Deepak Gupta

Apple Account locked or disabled for security reasons

Go to iforgot.apple.com/unlock, or tap Request Access in the alert on your device. If the message says your account was disabled for security reasons, reset your password at iforgot.apple.com. Apple locks accounts automatically, often after too many wrong password attempts. It is a safety lock, not a ban.

Do these 3 things now

1Go to iforgot.apple.com/unlock, or tap Request Access if the alert shows it.Read to them:“Go to iforgot.apple.com/unlock, or tap Request Access if the alert shows it.”
2Stop guessing your password. Repeated wrong guesses are a common reason Apple locks an account.Read to them:“Stop guessing your password. Repeated wrong guesses are a common reason Apple locks an account.”
3Do not reply to anyone who offers to unlock your Apple Account for you. Only Apple can do it.Read to them:“Do not reply to anyone who offers to unlock your Apple Account for you. Only Apple can do it.”

Unlock your Apple Account at iforgot.apple.com

Official link: iforgot.apple.com

I am helping someone else

Helper mode: each step is written for you to read aloud. Let them tap and type on their own device; never ask them to send you a code. Send them this first.

01Is this you?

You see "This Apple Account has been disabled for security reasons" or "This Apple Account has been locked for security reasons".
You see "You can't sign in because your account was disabled for security reasons".
You cannot sign in to any Apple service, on any device.

Not quite? I forgot my password · Someone changed my password · My iPhone was lost or stolen

02Official recovery path

If an alert appears on your device, tap Request Access and follow the steps.Read to them:“If an alert appears on your device, tap Request Access and follow the steps.”iPhoneComputersource
Or go to iforgot.apple.com/unlock in a browser and request access there.Read to them:“Or go to iforgot.apple.com/unlock in a browser and request access there.”source
If the message says your account was disabled for security reasons, reset your password. On the sign-in screen, select Forgot password? and follow the prompts.Read to them:“If the message says your account was disabled for security reasons, reset your password. On the sign-in screen, select Forgot password? and follow the prompts.”source
If you have another Apple device that is still signed in, change your password there: Settings > your name > Sign-In & Security > Change Password.Read to them:“If you have another Apple device that is still signed in, change your password there: Settings > your name > Sign-In & Security > Change Password.”iPhonesource
If you cannot reset your password, start account recovery at iforgot.apple.com. Have your trusted phone number and your Apple Account email ready.Read to them:“If you cannot reset your password, start account recovery at iforgot.apple.com. Have your trusted phone number and your Apple Account email ready.”source

Did that get you back in?

Yes

Lock it down now. Change the password, turn on two-step, sign out other devices. It takes about 15 minutes.

No

A.If you see "This Apple Account is locked and can't be used", or your request is denied, Apple says you can create a new Apple Account.Read to them:“If you see "This Apple Account is locked and can't be used", or your request is denied, Apple says you can create a new Apple Account.”source
B.If you need Activation Lock removed from a device you own and you have proof of purchase, Apple offers an Activation Lock support request. Start from the locked account help page.Read to them:“If you need Activation Lock removed from a device you own and you have proof of purchase, Apple offers an Activation Lock support request. Start from the locked account help page.”source
C.If only App Store and Apple Media purchases are blocked ("Your Media & Purchases account has been disabled"), tap Continue in the alert to ask for it to be turned back on.Read to them:“If only App Store and Apple Media purchases are blocked ("Your Media & Purchases account has been disabled"), tap Continue in the alert to ask for it to be turned back on.”source

Then: how long it takes

03How long it takes

No published timeline

Apple does not publish a timeline for unlocking a locked account. If you end up in account recovery, Apple says it can take several days or longer.

While you wait

Do not keep trying passwords on other devices.
Check that you still control the email address and phone number on your Apple Account.
Read Apple's scam guide so you can spot fake "Apple Support" messages while you wait.

04Warn your contacts

Send this from another account or by text, so nobody falls for messages sent in your name.

My Apple Account is locked right now, so I may not see iMessages or FaceTime calls. If anyone messages you saying they are me or Apple and asks for a code or money, it is not me. Please call me instead.

More templates: email, followers, customers

05Watch out for recovery scams

People who just lost an account are the main target of fake helpers. Only Apple Account and iCloud's own app or website can restore your account.

"Recovery experts" who say they can unlock an Apple Account or skip the account recovery wait. Apple says Apple Support cannot shorten the wait, so no one else can either. How it works
Calls from "Apple Support" about a problem with your account. Apple says to just hang up on unsolicited calls, and that scammers can fake Apple's caller ID. How it works
Texts saying your Apple Account is locked or your iCloud storage is full, with a link. Screenshot them and email the screenshot to reportphishing@apple.com. How it works

All recovery scams and how to spot them

06Once you're back in: lock it down

0 of 9 doneAbout 22 minutes total

Change your password and sign out other devices3 minOn iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, tap Sign-In & Security, then tap Change Password. When asked, choose Remove Other Devices so every other device must sign in again.source
Check two-factor authentication and your trusted phone numbers3 minOpen Settings, tap your name, tap Sign-In & Security, then tap Two-Factor Authentication. Remove any number you do not know at account.apple.com under Sign-In and Security > Account Security. Tap Add Trusted Phone Number to add a second number you control, such as a family member's.source
Add a recovery contact2 minOpen Settings, tap your name, tap Sign-In & Security, then tap Recovery Contacts and Add Recovery Contact. If you ever get locked out, this person can get a six-digit code for you. They cannot see or use your account.source
Optional: a recovery key, only if you can keep it safe3 minA recovery key is a 28-character code under Sign-In & Security > Recovery Key. Setting one up turns off Apple's standard account recovery. If you lose the key and your devices, you can be locked out for good. Write it on paper and do not store it in Notes, Photos or iCloud Drive.source
Turn on Stolen Device Protection1 minOpen Settings, tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), enter your passcode, then turn on Stolen Device Protection. Away from familiar places, big account changes then need Face ID or Touch ID and a one-hour security delay.source
Remove devices you do not recognize2 minOpen Settings and tap your name, then scroll to the device list. Tap any device you do not know and tap Remove from Account. On the web, sign in at account.apple.com and select Devices.source
Review apps that use Sign in with Apple2 minOpen Settings, tap your name, then tap Sign in with Apple. Select any app you no longer use and tap Delete.source
Consider security keys and passkeys3 minFor the strongest protection against phishing, add two physical security keys under Sign-In & Security > Two-Factor Authentication > Security Keys. Passkeys you save for other sites sync through iCloud Keychain, which needs two-factor authentication, so keep that turned on.source
Run Safety Check3 minOpen Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check, then tap Manage Sharing & Access. It walks you through connected devices, trusted phone numbers, your password and who you share with.source

Then do the 24-hour cleanup.

Free toolExposure CheckSee what of yours is already public.Free toolPassword Breach CheckCheck if a password shows up in known leaks.ReadAccount recovery design is the security ceiling ReadLogin security: 7 best practices

07How it probably happened

Most likely
Too many wrong password or account details entered, by you or by someone trying to get in.
Also common
Someone tried to sign in with a password taken from a fake Apple login page.
How this scam works
Less common
A scam text pushed you to a fake "unlock your account" page.
How this scam works

Account taken, recovery details swapped

08Report it

Recognize and avoid phishing and fake support calls

Lost money, being blackmailed, or someone is using your account to scam others? Report it to your country's cybercrime service too. If you are in danger, call your local emergency number.

United States

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)Report online crime, including account takeovers that led to money loss or extortion. The IC3 never contacts you first and never asks for money.
FTC ReportFraudReport the scam to the Federal Trade Commission.
IdentityTheft.govUse it if someone used your Social Security number or opened accounts in your name. You get a recovery plan.

United Kingdom

Report Fraud (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)Run by the City of London Police. It replaced Action Fraud on 4 December 2025. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101 instead.
Forward scam texts to 7726Free on most UK networks. Your provider can look into the sender and block it.
Report a scam email to the NCSCForward the email to report@phishing.gov.uk before you delete it.
Report Fraud: 0300 123 2040England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.

India

National Cyber Crime Reporting PortalRun by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs. Reports go to state and UT police.
Chakshu on Sanchar SaathiReport suspected fraud calls, SMS or WhatsApp messages to the Department of Telecommunications. It is not for money already lost: call 1930 for that.
National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930Toll free, 24 hours. Call fast if money left your account: it can help freeze the transfer.

Canada

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: report onlineVictims and witnesses can report fraud or cybercrime online. Also contact your local police as soon as you can.
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501Toll free. The CAFC does not contact people to ask for money.

Australia

ReportCyberReport cybercrime to police. Your report may go to your state or territory police or the AFP.
ScamwatchReport a scam, even if you lost no money. The AFP also points people worried about identity theft to IDCARE, a free support service.
ReportCyber phone line: 1300 292 371Report concerns about cybercrime or cyber security incidents. If life is at risk, call 000.

09Questions people ask

Why did Apple disable my Apple Account?

Apple locks an account automatically to protect it. Apple says this can happen when the password or other account information is entered wrong too many times.

Is Apple ID the same as Apple Account?

Yes. Apple renamed Apple ID to Apple Account. The steps and the account are the same.

What if Apple says my account is locked and can't be used?

Apple says that if you cannot regain access, you can create a new Apple Account. If you need Activation Lock removed from a device and have proof of purchase, you can start an Activation Lock support request.

Can I call Apple to unlock it faster?

Apple's own unlock route is iforgot.apple.com/unlock or the Request Access button. If you end up in account recovery, Apple says Apple Support cannot shorten the wait.

My App Store purchases are blocked but iCloud works. Is that the same thing?

No. That is your Media & Purchases account. Tap Continue in the alert to ask Apple to turn it back on.

Sources and last check

Last verified: October 16, 2026. Steps checked against the platform's own help pages listed below. Device testing is ongoing; steps marked unconfirmed are still waiting for it.

Apple Support: If your Apple Account is locked, not active, or disabled (read 2026-10-16)
Apple Support: If you forgot your password and can't sign in to your Apple Account (read 2026-10-16)
Apple Support: Change your Apple Account password (read 2026-10-16)
Apple Support: What to expect during account recovery (read 2026-10-16)
Apple: Recover Your Apple Account (iforgot.apple.com/unlock) (read 2026-10-16)
Apple: Recover Your Apple Account (iforgot.apple.com) (read 2026-10-16)
Apple Support: Recognize and avoid social engineering schemes (read 2026-10-16)

Wrong step or changed screen? Report it. Never include passwords or codes.