Why your Apple ID password is refused
Apple does not let outside mail apps sign in with your Apple ID password. You create an app-specific password in your Apple Account, and the mail app uses that code instead. If you type your Apple ID password into a mail app, iCloud refuses it and the error looks like a wrong password.
Two-factor authentication has to be on
App-specific passwords can only be made when two-factor authentication is turned on for your Apple ID. If you cannot find the option to create one, check that first.
Why a working code suddenly stops
Apple revokes your app-specific passwords when you change your Apple ID password. Every outside app that used one then fails until you make a new code. That is the most common reason an iCloud connection that worked for months suddenly breaks.
The fix: make an app-specific password
- Sign in at appleid.apple.com and make sure two-factor authentication is on.
- Open Sign-In and Security, then App-Specific Passwords.
- Click Generate an app-specific password and name it Curo.
- Copy the code Apple shows you.
- In Curo, add a mailbox and type your iCloud address. Curo recognises iCloud and fills in the server settings for you. Paste the code into the app password box and click Connect and sync.
Questions
Why does iCloud say authentication failed?
Outside mail apps must use an app-specific password. Your Apple ID password is rejected there, and the message does not explain why.
Where do I make an app-specific password?
Sign in at appleid.apple.com, open Sign-In and Security, and choose App-Specific Passwords. Two-factor authentication must be on.
My iCloud mail stopped syncing after I changed my Apple ID password. Why?
Changing your Apple ID password revokes your app-specific passwords. Make a new one for each app that stopped working.
Does this work for me.com and mac.com addresses?
Yes. Those addresses are iCloud Mail, and Curo handles them the same way as an icloud.com address.
Can I remove an app's access later?
Yes. Delete that app's code on the same Apple Account page and the app loses access to your mail at once.
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