What is akd on a Mac? Apple Account authentication
What the akd process does in macOS, why it can use CPU or memory, and whether you can stop it.
What is akd?
akd is the AuthKit daemon: it handles signing in to your Apple Account and the security checks around it for iCloud, the App Store and other Apple services.
Why is akd using CPU or memory?
It is busy briefly when you sign in, verify a device or approve a code. Repeated activity can mean an Apple Account sign in is failing.
Can I stop akd?
No. Signing out and back in to your Apple Account in System Settings fixes a stuck loop.
accountsd covers the other accounts on the Mac.
Common questions
Is akd safe on a Mac?
Yes. It is part of macOS. akd is the AuthKit daemon: it handles signing in to your Apple Account and the security checks around it for iCloud, the App Store and other Apple services..
Can I quit akd?
No.