Are you struggling with one of the following pop-up messages on your iPhone?
These messages indicate that you are locked out of your Apple ID for security reasons and you are not able to log in for Apple services such as iCloud, App Store and Apple Music. You may be perplexed by this sudden issue. In this post, we will discuss why your Apple ID is locked or disabled and also provide fixes for you to unlock the locked Apple ID.
Here are some common scenarios of iPhone is locked for security reasons:
1. Incorrect Passcode Attempts: If you or someone else repeatedly enters the wrong password on your iPhone, it can trigger a security feature that locks the device.
2. Find My iPhone Activation Lock: If you have enabled the Find My iPhone feature and your device is associated with your Apple ID, it can become locked if someone tries to erase or activate the device without your authorization.
3. Suspicious Activity: Apple's security systems may detect suspicious activity on your iPhone or associated Apple ID, such as multiple failed sign-in attempts or unusual account activity.
4. Lost or Stolen Device: If you report your iPhone as lost or stolen to your mobile carrier or to Apple, they may remotely lock the device to prevent unauthorized use and protect your data.
This is a protective measure implemented by Apple to prevent unauthorized access to your Apple ID and its sensitive information. You cannot regain access to your iPhone unless you change the password.
The first three methods are official methods for you to unlock locked or disabled Apple ID, but an Apple ID password is required. If forgotten the password, you can try Method 4.
Step 1: Locate Settings > Apple ID > Password & Security on your device.
Step 2: Tap Change Password and enter your screen passcode to proceed. Then you can reset your password.
This way requires another Apple device, you can borrow one from a friend or family member.
Step 1: Download the Apple Support app from the App Store on the borrowed iPhone, then launch it. In the Support tab, tap Reset Password from Support Tools.
Step 2: Tap A different Apple ID, then enter your account and follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password.
Step 1: Visit iforgot.apple.com, then click Reset Password on the computer.
Step 2: Enter your Apple ID and the verification code, then click on Continue.
Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password. This process might take a little longer than the above two methods.
If you cannot remember your Apple ID password, this method with the help of iSumsoft iPhone Passcode Refixer can be the best choice for you to unlock the locked or disabled Apple ID quickly and effectively.
iSumsoft iPhone Passcode Refixer
Before getting started, you can back up your data with iTunes or iCloud in case of data loss. Learn How to Backup iPhone to Computer Using iTunes or iCloud.
Step 1: Download and install iSumsoft iPhone Passcode Refixer.
Step 2: Connect your iPhone to the computer. If you have never connected your iPhone to the computer before, you will be asked to "Trust This Computer?", tap Trust, then enter your device passcode.
Step 3: Launch the software, then select Remove Apple ID from the interface.
Step 4: Click Start.
In the next section, there are three cases to unlock the locked Apple ID.
For the case 1 - If Find My iPhone is disabled, the software will start removing the Apple ID immediately once you click Start, and the phone will be restarted in one or two minutes as the locked Apple ID will be removed successfully.
For the case 2 - If Find My iPhone is enabled and your device is running an iOS version lower than 11.4, you will be taken to the following page. You need to manually reset your Apple device according to the on-screen instructions, removing the locked or disabled Apple ID automatically.
For the case 3 - If Find My iPhone is enabled and your device is running an iOS version of 11.4 or higher, you will be taken to the following page.
1: Make sure your screen lock is on, if not, navigate Settings > Touch ID & Passcode to set a password. Then enter "0000" and click Next to proceed.
2: Similarly, you need to ensure that the Two-Factor Authentication is activated by tapping Settings > Apple ID > Password & Security to check its status. Then enter "0000" and click Next.
3: Click Download to download a firmware package.
4: Wait for the download and verification to complete, then select Remove.
5: When prompted "Removed Apple ID Successfully", click Next.
6: After completing the previous step, you need to activate your device by following the iPhone setup guidance before signing in with a new Apple ID, during which you must tap on Unlock with Passcode? and Use Device Passcode.