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iCloud Login Errors (-1012 and others)

If you are seeing error -1012, Authentication Failed, or Password Rejected when trying to sync with iCloud, it is almost always because your main Apple ID password cannot be used directly.

The Solution: App-Specific Passwords​

Apple mandates that all third-party apps (like BusyCal) use a generated App-Specific Password instead of your regular iCloud password.

Why did it stop working?​

Even if it worked before, your app-specific password may have been revoked if:

  • You changed your primary Apple ID password.
  • Apple updated security protocols on your account.
  • It has been a long time since you last logged in.

How to Fix It​

  1. Do NOT enter your standard Apple ID password. It will fail.
  2. Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in.
  3. Look for the App-Specific Passwords section (usually under "Sign-In and Security").
  4. Click Generate an app-specific password.
  5. Give it a name (e.g., "BusyCal").
  6. Copy the code it gives you (it looks like abcd-efgh-ijkl-mnop).
  7. In BusyCal, when prompted for the password (or in Settings > Accounts), paste this code.

Common Error Codes​

  • Error -1012: Authentication failed. The server rejected the password.
  • Error 401 / 403: Unauthorized / Forbidden. Often related to expired tokens or passwords.
  • "Server responded with an error": Generic message often implying a password issue.

Still Not Working?​

If generating a new password doesn't help:

  1. Remove the account: Go to BusyCal Settings > Accounts, select iCloud, and click the - button.
  2. Restart BusyCal.
  3. Add the account again: Click +, select iCloud, and enter your email and the new app-specific password.
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