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gabor263
User level: Level 1 (5 points)

Persistent 2FA Loading Loop After Updates Across Multiple Devices

For the past two years, I have been experiencing a recurring and critical issue with Apple's two-factor authentication (2FA) process following system or security updates that require re-authentication.

When attempting to log back into my Apple account, the process fails during the 2FA stage. Specifically, after successfully entering my device passcode and my Apple ID email address, the system gets stuck on a continuous loading screen (spinner). The loading never completes, preventing me from accessing my account on that device.

This is not an isolated device issue, as I have replicated the exact same behavior across entirely different platforms and networks:

  • Android Phone
  • Win: Laptop
  • Web Browsers: Multiple browsers, including the built-in web browser on PlayStation 5 (PS5).

Because this issue has been consistently occurring for over 2 years across all my devices, it points to a systemic account-level or authentication-server bug rather than a local hardware glitch.

Steps to Reproduce:

  1. Trigger a post-update re-authentication prompt on any device.
  2. Enter the device passcode when prompted.
  3. Enter the Apple ID email address.
  4. Observe the endless loading/spinning screen that never resolves.

Please investigate this issue on my account's backend, as it severely disrupts my ability to use Apple services after updates. Thank you for your assistance.


[Edited by Moderator]



Posted on Nov 4, 2026 5:36 AM

3 replies

tillu_code
User level: Level 4 (2,112 points)

Nov 4, 2026 3:46 PM in response to gabor263

That spinner on an Apple sign-in page across several unrelated devices suggests the problem is with the account's sign-in session or a trusted device, not the devices themselves. Community members can't look into your account, so Apple has to see it. In the meantime, try account recovery at https://iforgot.apple.com , which works from any browser and doesn't depend on a trusted device. Also try with a VPN, content blocker or private DNS turned off, since those sometimes block the sign-in script. If you have a working Apple device, Settings > [your name] > Sign-In & Security shows whether a trusted phone number is still valid.


Then contact Apple Support directly at https://support.apple.com/contact and choose Apple Account, so they can check the backend. Please don't share codes or passwords with anyone in the replies.

WheelieNick
User level: Level 9 (74,110 points)

Nov 4, 2026 8:10 AM in response to gabor263

Before escalating to Apple, try these specific methods to see if you can force the account to bypass the stuck server thread:


  • Trigger a Different 2FA Channel:
    1. Go to the iCloud login page
    2. Enter your credentials and let it spin for 60 seconds.
    3. If possible, deliberately click away, refresh, or look for an option that says "Didn't get a verification code?" or "More Options."
    4. Attempt to force the system to send an SMS text message or a phone call instead of a standard push notification, which uses a completely different server pathway.


Limnos
User level: Level 10 (462,771 points)

Nov 5, 2026 5:39 AM in response to gabor263

It may be a connection error. Things to try:


Restart your equipment and/or sign in out and back in again, and try again. On a computer you can also try Safe Mode https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/start-up-your-mac-in-safe-mode-mh21245/12.0/mac/12.0

Choose your macOS version at the top.


If you can't connect or sign in to iCloud or your account, Apple has a list of things you can try in the support article: https://support.apple.com/HT203512


Is the appropriate Apple server working? --> https://www.apple.com/support/systemstatus


If your device is managed by a school or organization you may need to sign in to the device with a school or work Apple Account. More in this article —> https://support.apple.com/122725


If you are using a VPN try removing it completely (don't just turn it off) and see if you can then use the service. E.g., https://discussions.apple.com/thread/254836813?answerId=259008052022#259008052022


If using cellular data (even if it is seemingly good), try using WiFi instead. —> https://support.apple.com/HT202639


For more assistance try the iCloud Support web site --> https://support.apple.com/icloud


If you still have problems, try official Apple Support. Click here --> https://support.apple.com/choose-country-region Select your country, then a product. If you don't see one that handles your issue then keep experimenting with selections until you reach one that gets you a chat session or a telephone call and get the representative to redirect you.



Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256388691