Navigate
X

My Apple ID Is Disabled! Here’s The Real Fix.

    David Payette
  • 8 years ago
    • Categories: iPhone

Apple employees see disabled Apple IDs all the time. You enter your Apple ID and password, click Sign In, and it doesn’t work. You might see an error message that says your Apple ID is disabled, but a lot of the time, your iPhone, iPad, or Mac won’t say anything at all. Either way, you’ll end up right where you started, because no matter how many times you enter your password, even if it’s correct, you can’t log in if your Apple ID is disabled. In this article, I’ll show you how to fix your Apple ID so you can log in and get back to using your device.

Why Is My Apple ID Disabled?

Most of the time, Apple IDs are disabled for one of two reasons:

  • You entered your password incorrectly too many times in a row. It’s especially frustrating when you remember your password later that day.
  • You haven’t used your Apple ID for a long time. When Apple changes the requirements for passwords or security questions, your Apple ID may be disabled until you log in and update your information.

You Probably Saw One Of These Messages

Keep in mind that Apple uses “disabled” and “locked” interchangeably with regard to Apple IDs. For the purposes of this article, “Your Apple ID is locked” and “Your Apple ID is disabled” mean exactly the same thing.

The phrasing of the error message that led you to this article varies across devices. Macs and iCloud.com usually say that your Apple ID (or account) has been disabled (or locked) for security reasons. iPhones usually display a box that says “Your Apple ID has been disabled”, but they won’t tell you how to fix it. That’s what this article is about.

What To Do When Your Apple ID Is Disabled

You have two options when your Apple ID is disabled, and I recommend the first. People are often surprised to find out that Apple employees usually have no more access to your account than you do. They’ll just ask you the same questions you’ll find on Apple’s website, so it’s easiest to start there.

Option 1: Fix The Problem On Apple’s Website

I recommend you use a computer to visit Apple’s special Apple ID webpage, because it’s a lot easier to type Apple IDs, passwords, and security questions with a full-size keyboard.

Everyone who owns an iPhone knows how easy it is to type in a password incorrectly. I’ve seen people make the same mistake twice when they enter and confirm a new password using their iPhone. It’s very frustrating when that happens.

When you visit Apple’s website, click Manage your Apple ID, enter your Apple ID and password, and click Sign In. If you enter your password correctly, you’ll be prompted to reset your password or to update your security questions. If you don’t know your password, click Forgot your password? below the password box. After you reset it, return to Apple’s website and you’ll be asked to update your security questions the first time you log in.

Option 2: Contact Apple Support Directly

When your Apple ID is disabled, it’s not easy to fix it over the phone or in an online chat session. Trust is not a factor when it comes to Apple employees and Apple IDs. I know you’re you, you know you’re you, and they know you’re you, but most of the time, it doesn’t matter.

Apple received a lot of negative press from last year’s security breaches in iCloud. There must be a better way than an attitude of unwavering mistrust toward their own customers, but I do understand why Apple has made it so difficult for users to use their Apple ID after it is disabled.

If you’d like to talk to a person at Apple, the best place to start is (you guessed it) on their website. Visit Apple’s support website, select “Apple ID”, choose Disabled Apple ID, and you can set up a call with an Apple employee, start an online chat session, or email Apple support, depending on the time of day.

Sign In With Your Device

You’ll know your Apple ID is no longer disabled when you can access the main account screen on Apple’s “Apple ID” webpage. Enter your Apple ID and password on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and click Sign In. You should be good to go!

In this article, we talked about the most common reasons why an Apple ID is disabled, the options you have for getting help if you need it, and how to update your account information on Apple’s website. I’d like to hear how you fixed your Apple ID (and what went wrong in the first place) in the comments section below.

Thanks for reading and remember to pay it forward,
David P.

View Comments (113)

  • What if the problem occurs yet not remembering the password? Can I use a removal tool to bypass it directly? I know Joyoshare Activation Unlocker is doing all right.

  • Sorry for prolonging the agony of everyone who has forgotten their Apple I D passcode! But I have just clicked on the link given in the above review. for "Apple ID website" , it's the same one that I've used before and unless your prepared to jump through hoops & move mountains or expect to reset your iPhone device, think again, as this is the same I D site that I've had an email saying an Apple advisor will contact me on 29th January!!! how utterly ridiculous & outrageous. A big tech company showing utter contempt for its human customers who religiously in some cases queue for hours on ending spending 100's of pounds & dollars at a time DISGRACEFUL

  • I too forgot my passcode, after trying some of the so called "solutions" off youtube which didn't or do not work!! I took my iPhone 11, to the Apple Store in Birmingham (UK), I was directed towards the "tech men". I made them aware of the issue & waited & waited etc, only to be told the next "walk in" appointment was in TWO hours time at 18.00!!, I advised the staff member that I had already "walked in"!!!! In disgust I walked out after I had made it known that the phone wasn't worth having if I couldn't use it!!! Like the other comments Apple customer service is extremely poor!! to say the least, through the website not the one suggested here, I have managed to get Apple to recognise that I am the original user/ owner however, I received an email on my Kindle stating that someone would call me on the 29th January!!! I assume this year to take me through the "reset" procedure!!! I won't be holding my breathe & the phone is still "disabled" for almost 3 months. This is my first venture to iphone & the last

  • I didn’t say that my iPhone was like it’s my iPad that slot and I was wondering if I could use my iPhone to unlock it it’s disabled I do have the passcode for the tablet and I was wondering if there was an app or something that I could send a message to the tablet that with the passcode them they could open it I don’t know if there’s anything like that out there but I am and I’m checking

  • I did everything you said and got on apple website and my hubbys account but when trying to update apps still says Apple ID disable

  • UGHHH the thing is i forgot all my security question because I made my apple id when I was just a kid. Help...

  • Apple is a bad company and so stupied > my iphone 6 locked and I know the ID and password and I lost my device price to devil 600$ I hate iphone I prefer galaxy pocket

  • I am logged into my Apple ID have signed out and back in no problem. Stupid phone continues to say my Apple ID is disabled. I have reset my password, security questions, verified email and nothing fixes this. This is beyond ridiculous!!

  • my apple id has been disabled for security reason, how to enable my id please tell me solution.

  • My appleid has been disabled for 4years . I have reset the password numerous times, had my tech at my employment try, had a computer savvy 6th grader try, spoke to Apple on the phone (they tried) had college tech support try. No matter what, when I change the password it changes but when I try to log in, it says it is disabled. I have 3 Apple products, MaacBookAir, Iphone 6, Ipad and nothing works. I am beyond frustrated. I was doing okay until all my Apps need updating and I CAN'T do it. The genius bar is of no assistance as they say they don't do this anymore because it takes too long. What is my next step before I'm bald from pulling out my hair

  • The error message i get is "apple id has been disabled". I am extremely disappointed with apple. I have called three times and have not got in touch with anyone from Apple iTunes to correct this issue. I have been on hold for a total amount of 60 minutes. I will be looking into changing phones. This is terrible service!!!!!!

  • I have 3 ipads and one mac computer I don't think I will buy any more because of the lockout issue. I have declining vision and memory because of diabetes and am very frustrated from dealing with this and now all of my devices are locked!

  • i was hacked and filed a fraud claim which disabled my apple ID. However the problem was resolved within a matter of three days, and I am STILL unable to update any of my apps because my apple ID is "disabled." Ive logged in multiple times with the correct password and I am stillk experiencing the same problem. I respect apple for their privacy and security, but this is annoying as all hell. Ive been seriously debating switching back to android. I never had this many problems with it.

  • My AppleID is disable bcus of a damn lover typed wrong pw countless of hours...
    And when I try to sign in on website ..... I got a strange message : " Don't you ever trying ... this appleid has been lock for good ,and YOU deserved that ... Thanks for wasting money on Apple...

  • My partner kept putting in the wrong password and the iphone4 is now disabled. We bought the phone from someone else so do not know the apple ID. Have tried everything to get it to work. No luck and very frustrated. Do not know what to do next!

  • My iPhone and iPad have 2 separate apple ids and passwords! My husband uses the iPad exclusively but it is in my name because he does not know how to set it up. How can I get both devices joined with one passsird etc.

  • Plss help me..i do all my best but its always says disable and i cant make a new apple id because it also says not eligible to make a new one

  • Changed every thing and still have the problem it wont let me sign in to my iphone but I can sign in to apple

  • I logged into Appleid.apple.com and it let me in. But when I went back to the App Store, it still said my Apple ID had been disabled. Hope you can help!

  • I kind of have the same problem I forgot my apple password and went through the recovery mode to recover my ipad then the activation lock appeared and demanded my apple ID and password which I forgot I tried many apple ID'S until I got my apple ID disabled I don't know what to do and my dad won't take it to fix it at the apple store since the same thing happened to my phone and he had to pay a lot I need serious help

  • Thanks for your article. I was able to contact Apple & iTunes...if you've disputed charges in the past they will disable/lock your account. I'm good to go now!

  • My apples Id is disabled not for security reasons and I reset everything and is still disable what is the solution pls

  • I also have another question, if you don't mind. Lately my IPhone 7 Plus phone has been showing a message that says'this iphone hasn't been backend up in "x" amount of weeks'... it is backed up, .when it is plugged up charging and hooked to wifi. i plug up my phone every night and have the wifi on, that we had installed recently in our home. Would there be a particular reason why it's NOt backing itself up, since aim doing what it says? And if so, could this have anything at all to do with my apple id becoming disabled every time I try to update or make a purchase from th app store or google play store? Thanks so much for your advice on here, it makes so much more sense for a non-technical person like myself!!

  • hi.. so took your advice the last time I visited the this page and changed my password, confirmed the security questions and it worked one time. Then I went back during a slot game to buy chips through play store on my apple phone, because I didn't have internet on my samsung, that's just used for games and music now, with no sim card.... well I went to my IPhone and I was able to get a little further than the first time, but as soon as i tried to go to my account, the message came up again.. your apple id is disabled. I made sure the password was correct and did all the security questions correctly and it still did the same thing again, after I logged back in. Any suggestions, to keep me from having to call Apple?

  • Apple sucks I have to wait 15 days for them to give me a new password?? WTF?? 15 days with no phone ?? last iPhone I ever bought. Seems that without Steeve they just plain suck.

  • can i if ever use a different apple ID to unlock a disabled iphone? example my brothers apple id? anyone pls help? haha

  • omg this so annoying
    my apple id is disabled but I can log into it on all of my devices however when I try to download or update an app i says that its disabled

  • why i do get this s*** it so annoying i want to get back my account

    Cannot Reset Security Questions

    We don't have sufficient information to reset your security questions.

  • so my apple id is blocked becuase I coudnt rememver the password. When I remembered it, it was locked. I get the THIS APPLE ID has been locked for security reasons.. so I click on the UNLOCK APPLE ID button and it directs me to another page. When I type in the apple ID to unlock the account it tells me that my apple id is NOT an apple id? NOW WHAT??:

  • I just experienced the same problem. Its no longer disabled. I contacted them & the Rep guide me through the easy process.

    Sign out, then power off, then log bk in again, try to download a free app, it will ask u for a p/w the first time. I have mines set up to ask for p/w every 15mins. The 2nd app I clicked on to installed it went right through.

    This worked for me.

  • same problem too
    there is any who can help us
    mohammad salah bhai jitna likha h tune same too same problem here

  • Didn't work for me. I've done all you said about resetting. I get through to apple page and then I go to App Store and try to update everything, I enter my password and get the same message "Apple ID is disabled". I'm at my wits end.

  • This didn't help at all. I can't call apple rn because I'm in a different country for two more months. I can access my account but when I try to download or update an app it says that my Apple ID is disabled.

  • MY Apple ID say that is disable but I'm singed in all my devices I also did the prices to restar the password and connect in a computer in myappleid web page but still when I get to my Apple Store it says "Apple ID disable (and I'm singed in) any ideas?

  • Mine is disabled but apple support said since unlocking it is automated they cant do anything

  • Excellent help! Thanks. I was told by the Verizon carrier that I would have to go to the Apple Store to unlock my apple product...but your articles tips proved otheriwse.

  • Totally useless article!! What did you do??? copy and paste this together? Just to get your article noticed on google talking about Apple screwups. Have you never heard of "Account Recovery process" that takes DAYS. That's Apple's useless play on fixing their own problems., And if you argue with them, they only tell you to read the small print as they promply blame their customers for their own flaws.

  • My Apple password just stopped working. I couldn't access iTunes store through iPhone or iPad. I used your Option 1 on my computer, using my same old password and now it is again working on my iDevices :-) Thank you!

1 2
Leave a Comment
David Payette: I'm a former Apple employee and the founder of Payette Forward, and I'm here to help you with your iPhone.