Apple ID Locked for Security Reasons: How to Fix It (2026)

You type your Apple ID password and get “This Apple ID has been locked for security reasons.” No apps, no iCloud, no iMessage. Apple does this when it sees unusual activity – a new device, too many wrong attempts, or incorrect security answers.

This guide puts the fastest fixes first. Most of the time you don’t need extra tools – just tap “Unlock Account” on the lock screen. If you’ve forgotten your Apple ID password and your phone is also locked, the last method (third‑party tool) can still get you back in.

What Does “Apple ID Locked for Security Reasons” Mean?

Every time you enter the wrong Apple ID password, Apple’s system takes note. After 6–10 failed attempts, your account gets locked. The lock usually lasts about 24 hours.

This is Apple’s way of stopping someone from brute‑forcing your password. You’ll see a message like “This Apple ID has been locked for security reasons” on the screen.

What you can’t do while it’s locked:

• Download or update apps
• Sync iCloud data
• Use iMessage or FaceTime
• Make purchases with Apple Pay
• Sign in to iCloud.com

The good news: unlocking it is usually straightforward. Try the methods in order from quickest to most involved.

Method 1. Remove Locked Apple ID Without Passcode

To unlock Apple ID without password, you can use a safe third-party tool FoneTool Unlocker. It can also help you unlock iPhone without security reasons, remove all types of password, get rid of a locked Apple ID, and reuse the iPhone. 

★Highlights of FoneTool Unlocker:

• Sign out of Apple ID without entering a password.
• When the Find My feature is off, all current data will be kept.
• A stable and safe unlock process protects all data from leakage.
• Powerful features offer a high success rate of up to 99.99%.
• Remove Activation Lock without Apple ID.
• Various iOS devices/versions are supported.

Now, free download FoneTool Unlocker and follow the steps to remove the locked Apple ID.

Step 1. Launch FoneTool Unlocker > Connect your device to computer via a USB cable.

Step 2. Choose the Remove Apple ID option.

Step 3. Set a backup password and remember it > Click OK.

Step 4. Confirm the instructions on the screen > Click Remove Now to remove your Apple ID.

You can use your device freely when the process is finished.

Method 2. Unlock Apple ID for Security Reasons Directly

When your Apple ID has been locked for security reasons, the best way is to directly click Unlock Account on the Apple ID Locked screen. You need a trusted device or a trusted number to receive a temporary verification code so you can unlock your Apple ID directly.

Follow the detailed steps to unlock your Apple ID:

Step 1. Click Unlock Account on the pop-up message.

Step 2. Enter the trusted number > Click Next.

Step 3. Enter the verification code that you received from your trusted number.

Step 4. Click Forget Passcode > Enter the screen passcode > Create a new passcode for your Apple ID.

After the process, you can sign in with your Apple ID and new password.

Method 3. Change Apple ID Password to Unlock Your Apple ID

You can change Apple ID password to unlock Apple ID, the process is easy, and you can do it on your iOS devices or Mac.

📱On your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch

Step 1. Go to Settings > Click on your profile.

Step 2. Go to Password & Security > Change Password.

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to change your password.

📞Reset the password via phone number

If you have a trusted number, you can use Apple Support app to unlock Apple ID when your Apple ID is locked for security reasons.

Step 1. Open the Apple Support app > Scroll down to Support Tools.

Step 2. Tap on Reset Password > Help Someone Else.

Step 3. Enter your Apple ID > Tap on Continue and follow the on-screen instructions to reset your Apple account password.

💻Change Apple ID password on your Mac

Step 1. Click Apple Menu and select System Settings.

Step 2. Click on your Apple ID at the top of the System Preferences.

Step 3. Click Sign-In & Security > Change Password.

Step 4. Enter your current Mac password > Create and confirm a new Apple ID password.

Method 4. Unlock Locked Apple ID via the iForgot Website

You can reset your Apple ID password via Apple official website if you remember your Apple ID.

Step 1. Open a browser and go to Apple’s iForgot website.

Step 2. Enter your Apple ID or phone number when prompted.

Step 3. Choose how to reset your password: receive an email or answer security questions.

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new password.

Step 5. Make sure your new password meets Apple’s password requirements > Enter it twice to confirm it.

Method 5. Unlock Locked Apple ID with Recovery Key

If you have a recovery key and have linked the recovery key to your Apple ID in the past, you can use it to reset your password.

Step 1. Go to Apple.com > Click Sign In and Forget Apple ID or Password icon.

Step 2. Enter the email address associated with your Apple ID.   

Step 3. Select the recovery method using your recovery key.

Step 4. Enter your recovery key and choose a trusted device to receive the verification code > Input it in the required field and change your password.

Tips to Avoid Apple ID from Being Locked Again

As a lot of our important data is associated with Apple ID now, like iCloud, Apple Music, iMessage, and more. So it is frustrating when your Apple ID is locked for security reasons. You must take steps to avoid Apple ID from being locked again.

• Use a strong password. Ensure your Apple ID password is complex and unique.
• Change your password regularly. Changing your Apple ID password regularly can protect your Apple ID from being hacked.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication. This adds security by requiring a code sent to your trusted devices.
• Monitor account activity. Check your account activity for any suspicious logins regularly.
• Keep devices updated. Ensure your Apple devices are running the latest iOS versions to benefit from the latest security updates.

FAQs on Apple ID Security

Quick Comparison – Which Method Fits Your Situation

Method	What You Need	Data Loss?	Needs Computer?	Time
Unlock from lock screen	Apple ID password + screen passcode	No	No	Minutes
SMS / phone call verification	Apple ID password + trusted number	No	No	Minutes
iForgot website reset	Rescue email or security answers	No	No	Minutes to days
Recovery key	28‑character recovery key	No	No	Minutes
FoneTool Unlocker (Remove Apple ID)	Nothing	Depends on Find My setting	Yes	5–10 mins
FoneTool Unlocker (Remove Activation Lock)	Nothing	Yes (device erased)	Yes	5–10 mins

More Solutions on iPhone Locked Scenarios

If you‘re dealing with an Apple ID lock but also have other symptoms, one of these guides might fit your exact situation:

• Account Details Unavailable iPhone? 8 Proven Fixes – You tap your name in Settings and nothing loads
• Apple ID Verification Keeps Popping Up – The verification window appears over and over
• How to Sign Into iCloud Without Verification Code – You can’t receive the 2FA code at all
• How to Sign Into Apple ID Without Phone Number – Your trusted number is no longer yours
• What Happens If I Sign Out of My Apple ID? – You’re not locked out, just want to know what data you’ll lose

Conclusion

By following the solutions in this guide, you can easily fix “Apple ID locked for security reasons”. To enhance your account’s security, you can update security settings. When you need to remove Apple ID without password, a safe third-party tool certificate by Apple official, FoneTool Unlocker is highly recommended here.