How to Fix Apple ID Locked for Security Reasons

Encountering a message that says, “Your Apple ID has been locked for security reasons” is frustrating. When Apple locked or disables your Apple ID, you’re not able to log in or use it for Apple services such as iCloud, App Store, or Apple Music. If you wondering why your Apple ID is locked and what you can do to unlock it, then you have come to the right place. Continue reading to explore ways to unlock your locked Apple ID and even some tips to prevent the issue from happening again in the future.

Part 1. Why your Apple ID Locked for Security Reasons

Apple automatically disable or lock Apple IDs as they suspect are at risk of unauthorized access and this disabling is party activated by what they see may be unusual user activity. Below are several factors that can contribute to a locked Apple ID:

• Using several different tools for accessing iCloud data on the same account over a short duration of time.
• Use of 3rd-party tools on the basis of open-source iCloud code.
• Someone tried to sign in to your Apple ID wrong too many times.
• Someone tried to enter your security questions wrong too many times.
• Other Apple ID account info was interested wrong too many times.

However, the good news is that there are some ways out there that can help you unlock your Apple ID. So, continue reading to try them and see which one works for you!!

Part 2. 4 Methods to Fix this Apple ID has been Locked for Security Reasons

Method 1. Unlock Apple ID Using Two-Factor Authentication

Users who use two-factor authentication need a trusted device/phone number to reset their Apple ID passcode and unlock their accounts. With two-factor authentication, your Apple ID account can be accessed on trusted devices like your Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch.

So, if you have enabled two-factor authentication, then we recommend you follow the below steps to unlock your Apple ID account:

On your iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch

Step 1: Open the “Settings” app.

Step 2: Click “[Your Name]”>” Password & Security”>” Change Password”.

Step 3: If you’re logged in to iCloud and have a password enabled, then you’ll be asked to enter the password for your device.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to change your password.

On your Mac

Step 1: Go to “Apple Menu” > “System Preferences”.

Step 2: If you’re using macOS Mojave, click “iCloud” > “Password & Security”. For macOS Mojave/High Sierra/ Sierra, click “iCloud” >” Account Details”.

Step 3: If you’re requested to enter the password for your Apple ID, click on the “Forget Apple ID or password” and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 4: Else, click “Change Password”. If you’re using macOS Mojave/High Sierra/ Sierra, then click “Security” > “Reset Password/Change Password”.

Method 2.Unlock Apple ID Using Recovery Key

Do you have a recovery key? If yes, then you can use it to regain access to your Apple ID account. Below is the step-by-step guide on how to use Recovery Key to unlock your Apple ID.

Step 1: Open your Apple ID Account Page and tap on the “Forget Apple ID or Passcode”.

Step 2: Enter your target Apple ID, choose the option to reset your password, and then select “Continue”.

Step 3: Enter your recovery key.

Step 4: Select a trusted device and you’ll get a verification code on your trusted device.

Step 5: Use the receiving code to create a new passcode, and choose “Reset Password”.

After resetting your password to unlock your Apple ID, you’ll be requested to log in again with your new passcode.

Method 3. Fix Apple ID Locked via iforgot.apple.com

Still, getting the message that says Apple ID locked for security reasons? To unlock your Apple ID account, you have to verify your identity with Apple. Below are the steps to help you learn how to unlock your Apple ID:

Step 1: To begin with, open iforgot website.

Step 2: Enter your Apple ID that’s locked due to security reasons and then press “Continue”.

Step 3: After then, you need to go through a few security questions and they’re part of your verification process. Apple just wants to ensure that your entered Apple ID is indeed yours.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to unlock your Apple ID.

Method 4. Remove Locked Apple ID via AnyUnlock

If you still can’t unlock your Apple ID via the above methods, maybe you don’t know the answers for security questions and can’t verify through email. So now if you want to sign out the locked Apple ID, definitely AnyUnlock can help you remove it. As a powerful iPhone password unlock tool, AnyUnlock can help you remove the locked Apple ID by resetting. After removing, you can create a new Apple ID to enjoy Apple services again.

Also, if your iPhone locked or disabled since you forgot the screen passcode, this tool works well too. What’s more, AnyUnlock allows you to find or remove iTunes backup password and the password on your device.

If you want to try this reliable unlock tool to remove Apple ID, you can follow the steps below to fix your issue:

Step 1: Download AnyUnlock on your Mac/PC > Launch it.

Step 2: When launched, the interface will be displayed as below > Click Unlock Apple ID option from the homepage.

Step 3: Connect your iOS device to computer via USB cable. Once your iOS device is detected, the interface below will display. Then tap Unlock Now button.

Step 4: Next, AnyUnlock will remove Apple ID automatically. Please do not disconnect your device until it restarts. Meanwhile, please don’t exit AnyUnlock during the process.

Step 5: And when the removing process is completed, you will see the interface as below. 

Part 3. Some Possible Tips to Prevent This Issue Happening Again

When your Apple ID has been locked for security reasons, the situation becomes quite maddening. So, we’re going to share some handy tips to help you prevent this problem from happening again:

• Don’t ever give your Apple ID account to others.

If you give your Apple ID to many people, chances are high that one of them may try to be “that guy” and disable your account by attempting to gain unauthorized access or entering a passcode incorrect several times on purpose.

• Only sign-in to your Apple ID via Apple.

Lots of people are scammed every day. A mocked-up site, a false attempt, or phishing email claims to be official Apple and makes you to sign-in with your Apple ID. Stay away from these types of prompts to sign-in to your Apple ID unless you’re 100% sure that they’re only from Apple. Otherwise, your personal info might get disclosed.

• Create and use a strong Apple ID passcode.

Prevent others from gaining unauthorized access to your Apple ID and playing with your account settings by simply having a powerful passcode that’s hard to guess.

• Enable two-factor authentication/two-step verification.

These account recovery tactics are a lot easier than going through several security questions. Enable these settings on your iDevice for your Apple ID in order to enhance your account’s security.

The Bottom Line

So, there’s no need to worry if you get the error message like your Apple ID locked for security reasons. Just try the above-mentioned fixes for locked Apple ID and maybe you able to recover your account with ease. But, of course, make sure to follow the tips covered here and improve your Apple ID account’s security. This, in turn, automatically keeps your account from getting locked in the future.