Apple ID Error: This Person Is Not Active - 9 Easy Working Solutions

Samuel Spenser Published on August 13, 2025Unlock iOS3-min reading

You open your iPhone and suddenly see the message Apple ID: This person is not active, leaving you locked out of iCloud, App Store, or Messages. Whether it is your Apple ID or someone else tied to your contacts, the error can disrupt everything. In this guide, we will explain what it means, why it happens, and the step-by-step fixes you can try to get things back to normal.

In this article:

Part 1. What Does "This Person Is Not Active" Mean?
Part 2. Reasons Why It Happens
Part 3. Ways to Fix It

Part 1. What Does "This Person Is Not Active" Mean?

Seeing the This person is not active alert usually points to an Apple ID that has been turned off or put on hold by Apple. It could be your ID or someone else who is linked to your device or messages.

This status blocks entry to key Apple services like:

iCloud
App Store and iTunes
FaceTime and iMessage
Apple ID logins and verifications

Part 2. Reasons Why It Happens

Knowing what is causing the alert can speed up the fix. Here are the most common reasons the message pops up:

Apple ID Deactivation: Happens from long inactivity, breaching terms, or unusual login behavior.
Security Locks: Too many failed password tries can put the account on hold.
Another Person’s ID is Disabled: If you are messaging someone whose ID is turned off.
Temporary Apple Server Issues: Apple system may be down for a bit.
Device or iOS Bugs: An older iOS version or a glitch in the system can cause ID errors.

Part 3. Ways to Fix It

1. Check Your Apple ID

The first thing to do is check whether your Apple ID is still active. You can do this right on the official Apple site.

Step 1

Open a web browser and go to appleid.apple.com.

Step 2

Step 3

If you get through to your account, your ID is fine. If not, move on to the next suggestion.

2. Ask the Person to Check Their Apple ID

If the error pops up when you are trying to message or FaceTime someone else, the issue might be with their Apple ID.

Step 1

Ask them to visit appleid.apple.com.

Step 2

They should enter their Apple ID and password.

Step 3

If they cannot log in or see that their ID is deactivated, they should follow the prompts to recover or reset it.

3. Remove & Re-add Their Contact

Sometimes an old or corrupt contact entry can lead to this problem. Re-creating the entry can help.

Step 1

Launch the Contacts app.

Step 2

Locate and delete the contact that is causing the issue.

Step 3

Please create a new contact with their exact Apple ID email or phone number.

4. Restart Your Device

A quick restart clears minor hiccups that can interfere with Apple ID features.

Step 1

Press and hold the Power button.

Step 2

Slide the on-screen button to turn off.

Step 3

Wait for a few seconds, then press the Power button again to turn on.

5. Sign in to Your Apple ID

Logging out and then back in can refresh the connection and resolve syncing issues. Use the sign out Apple ID option in your device settings to do this.

Step 1

Open Settings and tap on your name.

Step 2

Scroll to the bottom and tap Sign Out.

Step 3

Enter your Apple ID password to confirm.

Step 4

Restart your iPhone, then return to Settings and sign in again.

6. Reset Your Apple ID Password

A temporary lock on your Apple ID can be lifted by resetting the password using the reset Apple ID password option at appleid.apple.com.

Step 1

Go to appleid.apple.com.

Step 2

Step 3

Select Sign-In and Security, then Password.

Step 3

Enter your current password, then create and confirm a new one.

7. Check for Apple System Status

Sometimes the problem is in Apple's hands, not yours.

Step 1

Open a browser and visit apple.com/support/systemstatus.

Step 2

Look for Apple ID, iCloud, or any related services to see if they are having issues.

Step 3

If you see a yellow or red status button, just hang tight until Apple fixes the issue.

8. Remove Apple ID

imyPass iPassGo is a reliable tool that can help you safely remove an Apple ID from your iPhone or iPad, no password needed. If you are still getting the This person is not active error and none of the other fixes work, this might be your best option. It is especially helpful if you are locked out of a second-hand device, forgot your Apple ID login, or cannot access an inactive account anymore.

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Disables restrictions without erasing your data.

Even non-tech users can follow simple on-screen instructions without advanced skills.

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Step 1

Download and install iPassGo

Go to the official iMyPass website and download iPassGo for Windows or Mac. Install the program on your computer.

Step 2

Open iPassGo and choose Remove Apple ID

Launch the software. On the home screen, click Remove Apple ID to start.

Step 3

Connect Your iPhone

Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to the computer. iPassGo will detect your device automatically.

Step 4

Check Find My iPhone

If Find My iPhone is OFF, you can continue right away, and if it is ON, make sure:

Your device is on iOS 11.4 or earlier, or
Two-Factor Authentication is enabled (for iOS 11.4 or later).
Otherwise, go to Settings > Your Name > Find My > Find My iPhone and turn it off.

Step 5

Download Firmware and Start

It will show your device info and ask you to download the right firmware. After downloading, click Start to begin removing the Apple ID.

Step 6

Done

Once finished, your device will restart. The old Apple ID will be removed, and you can now sign in with a new one.

9. Contact Apple Support

If your account has been deactivated by Apple, contacting them is the only way to reactivate it.

Step 1

Go to https://support.apple.com.

Step 2

Click on Apple ID > Disabled Apple ID.

Step 3

Choose Get Support and describe your issue.

Step 3

Schedule a call or chat with an Apple expert to help you recover your account.

Conclusion

This person is not active is a frustrating error, but it is not the end of the road. With the right steps and tools like imyPass iPassGo, you can fix the issue and regain full access to your Apple services.

Samuel Spenser

Samuel is a senior editor from imyPass. He is an expert on password unlocking. He has over five years of experience writing tutorials on phone unlocking.