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Torro999
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

iMac running macOS Catalina cannot sign into Apple services

My iMac suddenly signed out of App Store, Apple ID, iTunes, FaceTime etc. Now when I try to log in again it just freezes (circle spins). Occasionally it says unknown error occurred. I have to use force quit or can't close what I'm trying to sign into. My phone, iPads etc are all working normally, only the iMac won't sign in. Its a late 2013 model, 27inch, running macOS Catalina 10.15.8.


Please HELP!

Posted on Nov 9, 2026 8:40 AM

6 replies

Tesserax
User level: Level 10 (162,294 points)

Nov 9, 2026 1:21 PM in response to Torro999

Since your iPhone and iPads can sign in to Apple services normally, the problem appears to be isolated to your iMac rather than your Apple Account.


Because several Apple services are affected simultaneously, possible causes include a network connectivity issue, incorrect date and time settings, or a problem with the macOS account authentication services.


I suggest trying the following troubleshooting steps from your Mac:

  1. Check Date & Time: Open System Preferences > Date & Time and verify that the date, time, and time zone are correct. If possible, enable automatic date and time.
  2. Check Apple service connectivity: Open Safari and visit https://account.apple.com to see whether you can sign in successfully using your Apple Account.
  3. Try Safe Mode: Restart your iMac while holding the Shift key until the Apple logo appears. Once in Safe Mode, try signing in to one of the affected Apple services.
  4. Test another macOS user account: If the problem persists, create a temporary administrator account in System Preferences > Users & Groups. Sign in to that account and check whether the App Store works.


If Apple services work in another macOS user account, the problem is likely associated with your original user profile. If they fail in both accounts, the issue may involve macOS itself or network connectivity.

OldToad
User level: Level 4 (1,299 points)

Nov 9, 2026 2:20 PM in response to Torro999

If you find that you're able to sign in successfully while in Safe Mode or in another admin user account you may have software in your primary account that is interfering with the process.


If that's the case please download and run Etrecheck.  The free version is sufficient. However, if you find it worthwhile you should support the developer and purchase the app.


Copy and paste the results into your reply. Etrecheck is a diagnostic tool that was developed by one of the most respected users here in the ASC to provide a snapshot of the system and help identify the more obvious culprits that can adversely affect a Mac's performance.


Copy the report



and after clicking on the Reply button use the Additional Text button to paste the report in your reply.



Then we can examine the report and see if we can determine the cause of the problem.


MartinR
User level: Level 7 (27,833 points)

Nov 9, 2026 10:37 AM in response to Torro999

Have you tried shutting down your iMac (power off) and then restarting it? Sometimes that clears up unexplained gremlins.

Torro999 Author
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Nov 10, 2026 8:46 AM in response to Torro999

Thanks, I tried all these steps and it nothing work, I've read online that apple have stopped their servers for Catalina 10.15.8. This could be the issue.

Torro999 Author
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Nov 10, 2026 8:47 AM in response to MartinR

First thing I tried, thanks

Torro999 Author
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Nov 10, 2026 8:57 AM in response to OldToad

Tried the app, didn't help. Thanks though

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256391423