I have been using my Apple ID account for over 10 years. I registered it with my Gmail address and my primary phone number. I am still using that Gmail and phone number, and no one has ever accessed my account. Currently, I am logged into my iPhone 15 Pro and Watch Ultra. Suddenly, my phone displayed the message: "The Apple ID is not active." I contacted Apple Support via chat and visited the link iforgot.apple.com , following the instructions. But a few hours later, I received an email from Apple stating: "We’ve reviewed your request, and access to your account ( [email protected] ) has been denied." After that, I tried everything, but my Apple ID account is still unusable. I contacted Apple Support multiple times, but they couldn’t help me. I am truly disappointed and don’t understand what has happened. I called Apple Support many times, and each time the staff gave me the same unclear answer, saying that my Apple ID is permanently deactivated. There is no way to back up all the data on my iPhone to another device because if I do, the deactivated Apple ID will transfer as well. Additionally, all the photos and videos I paid to back up on iCloud are now gone forever. I paid Apple to store my photos, believing that iCloud was safe, and now I've lost everything. I am really disappointed and exhausted. I thought using iCloud was safe, and now this is the result I get. Answer from Ok-Panic-8207 on reddit.com
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Apple Support
support.apple.com › en-us › 102640
If your Apple Account is locked, not active, or disabled - Apple Support
June 24, 2025 - Learn what to do if you can't sign in to your Apple Account or Apple services because your account is locked, not active, or disabled.
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Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255073434
How can I unlock my Apple ID when I don't… - Apple Community
If you can access the email associated with your Apple ID, choose the option to send a verification email. This will allow you to reset your account. Here are additional methods you can try to unlock your Apple ID if you don't recall the answers to your security questions:
Discussions

Apple ID locked and can't be used?
I have been using my Apple ID account for over 10 years. I registered it with my Gmail address and my primary phone number. I am still using that Gmail and phone number, and no one has ever accessed my account. Currently, I am logged into my iPhone 15 Pro and Watch Ultra. Suddenly, my phone displayed the message: "The Apple ID is not active." I contacted Apple Support via chat and visited the link iforgot.apple.com , following the instructions. But a few hours later, I received an email from Apple stating: "We’ve reviewed your request, and access to your account ( [email protected] ) has been denied." After that, I tried everything, but my Apple ID account is still unusable. I contacted Apple Support multiple times, but they couldn’t help me. I am truly disappointed and don’t understand what has happened. I called Apple Support many times, and each time the staff gave me the same unclear answer, saying that my Apple ID is permanently deactivated. There is no way to back up all the data on my iPhone to another device because if I do, the deactivated Apple ID will transfer as well. Additionally, all the photos and videos I paid to back up on iCloud are now gone forever. I paid Apple to store my photos, believing that iCloud was safe, and now I've lost everything. I am really disappointed and exhausted. I thought using iCloud was safe, and now this is the result I get. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/applehelp
337
86
July 11, 2024
Iphone locked to apple id
nope. need to either enter the password of the apple account or submit a copy of the original receipt to apple. those are the only two ways to remove activation lock. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/applehelp
6
0
6 days ago
How long does account unlock / recovery take?
It takes a day to receive the email telling you what your wait time is. Wait time can range from 4-28 days depending on what caused the account to lock, what information you were able to provide them to request the unlock, and how backed up that team is. There is no way to speed that process up. Whatever you are told it is, that’s what it is. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/applehelp
27
7
January 15, 2025
Locked out of my Apple ID
Please be sure to add: iPhone model, iOS version, and clear question or request. Failure to add these three requirements may result in your post being removed. Thank you. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/iphonehelp
7
4
November 20, 2023
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MacPaw
macpaw.com › how to › tips & tricks › guides
How to unlock your Apple ID step by step
April 2, 2024 - To do that, you’ll need to prove who you are by any of the following three: using a trusted device, using the Apple Support app, or logging in to iforgot.apple.com in a web browser. Follow the steps above to do that to unlock your Apple ID and make full use of Apple services once again.
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iMobie
imobie.com › home › iphone unlocker › how to unlock apple id that’s locked for security reasons [solved]
How to Fix Apple ID Locked for Security Reasons 2025
March 25, 2025 - Then, how to unlock Apple ID when you stuck on the Apple ID locked for security reasons loop? If Apple ID locked for security reasons, you can unlock it with iOS unlocker, Apple iforgot website, two-factor authentication, and recovery key.
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Apple
al-support.apple.com
Activation Lock - Support
We cannot provide a description for this page right now
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Apple Support
support.apple.com › en-us › 118430
If you forgot your iPhone passcode or your iPhone is disabled - Apple Support
This troubleshooting article walks through steps for iPhones with different button types (Face ID, Home Button, etc.), including how to enter recovery mode, erase your iPhone, restore it from backup, and recover access to your Apple ID if necessary.
Published   2 days ago
Find elsewhere
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/applehelp › apple id locked and can't be used?
r/applehelp on Reddit: Apple ID locked and can't be used?
July 11, 2024 -

I'm trying to get into my very old apple account from years ago. I believe it was one of my first accounts but I couldn't remember the password so I went to forgot password, put in the email and it said the account is locked and can't be used. And the account uses an iCloud email. I don't know what to do. Is there any way to get into the account or am I screwed?

Top answer
1 of 90
11
I have been using my Apple ID account for over 10 years. I registered it with my Gmail address and my primary phone number. I am still using that Gmail and phone number, and no one has ever accessed my account. Currently, I am logged into my iPhone 15 Pro and Watch Ultra. Suddenly, my phone displayed the message: "The Apple ID is not active." I contacted Apple Support via chat and visited the link iforgot.apple.com , following the instructions. But a few hours later, I received an email from Apple stating: "We’ve reviewed your request, and access to your account ( [email protected] ) has been denied." After that, I tried everything, but my Apple ID account is still unusable. I contacted Apple Support multiple times, but they couldn’t help me. I am truly disappointed and don’t understand what has happened. I called Apple Support many times, and each time the staff gave me the same unclear answer, saying that my Apple ID is permanently deactivated. There is no way to back up all the data on my iPhone to another device because if I do, the deactivated Apple ID will transfer as well. Additionally, all the photos and videos I paid to back up on iCloud are now gone forever. I paid Apple to store my photos, believing that iCloud was safe, and now I've lost everything. I am really disappointed and exhausted. I thought using iCloud was safe, and now this is the result I get.
2 of 90
9
Same thing. Moreover, my iPhone is still logged into this deactivated account and it doesn't allow me to log out. Therefore, it's essentially bricked by Apple for no reason and they are refusing to do anything about it.
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Macworld
macworld.com › home › apple › how-to
How To Unlock An Apple ID That's Locked Or Disabled | Macworld
January 5, 2023 - You will need to enter this verification code before you can unlock your account and change your password. If you use the older two-step verification, which is the only option on devices that can’t upgrade from iOS 11 you’ll need the recovery key that was sent to you when you set up two-step verification in addition to a code sent to a trusted device. If you haven’t got the recovery key (a 14-digit code Apple would have sent when you set it up) you might be a little stuck, although you might be able to obtain a new recovery key by going to appleid.apple.com/uk, signing in with your password and trusted device and then clicking on Recovery Key > Change Recovery Key.
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Apple Support
support.apple.com › en-us › 102656
If you forgot your Apple Account password - Apple Support
Here's how to reset your Apple Account password and regain access to your account.
Published   1 month ago
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AppGeeker
appgeeker.com › apple-id › apple-id-locked-for-security-reasons.html
How to unlock Apple ID locked for security reasons - 5 ways
June 6, 2025 - The most straightforward way to reset your password when Apple ID locked is with your iPhone or another trusted device you have access to — it can be an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. ... 3. Enter the login passcode set up on the device. If you are signed into iCloud and have passcode enabled, you will use it to update your password. 4. Type in a new password twice to confirm the reset. unlock Apple ID in Settings when you get iCloud account locked
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Vocal Media
vocal.media › lifehack › how-to-unlock-apple-id-wo14c0kni
How To Unlock Apple Id | Lifehack
To do that, you’ll need to prove who you are by any of the following three: using a trusted device, using the Apple Support app, or logging in to iforgot.apple.com in a web browser. Follow the steps above to do that and unlock your Apple ID and make full use of Apple services once again.
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JustAnswer
justanswer.com › software › rcr3q-unlock-apple-account-can-t-login.html
Unlock Your Apple Account Fast: Step-by-Step Guide
To unlock a locked Apple account, start by visiting the Apple ID account page and select 'Forgot Password' to reset credentials. Verify your identity using trusted devices or phone numbers linked to the account.
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MacKeeper
mackeeper.com › blog › security › how to unlock apple id
How to Unlock Apple ID? Why Has Account Been Locked?
June 18, 2025 - Since you can't unlock your Apple ID due to an issue within your device, a great way to diagnose the weak points and any issues in your Mac is by using a trusty third-party app such as MacKeeper’s Find & Fix tool.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/applehelp › iphone locked to apple id
r/applehelp on Reddit: Iphone locked to apple id
6 days ago -

So, my friend gave me their sisters old phone to have as a backup, but she forgot the password. When i tried to restart it, it said apple id was locked to the phone. I wonder if theres a way to exit recovery mode to go back to normal or a way to get rid of the apple id without knowing the password. Any help will be fine!!

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/applehelp › how long does account unlock / recovery take?
r/applehelp on Reddit: How long does account unlock / recovery take?
January 15, 2025 -

Hi,

Suddenly today my Apple ID seems to have locked, and I wound up using the iforgot.apple.com/unlock to request to reset it. I couldn't just change my password, I believe at one point I got the message it was locked for security reasons. I have to assume someone was attempting to crack my password?

After entering my contact info on the account, I'm told Apple will contact my email address after reviewing my request to access my account. It says this could take a day.

My question, how long does this process take for others who have done it? Being locked out is quite impactful right now. It's a bit unnerving.

Thanks in advance...

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MacRumors
macrumors.com › how-to › access-locked-or-disabled-apple-id
How to Regain Access to a Locked or Disabled Apple ID - MacRumors
"This ‌Apple ID‌ has been locked for security reasons." Fortunately, you can unlock your ‌Apple ID‌ fairly quickly by verifying your identity.