iCloud keeps asking for old device password

Question

Level 1

4 points

iCloud keeps asking for old device password

Hi guys,

I just bought a new MacBook Air. I wanted to set up everything but when I want to set up my iCloud it keeps asking for the password of a device I used at work 4 years ago. I no longer have access to this device, nor do I still know the password. I already used the forget password to set up my normal account again (this all went well). There I saw that the old device is not even linked to my Apple ID anymore since I removed it 4 years ago.

I am not an experienced Apple user so I could really use your help here :)

Thanks for helping me out!

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.5

Posted on Aug 29, 2025 08:08 AM

Reply

Answer 1

sberman

Level 10

271,420 points

Aug 29, 2025 04:57 PM in response to ilke32

Several observations:

“… it keeps asking for the password of a device I used at work 4 years ago.” Perhaps this was an employer-owned device using an Apple Account that was (or should have been) associated with your employer.
”There I saw that the old device is not even linked to my Apple ID any[ ]more since I removed it 4 years ago.” You remember having done this. So perhaps you envisioned a future use for your Apple ID. And it sounds like you do recall your old Apple ID (now called Apple Account) and password.
”I am not an experienced Apple user …” It does sound like you have some memorable experiences.

Perhaps that old Apple Account was associated with your employer at the time, and it’s best to start over with a brand new Apple Account.

How to create a new Apple Account - Apple Support

Reply