2FA not sent via container when using cn domain, but works on icloud.com.cn

[AemonCao]

System:

• OS: Docker (Alpine Linux inside container)
• Version: Alpine Linux v3.23.3
• Container version: boredazfcuk/icloudpd v1.0.1340_23-02-2026
• icloud-photos-downloader version: 1.32.2
• Python version: 3.12.12

---

Describe the bug

When running the container with --Initialise, the script requires two-factor authentication (2FA), but no verification code is sent to the trusted Apple device.

The process stops at:

Two-factor authentication is required (2fa)
Please enter two-factor authentication code:

However:

• No push notification is received on any trusted Apple device
• No SMS verification code is received
• Authentication cannot proceed

The authentication domain is set to cn, and the download domain is icloud.com.cn.

---

Important comparison

I am able to log in successfully via https://icloud.com.cn in a browser, and 2FA works normally there (push notification is received immediately).

This suggests:

• The Apple ID itself is functioning correctly
• 2FA delivery is working normally
• The issue appears specific to the container / API authentication flow

---

Expected behaviour

When 2FA is required, Apple should send a verification code (push notification or SMS) to the trusted device, allowing the code to be entered and authentication to complete successfully.

---

Actual behaviour

The script prompts for a 2FA code, but:

• No verification code is delivered
• No notification appears on any trusted device
• The process remains blocked waiting for input
• Initialisation cannot be completed

---

Debug log file

Below is the relevant log output (personal information redacted):

root@3ee2bf67dd7f:/> /usr/local/bin/sync-icloud.sh --Initialise
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO     ***** boredazfcuk/icloudpd container v1.0.1341_23-02-2026 started *****
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO     ***** For support, please go here: https://github.com/boredazfcuk/docker-icloudpd *****
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO     Alpine Linux v3.23.3
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO     Python version: 3.12.12
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO     icloud-photos-downloader version: 1.32.2
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO     Loading configuration from: /config/icloudpd.conf
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Apple ID: b******8@g******.com
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO        - Cookie path: /config/b******8g******com
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Debug logging: Disabled
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Local user: user:1000
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Local group: group:1000
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Authentication domain: cn
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Downloading from: icloud.com.cn
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Cookie expiry notification period: 7
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Download destination directory: /home/user/iCloud
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Folder structure: {:%Y/%m/%d}
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Keep Unicode: false
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Live Photo MOV Filename Policy: suffix
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | File Match Policy: name-size-dedup-with-suffix
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Download interval: 86400
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Download delay (minutes): 0
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Set EXIF date/time: false
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Auto delete: false
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Delete after download: false
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Delete empty directories: false
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Photo size: original
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Align RAW: as-is
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Single pass mode: false
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Skip download check: false
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Skip live photos: false
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Number of most recently added photos to download: Download All Photos
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Downloading photos from: Download All Photos
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Stop downloading when prexisiting files count is: Download All Photos
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Live photo size: original
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Skip videos: false
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Convert HEIC to JPEG: true
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO     Finished loading configuration file
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO     Configuring notifications
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO      | Bark notifications enabled
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO     Configuring of notifications complete
2026-02-25 22:09:19 INFO     Sending Bark startup notification
2026-02-25 22:09:21 INFO     Script launch parameters: --Initialise
2026-02-25 22:09:21 INFO     Starting container initialisation
2026-02-25 22:09:22 INFO     Processing user: b******8@g******.com
2026-02-25 22:09:22 DEBUG    Authenticating...
2026-02-25 22:09:27 INFO     Two-factor authentication is required (2fa)
Please enter two-factor authentication code: 

[roleme]

can confirm I have the same issue in .com domain.
Also receiving mails from icloud on every attempt, like

You used your Apple account to sign in to iCloud using a web browser.

[THX723]

can confirm I have the same issue in .com domain. Also receiving mails from icloud on every attempt, like

You used your Apple account to sign in to iCloud using a web browser.

Ditto.

[Nimijneb]

Same issue here. Getting the emails that Ive logged in. No popups for 2fa on any devices.

[buggdog]

Same issue. No 2FA popup but I get an email saying I signed in.

[pmboyle86]

Same, rebuilt my container, deleted the key file, basically started from scratch other than the compose file, and it will not trigger the MFA on any of my apple devices. Logged in to iCloud and that triggered the MFA, tried to create an app specific password, but even after changing authentication type, still nothing.

[Chrisv006]

Little more info - same issue as above but I have one device on 26.4 beta iOS which is not working (no 2FA push, and no way to get a manual 2FA code that I can find...). Other account is not on beta, standard iOS 26 and its working as expected.

I tried an 'app specific password' and no dice. No info in the logs I can find to help. I also re-generated the keyfile for fun, no effect. Submitted feedback to apple regarding the lack of manual ability to obtain a 2FA code.

happy to help test/provide logs/etc to fix this but its beyond my ability personally.

[THX723]

Interesting. I'm also on 26.4 beta, which explains why I'm still not getting the 2FA prompt.

[jprusch]

Same here, 26.4 beta. icloud.com: No 2FA code received. Other logins to icloud work as expected. On web access (Windows Chrome) 2FA is send to 26.4 beta iPhone.

[buggdog]

also on 26.4 beta

[BillKeenan]

same. seems something is up.

[boredazfcuk]

As per this post, I've created a brand new container from scratch, saved the password to the keying, saved the cookie, and downloaded a few pics. Everything worked as expected: #886 (comment)

Edit: Running iOS 26.3

[blurry83]

also have this same problem
Tried re creating with no luck

Running iOS 26.4 Beta 3

[buggdog]

Re-creation didn't solve issue. Seems like its an iOS 26.4 issue

[BillKeenan]

26.4 also no love.