Tilted clock beside a broken security seal icon
If your Mac’s clock is off (even by a few minutes), Apple ID sign-in, iCloud sync, App Store downloads, and secure websites can start failing in confusing ways. Time is part of how macOS validates certificates and security tokens.

Fix the clock first—then decide if this is a quick settings issue or a deeper system problem that’s worth handing to Support.

Before you change anything: if you’re using a work/school Mac, time settings may be managed by your organization. In that case, skip to the “contact support” boundaries below.

1. Confirm the symptoms are actually time-related

Time problems often show up as “can’t connect securely,” repeated sign-in prompts, or iCloud refusing to sync.

  • Open System Settings and search for Date & Time. Check whether the displayed time matches your phone or a trusted clock.
  • If Apple ID sign-in fails, note whether the error mentions security, certificate, or verification.
  • Check if the problem affects multiple apps (Safari, App Store, Messages). If it’s across several, time is a strong suspect.

Clock icon next to verification token and warning triangle
A small drift can be enough to break secure sessions.

2. Use “Set time and date automatically” (the safe default)

Most Macs should use Apple’s time servers automatically. This is the least risky fix and the one to try first.

  • Go to System Settings > General > Date & Time.
  • Turn on Set time and date automatically.
  • Click the info/details button (if shown) and confirm the time server is an Apple option (commonly time.apple.com).
  • Restart your Mac after making the change.

If your Mac refuses to toggle automatic time on, that’s already a sign you may be dealing with management profiles or permissions issues (see the support boundaries below).

3. Check Time Zone and Location Services (common “looks correct but isn’t” cause)

Sometimes the clock is “right,” but the time zone is wrong—especially after travel, VPN use, or Location Services being disabled.

  • In Date & Time, open Time Zone.
  • Enable Set time zone automatically using current location (wording may vary by macOS version).
  • Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and ensure Location Services is on.
  • In the same screen, confirm System Services allows location/time zone features (if available).

Globe and location pin linked to a clock icon
Wrong time zone can break sign-ins even when minutes look correct.

4. Rule out network blocks (VPN, captive Wi‑Fi portals, and security tools)

Your Mac needs to reach time servers. VPNs, “privacy” DNS tools, certain firewalls, and guest Wi‑Fi sign-in pages can silently block that.

  • Temporarily disconnect from any VPN (System Settings > VPN).
  • Try a different network (home Wi‑Fi vs. phone hotspot). Captive portals can interfere until you open Safari and sign in.
  • If you use third‑party security software, pause it briefly and re-check whether automatic time updates.

If switching networks instantly fixes the time drift, the issue is likely the network path (not your Mac hardware).

5. If time keeps drifting after a restart, stop and contact support (safe boundary)

Here’s the line where it’s smart to stop “tweaking settings.” Persistent drift can point to deeper issues (management profiles, corrupted system services, or hardware like the internal clock battery on older Macs).

  • Automatic time won’t stay enabled (it keeps switching off), or the setting is greyed out.
  • The clock is wrong again after every restart, even on different networks.
  • You can’t sign in to Apple ID/iCloud after fixing time and time zone, or you keep getting repeated verification prompts.
  • Your Mac is managed (work/school) and you see profiles that control Date & Time, VPN, DNS, or certificates.
  • Security warnings persist across multiple sites/apps (“connection not private,” certificate errors) even with correct time.

At this point, contacting Apple Support is reasonable because the troubleshooting starts to involve account security checks, device management, or system-level diagnostics. If it’s a company Mac, contact your IT admin first—they may need to adjust a policy.

Final thoughts

Fixing time on macOS is usually straightforward: set it automatically, confirm time zone, and remove network obstacles like VPNs or captive portals.

If the clock won’t hold after restarts or settings are locked down, it’s a good moment to stop and involve Support rather than risking bigger account or system issues.