Q1: Will I lose my data (like photos in iCloud) if my Apple ID is inactive?

No, your data will not be lost. It is still on Apple's servers, but your 'inactive' account status is blocking your access to it. Once Apple Support reactivates your account, your access to your iCloud data should be fully restored.

Q2: How long does it take for Apple Support to reactivate an inactive ID?

This depends on the support queue, but if you use the direct chat or phone options (as detailed in our guide), the verification and reactivation process can often be completed in a single session (usually 15-30 minutes), provided you can prove your identity.

Q3: Can I just make a new Apple ID? This seems easier.

This is strongly discouraged. Creating a new ID means you permanently lose access to everything tied to your old account, including all past App Store purchases, movie/music libraries, iCloud data (photos, contacts, notes, backups), and subscriptions. Furthermore, if your device is stuck on the old ID via Activation Lock, you cannot simply sign in with a new one. Fixing your existing account is always the best path.

[2025] How to Fix This Apple ID is Not Active

"Yesterday when I try to log into my Apple ID, my iPhone pops up a window that said "Verification Failed This Apple ID is not active". It is really disturbing and now I can't use anything through my Apple ID. Does anyone know how to fix Apple ID is not active?"

how to fix this apple id is not active

Apple ID is a personal account for iPhone users to use related services like App Store, iCloud, iTunes, etc. With an Apple ID, users can download apps to their iPhone, purchase services on iPhone, or use Apple Music. However, some users will occasionally encounter problems with Apple ID, such as this Apple ID is not active. To solve this Apple ID problem on iPhone, we have sorted out some effective solutions here in this post. Read it on and learn how to fix this Apple ID problem.

Part 1: Why is My Apple ID Not Active?
Part 2: How to Fix This Apple ID is Not Active?
Part 3: FAQs about Apple ID is Not Active
Part 4: Conclusions

Part 1: Why is My Apple ID Not Active?

Your Apple ID is disabled. If your Apple ID has been disabled, you will see this notification while logging into your Apple ID. If your Apple ID is disabled by Apple, you should contact Apple on the official website or Twitter to get it solved.

Apple ID has been locked. Your Apple ID will be locked if you have entered the wrong passcode too many times. Besides, logging into Apple ID through VPN will also lock your Apple ID.

It is a second-hand iPhone. If this Apple ID you are now using is on a second-hand iPhone, you may probably encounter this Apple ID is not active problem. You can try logging out of the Apple ID and signing up for a new one.

Part 2: How to Fix This Apple ID is Not Active?

Solution 1. Restart iPhone

Restarting your iPhone is the simplest and most effective way to solve common issues like sluggish performance, app glitches, or minor connection problems. When you encounter the problem "This Apple ID is Not Active," restarting your iPhone may be effective for fixing it.

For iPhone Models with Face ID (iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and newer)

Step 1. Press and hold the Side button (on the right side) and either Volume button (on the left side) at the same time.
Step 2. Continue holding both buttons only until the "slide to power off" slider appears on the screen.
Step 3. Let go of the buttons and drag the power slider to the right. Wait approximately 30 seconds for the device to shut down completely.
Step 4. To turn the iPhone back on, press and hold the Side button (on the right) until you see the Apple logo appear.

restart iphone with face id

For iPhone Models with a Home Button (iPhone SE 2nd/3rd Gen, 8, 7, 6)

Step 1. Press and hold the Side button (located on the right side of the phone). For iPhone SE (1st Gen) or iPhone 5, this button is on the top.
Step 2. Continue holding the button until the "slide to power off" slider appears.
Step 3. Drag the slider to the right and wait about 30 seconds for the device to power down.
Step 4. To turn it back on, press and hold the Side button (or Top button) again until the Apple logo appears.

restart iphone with home button

Solution 2. Check Apple System Status

You can first check the Apple system status when facing various Apple service problems. Sometimes the Apple ID system will break down and stops users from using it properly. Users can go to the system status website to check it. You will see a green circle if the Apple ID service is working well. If there is a red circle, just wait and Apple will fix this problem. If there is nothing wrong with Apple system, take further solutions to fix Apple ID is not active.

check apple system status

Solution 3. Sign Out of Apple ID and Sign in Again

After checking the Apple system status, you can try to log out of Apple ID and sign into it again. A re-login may have chances to fix the Apple ID is not active problem. You can follow the below steps to re-log into your Apple ID.

Step 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone and click on your Apple ID profile.
Step 2. Scroll down to the bottom and tap the Sign Out button.
Step 3. Enter the Apple ID passcode and select Turn Off.
Step 4. Choose the data that you want to keep a backup on your iPhone.
Step 5. Tap the Sign Out button to sign out of Apple ID.

sign out of apple id

Solution 4. Change Apple ID Password to Fix Apple ID Not Active

When your Apple ID is locked or disabled, try changing to a new Apple ID password to get rid of the Apple ID is not active problem. After changing to a new Apple ID password, the Apple ID will be recovered and users will be able to use Apple ID-related services normally.

On iPhone/iPad

Step 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
Step 2. Tap your name, which is displayed at the very top of the Settings menu.
Step 3. On the Apple ID screen, tap Sign-In & Security.
Step 4. At the top of the next screen, tap Change Password.
Step 5. Your device will prompt you to enter your device passcode (the code you use to unlock your phone). Once you enter it, you will be allowed to create and verify your new Apple ID password.

change apple id password

On Mac

Step 1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and go to System Settings.
Step 2. Click your name at the top of the sidebar, then select Password & Security.
Step 3. Click Change Password. You will be required to enter the login password you use to unlock your Mac before you can create a new Apple ID password.

mac change apple id password

On Web

Step 1. Open a browser on your iPhone or computer, then go to the iforgot.apple.com website.
Step 2. Select the Reset Password option.
Step 3. Enter your Apple ID and click the Continue button.
Step 4. Here, you will see onscreen instructions to reset the Apple ID passcode.

reset apple id password

Solution 5. Use TunesKit iPhone Unlocker to Fix This Apple ID is Not Active

If you can't remember the Apple ID password or disable to reset the Apple ID password, try using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is a professional iOS unlocking program that helps users to remove Apple ID from an iOS device without entering any passcode and fix Apple ID is not active.

Besides removing Apple ID, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker also supports unlocking iOS screen lock, removing MDM restriction, and bypassing Screen Time restrictions. In various scenarios like forgot Apple ID passcode, Apple ID passcode not working, or can't reset Apple ID passcode, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker can perform well.

Key Features of TunesKit iPhone Unlocker

Solve the problem of Apple ID is not active with ease. Works well on all versions of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Take password off your iPhone within several steps.

Try It Free

600,000+ Downloads

Now, the following will show you how to fix Apple ID is not active by using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. Note: If the Find My feature is enabled on your iOS device, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will not be able to remove the Apple ID from your device.

Step 1Connect iPhone to Computer

Download and launch TunesKit iPhone Unlocker on your computer. Then, connect your iPhone to the computer. Select the Unlock Apple ID option and click on the Start button.

Step 2Dual Confirmation

Then, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will check your iOS version before downloading the firmware package to remove Apple ID from your iPhone. If the iOS version on your iPhone is iOS 13 or earlier, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will start to remove the Apple ID from your iOS device directly. If the iOS version on your iPhone is iOS 14 or later, your will need to download a firmware package to make it.

dual confirmation

Step 3Download Firmware Package

Check the onscreen information on TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. If there is something wrong, you can correct it manually and click on the Download button to download the firmware package.

download firmware package

Step 4Fix This Apple ID is Not Active

After downloading the firmware package, Click the Unlock button to start removing the Apple ID from your iPhone. This process will not take a long time.

Try It Free Try It Free

Part 3: FAQs about Apple ID is Not Active

Q1: Will I lose my data (like photos in iCloud) if my Apple ID is inactive?
No, your data will not be lost. It is still on Apple's servers, but your "inactive" account status is blocking your access to it. Once Apple Support reactivates your account, your access to your iCloud data should be fully restored.
Q2: How long does it take for Apple Support to reactivate an inactive ID?
This depends on the support queue, but if you use the direct chat or phone options (as detailed in our guide), the verification and reactivation process can often be completed in a single session (usually 15-30 minutes), provided you can prove your identity.
Q3: Can I just make a new Apple ID? This seems easier.
This is strongly discouraged. Creating a new ID means you permanently lose access to everything tied to your old account, including all past App Store purchases, movie/music libraries, iCloud data (photos, contacts, notes, backups), and subscriptions. Furthermore, if your device is stuck on the old ID via Activation Lock, you cannot simply sign in with a new one. Fixing your existing account is always the best path.

Part 4: Conclusions

There are 5 effective solutions for users to fix the Apple ID is not active problem on iPhone. The above solutions are all effective and hope that you can get rid of this problem after reading this post. If you are still having other questions, please feel free to leave us a comment below or try using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker, which is a professional iOS unlocking program to help you remove Apple ID with several simple clicks.