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Apple ID Locked for Security Reasons - Here is How to Regain Access

Imagine picking up your iPhone only to see a message saying Apple ID locked for security reasons, and suddenly, you are locked out of iCloud, iMessage, App Store, and more. This frustrating situation usually means Apple has detected suspicious activity or repeated failed login attempts on your account. Whether it is due to someone guessing your password or a simple mistake, the result is the same: you are locked out. This guide explains why it happens, how to fix it, and what to do if all standard methods fail.

Apple ID Locked for Security Reasons

Part 1. Why Is My Apple ID Locked for Security Reasons

Apple ID Locked Security Reasons

Your Apple ID can get locked while you are signing into Apple services if suspicious activity or repeated login attempts are detected. Such attempts are often paired with some sort of security procedures with the goal of keeping your information safe. The following list covers the most frequently seen issues:

• A person was unsuccessfully entering the password associated with your Apple ID.
• The password associated with security questions was changed to the same simple password.
• Information like your birth date or email was filled incorrectly.

You tried to reset the password but ended up forgetting the password entirely and entering some random phrases.

These actions and triggers directly lead to:

• This Apple ID has been disabled for security reasons.
• Your Apple ID has been locked for security reasons.

In both the scenarios dealt with above, the user would not be permitted to log into the Apple services such as iCloud, iTunes, the App Store or even the iPhone until the scenarios dealt with above are resolved.

Part 2. Remove the Apple ID Lock

Here are three different but simple methods to get rid of the Apple ID locks, depending on the situation.

Method 1. Reset Apple ID Password (Standard Recovery)

If the user recalls their Apple ID and has a trusted device with them, then the quickest and most effective solution to reset Apple ID password is directly from the device. This ensures a balance between security and restoring access for the user.

For iPhone, iPads, iPod, and Apple Watch Users

Change Password Settings iPhone iPod
Step 1

Go to Settings.

Step 2

Tap your name and go to Password & Security. Now click Change Password.

Step 3

Type in your device passcode.

Step 4

Create your desired password, confirm it and tap Change.

For Mac Users

on Mac
Step 1

Click on System Preferences from the Apple menu or Dock.

Step 2

Click on Apple ID and go to Password & Security.

Step 3

Click on Change Password.

Step 4

Type in your Mac password in the prompt.

Step 5

Create a new password, confirm it, then click Change.

Method 2. Forgot Password? Use The Password Reset Tool

If you forget your password and are unable to gain access to the device, Apple provides a safe website to regain access to your Apple ID and password. To do so, Apple requires an Email ID or phone number to confirm the identity of the user.

Forgot Password Reset
Step 1

Go to the website iforgot.apple.com

Step 2

Give the email associated with the Apple ID.

Step 3

Give your phone number linked to the Apple ID.

Step 4

If the device is trusted and is available, a notification will be sent to reset it. Click on Enable and follow the process.

Step 5

In case you do not have access to a trusted device, proceed to identity verification and select a method for password reset through email, phone number, or answer security questions.

Method 3. Contact Apple Support

If attempts to reset your password have failed or you have lost access to certain contact methods, you may contact Apple Support. Apple will validate your identity through account recovery processes and will provide methods to unlock your Apple ID if you forgot iCloud password or lost access.

Contact Apple Support
Step 1

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

Step 2

Select Apple ID > Disabled Apple ID or Can't sign in.

Step 3

Select a contact method to talk to support (chat, call, or make an appointment).

Step 4

Verify your identity using the serial number or purchase receipt and provide the details requested.

Step 5

Apple maintains a waiting period (Account Recovery) for security purposes before granting access to your Apple ID.

Part 3. If Apple ID Lock Cannot Be Removed

As an iOS unlocker, imyPass iPassGo offers advanced features and security. It allows the removal of Apple ID from iPhones, iPads, and iPods, and does so without requiring passwords, even where Find My iPhone is a barrier. This is very useful when you are not able to access your Apple ID or when attempting to access a second-hand device that is still linked to the account of the previous owner.

imyPass iPassGo

4,000,000+ Downloads

Remove the Apple ID even if you forgot the password or cannot reach the previous owner.

Unlock a device with a disabled Apple ID caused by security issues.

Remove Apple ID from second-hand iPhones that are still linked to old accounts.

Compatible with iOS 11.4 to iOS 26 and supports two-factor authentication.

Wipe all Apple ID data safely and set up the device as new.

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Important Note: Users should ensure Two-Factor Authentication is enabled if Find My iPhone is active and the iOS version is above 11.4. The functionality is limited to fully activated devices, and all data will be wiped post-deactivation.

To unlock your iPhone or iPad from Apple ID with iPassGo, follow these directions:

Step 1

Download and install ImyPass or iPassGo

Visit the official website of imyPass to download iPassGo for either Windows or Mac. Proceed with the installation of the program.

Step 2

Run iPassGo and Sync Your Device

Run the program and select the option Remove Apple ID. Sync your locked iPhone or iPad with the computer via a USB cable to initiate the connection.

Remove Apple ID Mode
Step 3

Commence the Unlocking Sequence

Upon recognition of your device, press Start.

Connect IOS to Computer Remove Apple ID
Step 4

Download Firmware

Confirm the model of your device, and iPassGo will download the required firmware package.

Step 5

Apple ID Removal

After the firmware download is complete, click Unlock Now. Some minimal verification, like entering 0000, will be required to confirm. Following the verification, the program will remove the Apple ID and restart the device.

OK Button Removed Successfully

Conclusion

Why is my Apple ID locked? Many users face this after repeated failed login attempts or suspicious activity, which prompts Apple to lock the account for security. The good news is that you can usually regain access by resetting your password, using account recovery tools, or reaching out to Apple Support. If none of these methods work, third-party tools like imyPass iPassGo provide a reliable solution to unlock your Apple ID safely, especially when you have lost access to trusted devices or recovery options.

Samuel Spenser
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.

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