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 - If you see a message that says your Apple Account is locked or not active, you might be able to request access to your account by tapping Request Access right from the alert.
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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
unlocking a phone that i dont know the apple id, pascode, and the phone can not connect to a mac (unlock iPhone to use accessories)
Rules 1 Topics must be within the bounds of Apple’s EULA Certain subjects are not appropriate for r/AppleHelp , including: Developer Previews and AppleSeed Betas. If you are running a beta or developer preview, head over to r/AppleHelp_Betas . Jailbroken devices. Hackintoshes. Piracy. Bypassing an Activation Lock or firmware password. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/applehelp
11
0
July 15, 2024
How to unlock my locked 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. Replies to this comment are not monitored. 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
2
1
September 17, 2024
Need help somehow getting into a locked iPhone
Hey there, I’m sorry this happened to you. I’m a forensic iPhone data recovery professional. There’s some misinformation in this thread. Here are the facts. Apple will never help with accessing data FROM THE PHONE no matter what. Guessing the wrong code so that the phone becomes “unavailable” is never recoverable and will not be recoverable in the future. When that happens the encryption keys are erased and can’t be recovered even if you know the passcode. In the past that was not the case but it is now. Forensic Brute force exploits based on millions of dollars of security research do exist for most modern iphones, as long as the phone is not disabled/unavailable. Because this phone is unavailable there DEFINITELY NO HOPE and quite a bit of scam software out there, fake “this guy on Instagram can help you” and tons of misinformation like on this thread. Your only options are to pursue getting iCloud backups from Apple which they do provide to law enforcement, or using the SIM in another device to get SMS More on reddit.com
🌐 r/iphonehelp
104
63
August 20, 2023
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Apple Support
support.apple.com › en-us › 101973
If your Apple Account is grayed out in Settings, or you can't sign out - Apple Support
September 15, 2025 - If so, tap the setting, then choose Allow. If asked, enter your Screen Time passcode. Open the Settings app, then tap Screen Time. Scroll down, then tap Change Screen Time Passcode. Tap Turn Off Screen Time Passcode, then enter your passcode to complete the steps.
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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
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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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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
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Asurion
asurion.com › connect › tech-tips › how-to-unlock-iphone-if-you-forgot-your-passcode
How to unlock your iPhone without your passcode | Asurion
June 30, 2025 - Go to iCloud.com on another device and sign in with your Apple ID and password. Select Find My, and sign in if you're prompted. When you see a map and list of your devices, choose the iPhone you need to unlock and select Erase This Device.
Find elsewhere
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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 - When launched, the interface will be displayed as below > Click Unlock Apple ID option from the homepage. ... Step 2: Connect your iOS device to computer via USB cable. Once your iOS device is detected, the interface below will display. Click Unlock Now and continue. ... Step 3: After that, AnyUnlock will start unlocking automatically if Find My iPhone is turned off.
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AppGeeker
appgeeker.com › iphone-unlocker.html
iPhone Unlocker - Remove Screen Passcode and Apple ID on iPhone, iPad and iPod
Being locked out of your iPhone or iPad without knowing the passcode, get an iPhone Unavailable or Security Lockout screen after multiple wrong entries, or want to remove the forgotten Apple ID? No worries. Unlock iPhone, iPad screen passcode with a few clicks
Top answer
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28
As a budding tech, don’t waste your time trying to learn how to unlock an Activation (iCloud) Locked device…it can’t be done. Apple has really done their homework. Most, if not all, online sites are scams. The only way to unlock it is via GSX and if anyone truly has access to this, they are doing something illegal. It’s as simple as that. · If it was truly that easy, the market would be flooded with iCloud UNlocked devices and iPhone theft would be a rampant problem. · That said, iCloud locked devices do serve a useful purpose in life, at least for a tech. They are great devices to practice on, especially from a micro-soldering perspective as you can try things you might not normally on a fully functional device. They can also serve as a repository of truly original parts but you always have to consider if you are helping or hurting in keeping this cycle going.
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It is definitely possible to bypass iCloud Activation Lock but it isn’t possible to fully “unlock” it. In other words, if you reset or update the device, it will become locked again. Any iPhone 5s to X can be bypassed untethered on iOS 12.3 to 13.2.3 with the checkra1n jailbreak. You can also bypass any iPhone 5s to X on iOS 13.3+ with a paid bypass for $15 that I’ve tested on 2 iPhone X and it works but its Tethered so if the device dies or reboots, you’ll have to bypass it again. Sim cards/cellular/SMS/phone calls don’t work with any of these bypasses along with iMessage and many other small things. Also, please remember to not do this with stolen devices, try to get it back to the owner first. I once bought an Activation Locked iPhone X on eBay for parts and once I turned it on it had a phone number to call. I called that number and returned the phone. The owner rewarded me $200 for returning it. The moral of the story is to return it if its not yours. · Edit: It is possible to unlock an Activation Locked device with a GSX account as stated by someone in another answer, but most people who claim to have one are either scammers, or extremely overpriced to the point that its cheaper to buy a new device (or both).
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/applehelp › unlocking a phone that i dont know the apple id, pascode, and the phone can not connect to a mac (unlock iphone to use accessories)
r/applehelp on Reddit: unlocking a phone that i dont know the apple id, pascode, and the phone can not connect to a mac (unlock iPhone to use accessories)
July 15, 2024 -

I need help unlocking an iPhone that I found. Unfortunately, I don't know the Apple ID or the passcode associated with the phone. Additionally, the phone cannot connect to a Mac for any sort of reset or recovery.

I've tried some basic troubleshooting steps but haven't had any success. Does anyone have any advice or solutions for this situation? I'm not looking to use the phone for malicious purposes; I just want to be able to access it and use it with accessories. Is there any git hub projects or apps that can reset the phone completely or is it to good to be true.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

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Mobitrix
mobitrix.com › apple-support › apple-id-locked-3-ways-to-unlock-quickly.html
Apple ID Locked? 3 Ways to Unlock Quickly! - 2024
January 22, 2024 - Well, worry not the steps below will guide you on how to use LockAway to unlock your disabled Apple ID. Connect your iPhone to your computer and launch LockAway software on your computer, ensure you choose the Unlock Apple ID mode.
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Apple Support
support.apple.com › en-us › 108934
How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support
Follow the onscreen steps to enter the Apple Account and password you used to set up your device or your device passcode. If you don't remember your Apple Account, try to sign in with an email address or phone number that you regularly use for Apple services. Learn how to find your Apple Account or reset your Apple Account password. If your device is owned by a business or educational institution, please contact your IT department or manager. For iPhone, you might be able to remove Activation Lock on the web even if your device isn't offline.
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Passixer
passixer.com › apple-id › unlock-apple-id.html
How to Unlock Apple ID [8 Ways]
September 18, 2025 - If you are informed that your Apple ID is disabled via the Account Locked alert on your iPhone/iPad/Mac, you can directly choose the Request Access option in the message to unlock your Apple ID. After tapping the button, you will need to input your email or phone number used with your account, ...
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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 - Enter your Apple ID – usually the email address associated with your Apple account. You may be asked to confirm the phone number associated with your account. You will then get Reset Password notifications on your devices (we received one on our Mac and iPhone).
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Avast
avast.com › c-bypass-apple-activation-lock
How to Bypass Activation Lock on iPad, iPhone & Mac
4 weeks ago - Legitimate ways to remove Activation Lock include signing in with the original owner’s Apple ID and password or contacting Apple Support to request an activation-lock bypass code. It’s also possible to permanently bypass Activation Lock or use third-party tools, but they are often unreliable, may be illegal in some jurisdictions, can void warranties and support, and can leave the device more vulnerable to theft or malware. We strongly advise against jailbreaking an iPhone to try to circumvent Activation Lock — jailbreaking commonly bricks devices, voids official support, and introduces significant security risks.
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Dr.Fone
drfone.wondershare.com › how-to › screen lock removal › 8 ways to unlock your iphone without a passcode [iphone 17 & ios 26 supported]
How to Unlock iPhone Without the Passcode in 8 Ways [iPhone 17 Supported]
This method can unlock iPhone without computer. Step 1: Type a wrong passcode on the Lock Screen. Step 2: When the message appears, click "Erase iPhone" and click on it. Step 3: Enter your Apple ID credentials.
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TunesKit
tuneskit.com › unlock-ios › unlock-iphone-with-apple-id.html
[2 Best Ways] How to Unlock iPhone with Apple ID
December 6, 2024 - If you don't have another iDevice: Step 1: Launch a browser on your computer, and navigate to the iCloud website. Step 2: Enter your Apple ID and the corresponding passcode. Step 3: Click on the Find My option that you can see in the main interface.
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JustAnswer
justanswer.com › mac-computers › kn96t-forgot-apple-id-password-unlock-locked.html
How to Unlock Your Apple ID and iCloud Password - Expert Q&A
Here are the steps how to Reset your Apple ID password ***** your iPhone or other trusted Apple device: Go to Settings.Tap your name > Password & Security > Change Password.Follow the onscreen instructions to reset your password.
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MacPaw
macpaw.com › how to › tips & tricks › guides
How to unlock your Apple ID step by step
April 2, 2024 - Type in your Apple ID and tap ‘Next’. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset the password and unlock your Apple ID.