If you receive one of the following messages, this means that your Apple ID account has been locked or disabled to protect your security:
"This Apple ID has been disabled for security reasons"
"Your Apple ID has been locked for security reasons"
"You can't sign in because your account was disabled for security reasons"
In this case, you are not allowed to sign in to any Apple services, such as downloading and purchasing apps in the App Store. If you use a single Apple ID account on all of your Apple devices, it will bring lots of inconvenience to you. Fortunately, you can reset the Apple Account password to unlock it and regain access. For the detailed steps, check out our guide on how to unlock Apple ID locked for security reasons and how to avoid the Apple ID locked for security reasons loop now.
- Part 1. Why Is My Apple ID Locked for Security Reasons?
- Part 2. How to Unlock Apple ID Locked for Security Reasons [Video Guide]
- Part 3. How to Recover a Locked Apple ID by Resetting Password
- Part 4. How to Avoid the Apple ID Locked for Security Reasons Loop
- Part 5. FAQs about Apple ID Locked for Security Reasons
- Part 6. Conclusion
Part 1. Why Is Apple ID Locked for Security Reasons?
When you see a message stating "This Apple ID has been locked for security reasons", it means that Apple has automatically disabled your account. The reasons that you encountered the issue of Apple ID locked for security reasons are typically one or more of the following.
Multiple Failed Sign-In Attempts: Entering the password incorrectly too many times is the most common reason. This happens if someone is trying to hack your account or if you forgot your Apple ID password.
Suspicious Activity Detected: If you try to log into your Apple ID on another Apple device, you're asked to confirm this action. Once it is regarded as unauthorized access, your Apple ID will be locked temporarily.
Pirated Software Usage: Apple will automatically lock your Apple ID on your device after detecting that you use pirated software. Or you log in to your Apple ID when you use a VPN on the device.
This security measure is intended to protect your personal information, iCloud data, and linked devices. Whatever the causes maybe, you can unlock your locked Apple ID and use it on your Apple device again. Fortunately, unlocking it is straightforward if you follow the right steps.
Part 2. How to Unlock Apple ID Locked for Security Reasons [Video Guide]
When your Apple ID is locked for security reasons, you can directly tap Unlock Account or Request Access to recover your locked Apple ID on the Apple ID Locked screen. Or you can reset the Apple Account password to recover access to the locked account. Here's a detailed guide on how to recover your locked Apple ID using a trusted phone number, as well as a video guide.
Detailed Guide: Unlock a Locked Apple ID with Verification Codes
Step 1. When you receive the message - Apple ID Locked, tap Unlock Account or Request Access on the pop-up message.
Step 2. On the pop-up window, enter the trusted phone number then tap Next on the right corner.
Step 3. Enter the verification code that you receive from your trusted phone number on your iPhone.
Step 4. After that, tap Forgot Passcode and then enter the lock screen passcode.
Step 5. Create a new password for your Apple ID, and you can sign in with your Apple ID and password.
Video Guide: Unlock Apple ID Locked for Security Reasons
Part 3. How to Recover a Locked Apple ID by Resetting Password
In addition to the aforementioned method, you can change your Apple ID password to solve your problem of Apple ID getting locked. Whether you go to reset your Apple ID password on a device or on the web, you can unlock your Apple ID when it is locked. And so are the steps for setting a new password for your Apple ID with the methods below.
Option 1. Reset Locked Apple ID on a Trusted Device
If you have enabled Two-Factor Authentication on your Apple device, then you have the chance to recover your locked Apple ID by changing the password directly. You can choose to reset your Apple ID password on your trusted iPhone or other trusted Apple device. Then just perform the following steps to unlock your locked Apple ID.
On a Trusted iPhone
Step 1. Turn on your trusted iPhone and go to Settings > your Apple ID name.
Step 2. Tap Sign-In & Security and select Change Password.
Step 3. Enter a new password, then your Apple ID account will be unlocked.
On a Trusted Mac
Step 1. On your trusted Mac, click Apple menu > System Preferences.
Step 2. Click Apple ID > Password & Security.
Step 3. Click Change Password.
Step 4. Enter a new password, then you can use your Apple ID again.
Option 2. Resume Locked Apple ID on a New Device
When you try to sign in to a new device or browser with your Apple ID, you can select "Forgot password or don't have an Apple ID?" on the Apple ID sign-in screen. By using this feature, you can change your Apple ID password so as to unlock your Apple ID. Know more details from the following introduction.
Step 1. In Settings on your iPhone, tap Sign in to your iPhone and select Sign in Manually.
Step 2. Enter the locked Apple ID, then tap Forgot password?.
Step 3. Follow the onscreen instructions to reset the Apple ID password and unlock your locked account.
Option 3. Recover Locked Apple ID on a Borrowed Device
The Apple Support app gives you personalized access to solutions for all of your Apple products and services. If you want to reset your Apple ID password, you can get help from the Apple Support app. So, when your Apple ID has been locked, you can use this app to fix the issue. Here's how to reset a locked Apple ID with the Apple Support app on a borrowed device.
Step 1. Search for the Apple Support app in the App Store and install it on your device.
Step 2. Once the installation is completed, open the Apple Support app on the device.
Step 3. Find and tap Reset Password > Help Someone Else, then enter your Apple ID.
Step 4. Enter your trusted phone number and tap Done.
Step 5. Enter your iPhone passcode and enter a new password for your Apple ID.
Step 6. Tap Continue to confirm. Now you can recover your Apple ID account.
Option 4. Restore Locked Apple ID via Apple Official
All users can get help from the Apple Official website if you have problems with your Apple devices and Apple ID. When your Apple ID is locked due to unknown errors, you can go to figure out what happens with your Apple ID via the Apple Official website. Go on reading to know how to fix Apple ID locked at appleid.apple.com.
Step 1. Open https://appleid.apple.com/sign-in in a web browser on your device.
Step 2. Enter your Apple ID and then enter your password. Then you will be prompted to enter a verification code.
Step 3. Tap on the Allow button on your trusted device and you'll receive a code to log in to your Apple ID.
Step 4. Now enter the verification code and go to the Sign-In and Security tab then click the Password button.
Step 5. In the pop-up window, enter your current password and enter a new password then enter it again to confirm new password.
Step 6. Tick the box next to Sign out of Apple devices and websites associated with your Apple ID to complete the process.
Note:
To protect your information, you may be redirected to a trusted device to reset your Apple ID password.
Option 5. Unlock Locked Apple ID via iForgot Service
Resetting an Apple ID password at iforgot.apple.com is another way of helping you unlock your locked Apple ID. If you cannot reset your Apple ID on your trusted device or cannot borrow an Apple device to change your Apple ID password, go to iforgot.apple.com to reset your Apple ID password. If you don't know what to do, you can take the following steps.
Step 1. Navigate to https://iforgot.apple.com/password/verify/appleid and enter your Apple ID to get started.
Step 2. Go on typing the characters in the image to prove that you are not a robot, then click the Continue button.
Step 3. Then enter the phone number that you use with your Apple ID and click the Continue button.
Step 4. Tap Allow in the notification shown on your Apple device and follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password.
Note:
This method works for users who don't have a trusted device. But the process may take a little longer as you need to wait for Apple to verify your Apple ID and identity information.
Part 4. How to Avoid the Apple ID Locked for Security Reasons Loop
After you successfully changed your Apple ID password and unlocked your locked Apple Account, it's important to make sure that the problem doesn't keep coming back. The methods below can help you avoid the Apple ID locked for security reasons loop and keep your Apple ID working normally.
Method 1. Update Apple ID Password on Trusted Devices
After you change your Apple ID password and unlock your account, updating the password on your trusted devices can help prevent the lock from happening again. This allows Apple to reverify your account on a device that already recognizes you and helps keep your Apple ID working normally across connected services. If needed, sign in again on your other devices to make sure the updated password is synced everywhere.
Method 2. Update or Change 2FA Information
With your Apple ID password changed, it's also suggested that you have 2FA enabled and have the 2FA information up to date. In this way, your Apple ID won't be accessed on an untrusted device easily.
Step 1. Go to Settings and tap your Apple ID.
Step 2. Tap Sign-in & Security and tap Two-Factor Authentication.
Step 3. If you already have 2FA enabled, keep your trusted phone number updated if needed.
Method 3. Remove Devices from Apple ID
You can check the devices signed in with your Apple ID. If you find an unused or unknown device, remove it from your Apple ID. This will require 2FA when someone tries to sign in to your Apple Account on that device.
Step 1. Open iPhone Settings and tap your Apple ID.
Step 2. Scroll down to check the list of linked devices. Tap any device to check its details and confirm whether you can recognize it.
Step 3. If you find an unknown device, tap it.
Step 4. Tap Remove from Account and tap Remove to confirm.
Method 4. Keep iPhone and Apple Services Up to Date
Keeping your iPhone and Apple services updated can help prevent the same account issue from coming back after you unlock your Apple ID. Software updates often fix bugs, improve security, and make sure Apple's sign-in features work properly.
Step 1. Go to iPhone Settings and tap General.
Step 2. Tap Software Update and wait for the update check.
Step 3. If there is a newer software version, tap Download Now or Install Now to keep your iPhone system up to date.
Method 5. Remove Locked Apple ID from iPhone
If your Apple ID gets locked for security reasons after unlocking it constantly, removing the locked Apple ID from your iPhone may be a thorough solution. In this way, you will not get the Unlock Apple ID prompt anymore. Once the account is removed, you can add it again after confirming that your password and security settings are correct. Or you can create a new Apple Account.
MagFone iPhone Unlocker can be a reliable choice to remove Apple Account from your iPhone when you can't unlock it and can't sign out. In addition, it can deal with all kinds of screen locks like 4-digit and 6-digit passcode, Touch ID, and Face ID on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch in different situations. In addition to unlocking screen locks, it can remove Screen Time passcode and bypass MDM restrictions on Apple devices.
MagFone iPhone Unlocker
Unlock various locks on iOS devices, including screen locks, MDM, Apple ID, and Activation Lock without needing a password.
It's easy to fix an Apple ID locked for security reasons by using MagFone iPhone Unlocker. Just follow the steps below to remove the locked Apple ID from your iPhone.
Step 1 Connect iPhone to Computer and Launch MagFone
The first step is to connect your iPhone to your computer by using a USB cable. Then you can launch MagFone iPhone Unlocker on the computer and it will detect your device automatically. On the main interface of MagFone program, select Unlock Apple ID and click Start.
Step 2 Check Device Status
Follow the on-screen prompts to check your device status. Confirm that the screen lock and 2FA are enabled on the iPhone.
Step 3 Download and Verify the Firmware Package for iPhone
After confirming, you can see the device information on the computer. If the information is wrong, you can manually correct it. Then go on to download the matching firmware package by clicking the Download button.
Step 4 Start to Fix Apple ID Locked for Security Reasons
Once the firmware package is downloaded, click the Unlock button to start fixing Apple ID locked for security reasons. In the process of fixing the issue, you need to keep your device connected to your computer.
Part 5. FAQs about Apple ID Locked for Security Reasons
How do you know if your Apple ID is locked?
If your Apple ID is locked or disabled, you'll receive a message like "This Apple ID has been disabled for security reasons" on your device.
How long is my Apple ID locked?
Generally speaking, an Apple ID is locked within 24 hours. But the time would be longer if your Apple ID has been regarded as an unsafe account by Apple.
How to remove a locked Apple ID from iPhone?
You can directly delete a locked Apple ID in the Settings of your device. Or you can use iCloud or the Find My app to remotely remove it from your device. And you can use a third-party tool like MagFone iPhone Unlocker to remove a locked Apple ID from your iPhone.
Conclusion
All in all, you can find several ways of helping you recover your locked Apple ID on your device. You can choose to change your Apple ID password or remove your locked Apple ID on your device to recover it. Feel free to download MagFone iPhone Unlocker for use, and you'll quickly and efficiently solve your locked Apple ID without password.