What to Do If “Update Apple ID Settings” Keeps Appearing in Catalina

After upgrading to macOS to Catalina, some users might face an error that asks them to update their Apple ID settings. The error keeps appearing even if you ignore it, showing up as a red icon on the Dock.

While it sounds like a hopeless issue, the good news is there are things you can try to do to somehow get rid of the “Update Apple ID Settings” message on Catalina. The solutions range from simple fixes, such as signing out of iCloud, to something more complex like removing corrupted Keychain items. However, fret not because all the solutions are easy-peasy.

In this article, we aim to resolve the problem with “Update Apple ID Settings” always reappearing in Catalina.

How to Get Rid of the “Update Apple ID Settings” Message

So, what can you do if the message “Update Apple ID Settings” keeps appearing in Catalina? Here are some solutions we recommend trying:

Solution #1: Follow the Standard Instructions.

When the “Update Apple ID Settings” message appears on your screen, Apple will suggest that you follow the on-screen prompts to get rid of it. For many, this solution works. So, it’s also worth trying first.

Here’s a detailed guide on what you should do:

1. Go to System Preferences and click Apple ID.
2. Navigate to the left-hand section of the window and click Overview.
3. At this point, you will see a yellow warning triangle with the message “Update Apple ID Settings” next to it. Just hit Continue.
4. A new window will appear notifying you that there will be some account services that won’t be available until you sign in again. Just click Continue.
5. Next, you will be prompted to enter your Apple ID credentials. Hit OK.
6. The system will then process your information, so you need to wait. After that, you will be asked to provide your Mac password. Enter it in the designated text box and click OK.
7. If you have an iPad or iPhone associated with your Apple ID credentials, you might be asked for its password. Enter it and then hit OK.
8. If everything turns out smoothly, the error message should no longer be there.

Solution #2: Sign Out of iCloud.

The first solution we’ve provided works as a temporary fix for some. After quite some time, the message appears again. If you’re among those who have experienced this, signing out of your iCloud account may resolve the problem.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Go to System Preferences.
2. Click Apple ID.
3. Scroll down to the bottom part of the window and click Sign Out.
4. Now, you will be asked if you wish to back up a copy of your iCloud data on your device. Should you wish to do so, be sure that all the checkboxes next to all the options are ticked. After that, click the Keep a Copy If you are using iCloud Photos, you might be notified that all photos need to be finished uploading first. Next, click Continue Updating and wait for the process to complete.
5. You will now be asked for your Apple ID credentials to turn off the Find My Mac Enter your credentials and hit Continue.
6. After signing out, you will be taken to a window that explains the use of an Apple ID. Here, you have the option to sign in again. But choose to restart your Mac instead.
7. Once your Mac has rebooted, go to System Preferences again and click Sign In. If you can’t find the Sign In button, it should be where the Apple ID button used to be.
8. Enter your Apple ID credentials and hit When prompted, input your Mac password as well.
9. You will be asked if you want to merge all the information stored on your Mac with what you have on your iCloud account. Select Merge.
10. Next, your Mac will ask you if you want to re-enable the Find My Mac Choose Allow.

You should now be signed back into your iCloud account, and the “Update Apple ID Settings” message should no longer exist.

Solution #3: Clear Any Corrupted Keychain Files.

If the “Update Apple ID Settings” message is still bugging you, it is likely that your Keychain is the culprit. Perhaps it has become corrupted. Luckily, you need not lose all your saved and active logins to get rid of the problem.

Here’s what you should do instead:

1. Go to System Preferences and select Apple ID.
2. Hover to the left-hand section of the window and click Scroll down and find Keychain. Untick the box next to it to disable it.
3. You will then be asked if you want to save a copy of all your passwords. Select Keep on This Mac.
4. Open a Finder window and navigate to Go -> Go to Folder. Into the text field, input ~/Library/Keychains and hit Go.
5. In the folder that appears, you will find another folder with a name comprised of a long string of characters. It also contains a number of loose files. Transfer this folder to your Desktop and make sure everything is in place.
6. Now, repeat steps 1 and 2, but this time, re-enable Keychain.
7. Reboot your Mac.
8. If the “Update Apple ID Settings” message is no longer there, you may now delete the folder that you have transferred to your Desktop.

Solution #4: Get Rid of Unnecessary System Junk.

Most of the time, unwanted files mess with your system processes, causing random error messages to appear. To prevent this from happening, be sure that you get rid of junk files that have built up on your system every now and then.

To do this, you may manually check all the folders you have on your system. Go through each one of them and delete any suspicious-looking file. However, we suggest that you take caution in doing so because deleting an important system file may result in irreversible damage to your Mac.

What we suggest that you should do is use a reliable Mac repair tool. Although this may mean downloading and installing a third-party tool, it will clean your Mac for you in a breeze. Plus, it will optimize your Mac for top performance.

Summary

The “Update Apple ID Settings” message may cause you frustrations at first. But hopefully, with the solutions we have listed above, the error message will no longer give you headaches in the future.

What solution worked for you? Let us know in the comments.