunes before running these commands. Hope this work for y'all

As it turned out, removing the adi folder on one laptop worked, but it didn't work on my other Windows 11 laptop or my Windows 10 pc. When I compared the 2 PCs with the one that worked, I had uninstalled all recent Windows updates on the one that worked. iTunes worked after I uninstalled Windows updates and deleted the adi folder on the laptop that didn't work. However, I still couldn't sign into iCloud for Windows. So I reinstalled that and flipped the auto time and date switch off and on, and then I was able to sign into iCloud for Windows. So, the question remains - and I'll test it later on Windows 10 - was it uninstalling the Windows updates or flipping the date/time switch that was mentioned in this thread by someone else?

I posted yesterday that I had tried everything...nothing worked, then I saw the post about pressing enter over and over again when you get the sign in error....so I tried that and it worked after about 20 times...suddenly I got the authentication code and logged in...so that tip is definitely worth a try!!

Update: To fix it, just press your enter key constantly. It works for me, and for this user: Error connecting to Apple account server - Apple Community

Im able to login now. I just had to enter a verification code after signing in. Never had to before on pc but its working now

Same issues on 2 different Windows 10 computers as of 10/17/26. Never had a problem with iTunes before. First pop up said my iTunes account was locked. Then that it can't verify my account with Apple. Another pop up said the action cannot be completed at this time. Another said there's a problem with my server. It appears to be a problem caused by Apple and/or Microsoft, not from the users' end. This is what I did, none worked:

1) synced time and date on Windows.

2) logged into Apple website and changed password without a problem. I removed old/obsolete devices from my Apple account (deauthorized them). But iTunes still not letting me log in.

3) removed adi file.

4) went into cmd and typed %programdata%\Apple Computer\ and rebooted.

5) repaired/reset iTunes app thru Windows settings.

6) uninstalled iTunes and installed from Apple website not from MS play store.

7) someone suggested removing iCloud but I did that a long time ago because I don't use iCloud.

8) renamed the file iTunes Library.itl to .old when I got yet another error message saying my .itl music files couldn't be read because a newer version of iTunes was created.

9) gave up when I realized dozens of people are having the same issue at the same time. It seems to have started on Oct 15 from the postings.

Let's hope Apple and MS work together to fix what they caused.

I just called Apple Tech Support and asked, "Is Apple aware of the widespread problem with iTunes and Windows 10 and Windows 11 users that seems to have started on Friday?" I told her it's a widespread problem and had her pull Apple Community postings so she could see for herself how many of us have been affected. That's when she became aware of this problem.

She said Apple tech staff are notified en masse when there's a widespread issue but she hadn't heard anything about this particular issue. We ran through all the steps I took (more than 8) and she agreed I had tried every possible suggested fix. She agreed the problem is between Windows and Apple, not the users.

At this point all she can do is elevate the matter for further investigation. The unknown is who caused the problem, Windows or Apple? I have a feeling as time passes and more people complain, that it'll be fixed (fingers crossed).

This time I uninstalled iTunes. Deleted both apple folders from ProgramData folder. I also cleared out Apple and iTunes from 3 places in the Registry. At that point, I reinstalled iTunes and deleted the cache. Still cannot connect to the Apple Account server.

I am having the same issue and after deleting the adi file I was able to purchase a song, but trying to view any details on my account or anything that required to provide a pw gave me the same "There was an error connecting to the apple account server". This is getting widespread, and needs to be dealt with.

Tried the turning off and on the "Set time automatically" setting. Was able to log in once and access my Account. Closed the app and then got the error message again. Tried all the other options:

1) Deleting the ADI folder.

2) Clearing Cache.

3) Resetting and repairing app.

4) Pressing the enter key constantly.

5) etc

with no resolution to the issue, still unable to access Account!!!!

Like everyone else I had the same problem with Apple Music and Apple TV apps on two Windows 11 PCs on October 16, 2026 and also tried all the troubleshooting steps mentioned above by Mr. Leyva but nothing worked. I had a little bit of success by switching from an account with only Windows User properties to one with Windows Administrator abilities but it wasn't consistent and only worked temporarily on one machine.

I tried again a few times in the interim without changing anything and logins on my Windows User accounts started working again on October 18 on both of my PCs.

I can only presume that some problem was fixed in the background.

In itunes go to edit/preferences/advanced

after3 days of trying all what you all suggested finally got it with chaos 124 it worked just with edit preferences debices then reset history

I have been having this issue for a couple days. It has even said twice that my account is locked even though I never received an email from Apple saying it was locked. Reset my password twice and still the same issue with no server connection. Deleted and redownloaded Apple Music app with no change.

Me too.

I've cleared my cache.

Fiddled with internet proxy settings

Turned off my firewall for about 5 seconds. (back on now!)

Changed my password.

Entered about 8 two-step verification codes to phone and email

Re-named ADI folder to old ADI

Restarted the computer multiple times

Uninstalled and reinstalled i-tunes.

What is the matter with this software!!!

Same here. Trying to buy/download a song from iTunes got "There was an error connecting to the Apple Account server". Then tried later to buy/download a different song and it worked! Back to original song and error message again. Any thoughts (neither song has an E markers).

I have had the same problem over the last two days (and continuing). I could log in a few times yesterday after waiting about 12 hours (a suggestion I read somewhere) but it only worked twice and today I can't log in again. Having the same experience as others - can log in on Apple Music site. It seems to be associated with iTunes. Did uninstall and reinstall iTunes. The fact it works and then doesn't and then does tells me the problem is on Apple's side. Help!

The solution proposed above did work from me (to re-create the adi file). I tested logging in just before and just after implementing this solution. Failed before and I could log in after. It did ask me for the 2 factor code sent to my phone. Thanks for this solution.

The proposed removal (deletion) of the ADI folder did not work for me.

Considering the number of complaints here, in this thread, this issue is not rare (in contrary to the tech support person's statement).

I downloaded Apple Music when I received the iTunes error. I ran a command prompt to flush dns...I sucessfully opened iTunes...but it says my music is now in Apple Music...and I'm still getting the error when I try to open Apple Music. "Verification Failed there was an error connecting to the Apple Account Server". I tried connecting to my iPhones hotspot to see if that would make a difference, but it didn't.

Exact same issue. Started yesterday 10/17/26. I’m on a pc with Windows 11. Spent an hour this morning on the phone with a Windows Support Rep. They were not able to fix the issue. After several attempts I was told they were out of solutions but they want to call me back.

Having the exact same problem the past two days. I go to buy something in iTunes, I put in my password and I get a pop-up that says "There Was An Error Connecting To The Apple Account Server". I logged a out and now I can't even log back in!

I am having the same issue syncing files on the iCloud for Windows drive installed on Windows Explorer. Keep getting the error - "Verification Failed - There is an error connecting to the Apple Account server". I can get to the files through the Web App but not Windows Explorer, so I am stuck downloading and uploading. Any suggestions?

I've tried all the troubleshooting steps here, and others I found on the web, nothing worked. I finally got a new computer and spent the entire afternoon trying to get signed into iTunes, with no resolution. I'm so frustrated, I'm going to give it a rest for a few days and hopefully by then Apple will have figured something out.

Good luck everybody!

I've been having this problem since yesterday. Tried to buy a song, got an error. Went home, same problem, different computer. Logged out, couldn't log back in. Deleted adi folder, no luck. Cleared cache. Logged in. Still couldn't buy song. Must be a server issue.

I'm having the same issue on multiple PCs. Happens even if I connect to a totally different network. Turned off Firewall on 2 PCs. One PC I use Microsoft Defender, the other PC I have Norton. Fix is needed for this issue. Error is There was an error connecting to the Apple Account Server. I can log into Apple account on AppleTV and website from PC.

I tried the same solution to delete the ADI folder, no luck. Windows 11 PC fully patched, uninstalled and reinstalled iTunes, turned off Antivirus, ........ No change. Come on Apple time to fix the error.

for me was it also a few days problems with connection apple account-server .

contact with a Apple assistent ( 1 hour).we shared my screens and find no solution.

After the session i was suddenly able to connect to give my windows 11 PC rights to play the *.M4P files.

the next day is was it again unpossible . I deleted the file "ADI" and executed this page. After a few tryouts it was possible to acces granted BUT afterwards it was not possible anymore .I hope that my permission stays OK

Exactly the same problem with the apple server message. Have been using itunes for 17 years without a problem and now this has suddenly appeared. My user id also vabished from the window. None of the fixes have worked, yet I can load cds into the pc and the tracks still come up from the database.

CAN WE HAVE THIS FIXED APPLE PLEASE, OR YOU'RE GOING TO LOSE A LOT OF MONEY, AS I STILL PURCHASE TRACKS LIKE IN THE OLD WORLD.

I used to work in tech support for companies good and bad. I never worked anywhere that didn't treat it as a top priority when ***customers weren't able to spend money***. 2 days now I can't buy an album.

Also having this on Windows 11, deleting the adi folder did not work, and clearing cache did not work. This is clearly a wide-spread issue which makes me think there is no fix, and we need Apple to look into this. Will they hurry up and fix!

Unless you're running Music on a mac or iPhone, they don't really care. Apple Music on Windows is missing features and full of bugs. That's the long and short of it. I've tried everything described in this thread apart from uninstalling and re-installing Apple Music, with no luck - still can't sign in. If I have to uninstall Apple Music then I won't be re-installing it - I'll be evaluating the competition because a inaccessible subscription is no use to me.

Yesterday, 10/17, was the first time since last weekend that I hopped on Itunes to purchase some music. I was able to purchase 1 album successfully, but when I went to make subsequent purchases for single songs this same error message popped up. I tried many things suggested by Google and also spent over an hour on the phone with the Apple techs who also couldn't help me. I've tried the following:

• synced time and date on Windows 11.
• renamed adi file and removed adi file
• repaired/reset iTunes
• uninstalled iTunes and installed from Apple website not from MS play store.
• suggestion to remove iCloud - I don't have iCloud installed on my computer so that is not my issue.
• suggestion to repeatedly hit the enter key - didn't work for me.
• Third party antivirus and firewalls also don't apply to me

I'm likely missing some of the stuff I tried, but nothing worked.

Apple, please work with Microsoft to figure this out and don't phase out desktop iTunes if this is what's going on. A lot of us still use iTunes for purchasing music, burning cds, backing up phones and ipods, etc.

Please post your results. To say I'm waiting on bated breath is an understatement. This error is killing me and I've tried everything posted here with no success. I'm on Windows 10 so your test is of great interest to me. Thank you for your time and efforts.

Same problem here: Error connecting to the Apple Account server. I am using the latest Version of iTunes for Windows running on Windows 11 (up to date). So far I have tried all the solutions you all presented in this thread, but to no avail. I can no longer buy songs and so. I hope Apple is listening to this community ... Please fix it.

AGREED that no suggested solutions work and that APPLE needs to fix this ASAP. Amazon Music is looking better and better right now. So after struggling with my computer, I just tried the Itunes app on my phone and NO PROBLEM downloading the music I needed! I have a Dell computer so now not sure it this is Itunes issue or microsoft issue.

Apple and Microsoft couldn't give a fig about the user until it impacts their balance sheets. They need to speak together and work out a solution. It is clearly apparent that in 99% of the cases like this, it is down to a Windows Update. meanwhile users are unable to log onto their Apple Accounts or buy music from this supplier. Garbage!

It's now working for me. I bought an album, it asked me for a phone verification code and the transaction worked. I bought another and it worked without the code. I didn't have to do anything else first so maybe they fixed it or maybe I'm lucky?

So like another said, with no changes on my end today it let me log in. However, the homepod will not let me play anything through it. So, apple music is working again for now but none of the homepods can play anything (speaker from computer does). Itunes can see the homepods, even if I change their names, but will not play to them. They work fine from my phone. /sigh

Well, it seems to be working (kind of). I can now authenticate on both Windows 11 PCs. Access and view the Store on both PCs. Download a previously purchased song. I was able to Authenticate a device on one of the PC, but not on the other. So not completely there.

Alas it didn't work for me. When I try to log in to either AppleTV or iTunes, I'll just get looped back to the login fields, I reenter password and mail, and get send back. It's like an infinite loop.

But maybe it's progress, because before it told me it couldn't connect to the Apple Account Server..

I think the problem is originating with Microsoft.

I was on my PC, using Microsoft, able to immediately get into my itunes account. Tried to buy a song, received the "error, no connection to Apple ID server"

However, on my MacBook Air, I have no problem buying anything on iTunes.

This leads me to believe it is a Microsoft problem.

I stumbled upon this thread because I received the "Verification Failed - There was an error connecting to the Apple Account server" message today (11/9/26). I tried every troubleshooting suggestion mentioned on this thread several times, but none of them worked for me. Really frustrating. Hope Apple gets this resolved soon.

Exactly the same happened to me yesterday. Still persists today.

Tech support (said this is a rare problem) helped run through the same steps, plus a router off/on again to no avail.

there was an error connecting to the apple account server.

verification failed

there was an error connecting to the apple account server.

Snap. Suddenly started working (No idea how). Bought an album. Now it doesn't work again. Seems like a real issue somewhere

Same as what everyone is saying above, a real PITA. Though I haven't tried buying something else, as I only want to buy the thing I want to buy!

Didn't work for me I'm afraid.....

Didn't work for me, unfortunately

Nope. Didn’t fix the problem.

same here, delete the "adi" folder doesn't working for me. and i have this error at a other computer, too.

Jetzt funktioniert sogar nicht mal mehr die icloud.....

ADI solution does not work for me

... and after a couple hours, it stopped working. Tried to re-re-create adi and still no luck. :-(.

I have been dealing with this for the 2 days. The ADI folder trick didn't work.

Same here. I tried all the suggested tricks and NONE of them worked.

Same issue the past 2 days. Tried deleting adi folder and resetting itunes store cache, nothing works. This happened before earlier this year

Deleting adi folder does not work for me. I also restarted iTunes and restarted my computer with no luck.

When I first posted on this thread I was expecting comments along the lines of "who's still buying music?".

"Gram-o-phone" "how many watts?" etc for those in the UK

Yes! Thank you!

Hi .. can you tell me how you reset Itunes Store Cache please?

Same here. Nothing is working. Server issue apparently. For days.. Well, I will not try give them money. Definitively not moving to Apple. Never such issue with Google.

I'm getting the same problem as you.

May be worth copying the ADI folder before deletion (just in case)

Deleting the adi folder doesn't work. Apple, please get on this - going on 48 hours now with a severe problem with iTunes for Windows 11 users.

Tried everything, it's borked

I tried Amazon Music and it’s working fine.

Either renaming ADI folder or removing it did not work for me.

AGREED

Glad it's not just me - wasted an hour resetting my password, installing latest version etc. I signed out and now can't get back in. My Apple Account is fine, I just can't buy any music on iTunes

Same issue. Tried EVERYTHING. Nothing worked... Imagine logging in to your bank account was this easy... Does Apple even care?!?

Totally agree with you Klaus.

Exactly the same for me Jane. Don't waste anymore of your time over this. Buy your music elsewhere and simply import it into the Apple iTunes player.

I FOUND A SOLUTION!!! Works every time! Go to this obscure website called A M A Z O N and buy it there!

Well done Apple. I gave up and have made several purchases today from "that other company" too.

Or better yet, use a player that works.

I can see my library and play music, but I can't make purchases.

Is this some form of punishment? Seems like it.

I was able to log in as well after running these commands. But wasn’t able to Authorize the PC to devices - same login error trying to add it. Not sure it will last will check again tomorrow.

Having problems signing in my I tunes account where I buy my music saying error in my apple account

This worked for Me. Thanks.

Didn't change a thing and this morning everything's working as normal.

Yes, as of this morning, Monday, October 19, 2026. Everything is working again. Praise be (!)

Thank you! This is what worked for me

Glad I could help. But it seems that the issue has been fixed. As of this morning, iTunes is working fine for me and a bunch of other people. Like magic, it was hopefully fixed overnight. :)

My iTunes is working again. I guess they fixed it.

Yes, I just signed into iTunes and it worked! However I still get the error when I try to sign into iCloud from my Windows 11 PC. Very confusing and frustrating.

Please note I was told I would get a follow up call but no one followed up.