Fix a persistent iCloud approval request

Glenn Fleishman reveals what to do when Apple keeps pestering you with a request for a security approval

Reader Mary Gascho has a persistent pest. After upgrading her iPhone, “I am constantly getting an ‘approval request sent’ pop-up.” The message tells her that if she wants to keep using iCloud, she needs to approve that from another device that is using the same iCloud account.

This appears to be related to iCloud Keychain based on reports from other people having the persistent problem. My colleague Joe Kissell wrote a thorough rundown in 2013 on using iCloud Keychain, including

approving access from one device for another, and that’s remained largely unchanged.

However, Mary’s problem and that of others doesn’t seem to be alleviated by using his directions. Her old phone, which is still active, isn’t giving her a way to approve access on the new one.

Other users have found a way to clear this message without losing access to iCloud:

In Settings > iCloud > iCloud Keychain, flip the switch off

Restart your iPhone normally. (Hold down the Sleep/Wake button until the red slider appears, swipe it, wait for it to shut down, then press the button to power it up again)

Go back to Settings > iCloud > iCloud Keychain, and flip the switch on

When prompted, enter your passcode

When prompted, enter your iCloud account password

This solved the problem for other people.