Apple Account Locked or Disabled What to Do
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Apple Account Locked or Disabled: What to Do
Your iPhone, iPad or Mac suddenly says your Apple Account (formerly called Apple ID) is locked or disabled, and you can't sign in to iCloud, the App Store or Messages. This is usually an automatic security lock, and you can undo it yourself with Apple's own tools. Here's what each message means and what to do.
First: Make Sure the Message Is Real
Scammers send fake "your Apple Account is locked" texts and emails to steal passwords. Before you do anything:
- Don't tap links in a text, email or pop-up that says your account is locked.
- Check on your own device instead: open Settings and tap your name at the top (on a Mac, System Settings). A real lock shows up there or when you try to sign in.
- Go to Apple's sites by typing the address yourself:
iforgot.apple.comoraccount.apple.com. - Never share your password or a verification code with anyone who calls or messages you, even if they say they're from Apple.
For more signs of a fake message, see how to spot a phishing email before you click.
What the Messages Mean
Apple lists these alerts:
| Message | What it means |
|---|---|
| "This Apple Account has been disabled for security reasons" or "You can't sign in because your account was disabled for security reasons" | Too many wrong passwords or security details were entered, or Apple saw a security risk. |
| "This Apple Account has been locked for security reasons" | Same idea - the account is locked until you prove it's yours. |
| Account is locked or not active, with a Request Access option | Access has been restricted; you can ask for it back. |
| "Your Media & Purchases account has been disabled" | Only purchases are affected (App Store, iTunes, Apple Music), often because of a payment problem. |
How to Unlock It
Disabled or locked for security reasons
- Go to
iforgot.apple.comin a browser, or follow the alert on your device. - Enter your Apple Account email or phone number.
- Verify your identity. The fastest ways are:
- a code or prompt on a trusted device - another iPhone, iPad or Mac already signed in with your account, or
- a code sent to your trusted phone number.
- Reset your password when asked. Use a new, strong password you don't use anywhere else.
After the reset, sign in again on each device.
Locked or not active, with Request Access
Tap Request Access in the alert, or go to iforgot.apple.com/unlock, and follow the steps.
Media & Purchases account disabled
Tap Continue in the alert and follow the steps, or check your payment method in Settings > [your name] > Payment & Shipping (names can vary by iOS version). If that doesn't clear it, contact Apple Support through the Apple Support app or support.apple.com.
No Trusted Device or Number? Account Recovery
If you can't use a trusted device or phone number, Apple offers account recovery. It is designed to keep strangers out, so it takes time - often several days or longer. Apple sends updates by text or phone call to the contact details you give, and Apple Support staff can't speed it up.
While you wait, don't keep starting new requests. Apple also advises turning off other devices signed in with that account until recovery is complete, to avoid delays.
If you still can't get access, Apple says you may need to create a new Apple Account.
Stop It Happening Again
- Keep your trusted phone number up to date: Settings > [your name] > Sign-In & Security (the menu name varies by iOS version).
- Add a recovery contact in the same place: someone you trust who can give you a code to help get back in.
- Use a password manager so you never mistype or reuse your password - see how to use a password manager safely.
- Keep two-factor authentication on (Apple Accounts created in recent years have it on already) - see turn on two factor authentication for Google, Microsoft and Apple.
Think Someone Else Got In?
If you see devices you don't recognise in Settings > [your name] (the device list), remove them, change your password, and check that your trusted phone numbers and email addresses are yours. Google users can follow the similar steps in how to recover a hacked Google account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why was my Apple Account locked?
Apple locks an account automatically when someone, possibly you, enters the wrong password, security answers or verification details too many times, or when it sees activity it considers a security risk. The lock protects your account.
How do I unlock my Apple Account?
Tap Request Access in the alert on your device, or go to iforgot.apple.com and follow the steps to verify your identity and reset the password. A trusted device or trusted phone number makes this much faster.
How long does Apple account recovery take?
If you can't verify with a trusted device or number, Apple uses account recovery, which can take several days or longer. Apple sends updates to the contact details you give, and support staff cannot speed it up.
Is a text or email saying my Apple Account is locked a scam?
It can be. Don't tap links in the message. Open Settings on your device or type iforgot.apple.com yourself, and never share your password or verification codes with anyone who contacts you.
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