Want to set up iCloud Mail in your email program or add iCloud Calendar to Outlook on a Mac? Find out here how to generate and use an app-specific password for Apple iCloud so these applications and services can log in to your account.
First, Tooth and Snail
A snail’s tongue is equipped with rows and rows of triangular, sharp and durable tiny teeth.
A typical tongue may count 120 rows with 100 teeth each. If we assume a generous 2 year of typical lifespan (most snails are annuals) and five meals per day, that’s some three teeth per meal…
In Apple iCloud, you do not need more than one password per application—but each app should have its own:
How to Generate an App-Specific iCloud Password
Time needed: 10 minutes
To create a new app-specific password for an iCloud account (for use in email programs other than Apple Mail or iCloud.com, for instance):
- Open Manage your Apple ID in a browser.
Sign in: If you are not logged in yet, do use Sign In to open your account.
- Go to the Sign-in and Security section.
- Select App-Specific Passwords.
- Now click + next to Passwords.
- Type a label for the new Apple app-specific password over e.g. Bill Pay.
One password to rule—one: Use each app-specific password with one service or application exclusively, and typically use the app or service’s name as the label so you can easily recognize it.
Example: If you set up an app-specific password for Outlook, for example, typeOutlook for Mac. - Click Create.
- Immediately use (copy and paste) the new password.
Important: This is the only time you will see the app-specific password and your only chance to copy it.
- Click Done.
How to Delete iCloud App Passwords
To remove an app password and make sure it can no longer be used to log in to iCloud:
- Go to Manage your Apple ID in a browser.
- Open the Sign-in and Security section.
- Click or tap App-Specific Passwords.
- Now click ⊖ next to the application password you want to revoke.
- Click Revoke.
How to Generate an iCloud App Password: FAQ
Can I recover a lost application password?
No.
Application passwords are shown only once (when you create them).
If you have lost an app password you have set up:
- Delete the lost password previously used for the application.
- Create and use a new application iCloud password.
Where can I use an app-specific iCloud password?
You will use an application-specific Apple password when you access iCloud services through a program or software that doesn’t use Apple 2-step authentication.
Among many others, uses of app passwords include:
- Setting up iCloud Mail in an email client.
- Adding iCloud Calendar to Outlook for Mac.
- Subscribing to an iCloud calendar in Google Calendar.
(How to generate an app password for Apple iCloud first published May 2021, last updated September 2024)