Unlocking your iCloud account

Q: My iCloud email and password is being rejected

A: If you are typing the correct password but Speaking Email is saying it is wrong, then it is very likely to be Apple's security not allowing the connection.


For almost all iCloud and me.com accounts, you need to use an "App Specific Password". This will be the case if you have 2-factor authentication or 2-step authentication turned on. App-specific passwords are a security measure designed to keep your Apple password safe so are a very secure way to connect to Speaking Email (full details here from Apple).


You need to set up the "app password" on the iCloud website, which you can either do inside Speaking Email (it launches in a pop up window enabling you to copy and paste) or do it on your computer (a bit easier on a bigger screen) and type in the generated password.


It is easy to create an app-specific password.


1. Sign in to your Apple ID account page.


2. If you have 2-factor authentication turned on you will see an "app specific passwords" section. Click on that link. (If you don't have it you can turn it on here)



3. Follow the instructions and type the generated password in the password field in Speaking Email.


Another possibility is your account may have been locked for security reasons by Apple. This is easy to unlock, just go to iCloud online and try to sign in there. If your account is locked you will be forwarded to iForgot and given instructions.



What is Speaking Email?

An app for iPhone and Android that reads your email out loud to you. It intelligently extracts content from emails (minus the signatures, disclaimers and threads). And it lets you action your email - archive, mark-as-read, trash, flag, reply, or forward. It can be completely by voice command, or use the large on-screen buttons or full screen touch gestures.


Who is it for?

People with blindness or visual impairment. People who are busy and run out of time to get through their inbox. People who want to make productive use of time when driving between appointments.


Do you have Apple CarPlay?

See our other product Speaking Email CarPlay.


Find out more