iCloud Mail

Connect your iCloud email using an app-specific password. Takes about 2 minutes.

You need an App-Specific Password
Apple won't accept your regular password. You'll create a special app-specific password that goes straight to your system keychain.

Works for @icloud.com, @me.com, and @mac.com addresses.

Create an App-Specific Password

You need two-factor authentication enabled on your Apple ID (most accounts have this).

  1. Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in
  2. Under Sign-In and Security, find App-Specific Passwords
  3. Click Generate an app-specific password
  4. Name it "Pontius"
  5. Copy the generated password

Add to Pontius

$ pontius
  1. Select Add Account
  2. Provider: icloud
  3. Enter your display name and iCloud email
  4. Paste your app-specific password (it won't display)
  5. Wait for "Account connected!"

Verify It Works

$ pontius list

You should see your recent emails. If you do, you're done.

Troubleshooting

Authentication failed

  • Use the app-specific password, not your Apple ID password.
  • Make sure two-factor authentication is enabled.
  • Generate a fresh app-specific password and try again.