household members recently describe to me that they get a popup message on their iPhones and Macs inquire them to re - enter their Apple ID password for the account associated with iCloud . I ’ve assure with my own center and I have no theme how far-flung this is , but it was peculiar to see it so tight to rest home ( literally ) .

Fortunately , I have spread scepticism about entering one ’s password into a random popup and both my married woman and father asked me if these request were legitimate . These may say “ Apple ID Verification , ” and they appear over the Home screen in iOS / iPadOS , and as a scheme popup window in macOS .

you’re able to think that malware that could create something similar would be an effective — if short hold up – direction to phish for people ’s watchword . In fact , a research worker managed to find a bug in 2015 ( quickly patched ) that allowed a specially crafted email subject matter to display a very suspiciously exact duologue .

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An appropriate notification for your Apple ID password appears in the iCloud preference pane (in Mojave and earlier).

In the cases I ’ve see , however , it ’s whole legitimate , if the reason for the confirmation is mysterious . you could avoid doubt , however . Here ’s how to check .

Click or tapCancelorNot Now , depending on the dialog .

Go toSettings > account namein iOS or iPadOS , the iCloud preference acid in Mojave or earlier , or the Apple ID preference Lucy in the sky with diamonds ’s iCloud perspective in Catalina or subsequently .

mac911 icloud prompt legitimate

An appropriate notification for your Apple ID password appears in the iCloud preference pane (in Mojave and earlier).

vary by arrangement and version , an qui vive , a command prompt , or a button should seem that point there ’s a problem with your login and take you to re - recruit the password . figure your watchword .

The trouble should dissolve .

An appropriate notice for your Apple ID parole appear in the iCloud preference pane ( in Mohave and originally ) .

If not , check Apple ’s services status web page , looking particularly to see if the Apple ID detail has a green light next to it . Failing that , contact Apple Support , as there is something amiss with your Apple ID chronicle .

If you do n’t see an detail as in Step 3 above , it ’s plausible it ’s some kind of phishing attempt , but it ’s more potential given known terror and the agency they present themselves right now that it was a passing job on Apple ’s terminal .

Ask Mac 911

We ’ve compiled a list of the interrogative we get call for most often along with solution and golf links to newspaper column : read our super FAQto see if your question is covered . If not , we ’re always looking for young trouble to solve ! Email yours tomac911@macworld.comincluding screen capture as appropriate , and whether you desire your full name used . Not every question will be answered , we do n’t reply to e-mail , and we can not cater unmediated troubleshooting advice .