How to Fix Apple ID Locked for Security Reasons [2025 Guide]

Updated by Brian Davis on Nov 7, 2025 • Category: Unlock iOS
5 mins read

To protect the personal privacy of iOS users, Apple makes the security of Apple ID very tight. Therefore, any suspicious behavior of your Apple ID may lead to it being disabled. In cases like logging in to Apple ID via VPN, or entering the wrong passcode too many times, your Apple ID may get disabled automatically.

What will you do to unlock your Apple ID when it is locked? If you are now encountering the same issues, this post will help you. In this post, we will show you different methods for how to fix the Apple ID locked for security reasons issue.

apple id locked for security reason

Part 1. Why Your Apple ID Locked for Security Reasons

  • Unauthorized Access
    In any situation like unauthorized access, your Apple ID will be locked to protect your personal information. Protecting your Apple ID passcode well is a effective way to prevent it from being disabled.
  • Worng Passcode Attempts
    Your Apple ID will get locked because of continuous wrong passcode attempts. A not commonly used login location will also cause your Apple ID locked as well. Ensure that the Apple ID is registered by yourself or your family member. Otherwise, your Apple ID will be detected as unauthorized logging.
  • Idle for A Long Time
    If your Apple ID is idle for a very long time, the Apple official will lock your Apple ID. Please keep using your Apple ID.
  • Login through a VPN
    Remember, don't login to your Apple ID by using VPN. Otherwise, the Apple official will think your Apple is hacked and lock it to protect it. Please disabled the VPN before using your Apple ID to do a payment.

Part 2. The 4 Official Ways to Unlock Your Apple ID

For the problem of Apple account locked, Apple provdes several official solutions for users. Here we list 4 official methods to fix this problem step by step.

Solution 1. Change Password on Your Trusted iPhone/iPad/Mac

This is the easiest method if you have another Apple device (like an iPad, a second iPhone, or a Mac) that is already signed in to your locked Apple ID and protected with a passcode.

On a trusted iPhone or iPad:

Step 1. On your trusted iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign-In & Security.
Step 2. Tap Change Password.
Step 3. You will be prompted to enter your device's passcode (the one you use to unlock the screen). After you enter it, you'll be allowed to set a new Apple ID password.

change apple id password using a trusted iphone and ipad

On a trusted Mac:

Step 1. Go to the Apple Menu > System Settings > [Your Name] > Sign-In & Security.
Step 2. Click Change Password.
Step 3. Enter the password you use to unlock your Mac, and you will be prompted to create a new password.

reset apple id password using a trusted mac

Once you set a new password, your account will be unlocked. You can now use this new password on your locked device.

Solution 2. Reset Apple ID Password via iForgot.apple.com

If you don't have another trusted device, this is the main method you should use. You can do this from any web browser on a phone, tablet, or computer.

Step 1. Go to the official Apple password reset page: iforgot.apple.com.
Step 2. Enter your Apple ID (which is usually your email address or phone number) and click Continue.
Step 3. You will be shown one or more options to verify your identity. This will depend on how your account is set up:

  • For Two-Factor Authentication (Most Common): Apple will ask for your Trusted Phone Number. Enter it, and Apple will send a verification code via text or a call. Enter that code to proceed.
  • For Older Accounts (with Security Questions): You may be asked to Answer Security Questions or Get an email sent to your rescue email address.

Step 4. Once you have verified your identity, you will be prompted to create a new password.

use apple's online website to reset apple id password

Solution 3. Via Apple Account Recovery

What if you can't change password via device Settings and you don't have access to your trusted phone number or email to reset Apple ID password via iForgot.apple.com? This is the scenario Account Recovery is for.

Account Recovery is an automated process designed to get you back into your account when you don't have enough information to reset your password.

Step 1. Start the process at iforgot.apple.com.
Step 2. When you are unable to provide a verification code or answer security questions, you will eventually be given the option to Start Account Recovery.
Step 3. You will be asked to provide as much information as you can to prove your identity.
Step 4. After submitting your request, you must wait. You will receive an email confirmation within 72 hours that gives you a timeline for when to expect to regain access. This waiting period can be several days or even weeks.

apple account recovery

This delay is a security feature to prevent hackers from taking over your account. There is nothing you can do to speed it up, not even by contacting Apple Support.

Solution 4. via Recovery Key

Recovery Key is a 28-character code you may have generated and saved when you first set up two-factor authentication. If you have this code, you can enter it at iforgot.apple.com to regain access much faster.

Step 1. Navigate to the iforgot.apple.com website on a browser.
Step 2. Enter your Apple ID account.
Step 3. Enter your Recovery Key to unlock the Apple ID. Then, click on the Continue button and your trust device will get a code to verify the unlocking process.
Step 4. Enter the verification code and create a new password for your Apple ID.

unlock locked apple id via recovery mode

Part 3. Fix Apple ID Locked for Security Reason via TunesKit iPhone Unlocker [Faster] [Hot]

The Account Recovery process (Solution 3) is secure, but the waiting period of several days or weeks is a major problem for most people. What if you need access to your phone now?

This is where a third-party tool can be an effective alternative. If you are completely locked out, have no access to your trusted devices or phone number, and cannot wait for the Account Recovery process, a dedicated tool like TunesKit iPhone Unlocker can help. Using this program will be able to remove Apple ID from a used iPhone, remove Apple ID when forgetting the password, etc.

Key Features of TunesKit iPhone Unlocker

Fix Apple ID locked for security reason within 4 steps. Unlock iPhone/iPad/iPod touch with ease. Available on the latest iOS version including 26.

Try It Free safe 600,000+ Downloads

Here, we will show you a stepwise guide to fixing the Apple ID locked for security reasons.

Step 1Connect iPhone to Computer

To begin with, please connect your iPhone/iPad/iPod touch to a computer and launch the TunesKit iPhone Unlocker program. Select the Unlock Apple ID option on the main interface of TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. Then, click on the Start button.

connect iphone to computer

Step 2Dual Confirmation

If the Find My feature is disabled on your device, you can skip to Step 4. If not, you should first confirm that the screen lock is set up on your device, and the two-factor authentification feature is enabled. When everything is done, click on the Next button.

confirm device status

Step 3Download Firmware Package

TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will start to download the firmware package to remove the Apple ID lock from your device. Before downloading, ensure that all the on-screen information is corresponding to your device. If not, please correct it manually. Next, click the Download button.

download firmware package

Step 4Fix Apple ID Locked for Security Reasons

Click the Unlock button. TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will start to remove the Apple ID from your device when the downloading process is done. After removing, the Apple ID locked for security reasons problem will be solved.

fix apple id locked for security reason

Try It Free Try It Free

Part 4. FAQs about Apple ID Locked

  • 1. What's the difference between an Apple ID being "locked" vs. "disabled"?

    "Locked for security reasons" (what this article is about) is usually temporary and can be fixed by resetting your password. "Disabled in the App Store and iTunes" is often related to a billing or payment problem. A "disabled" account almost always requires you to contact Apple Support directly to resolve the issue.

  • 2. Can I unlock my Apple ID without a trusted phone number or device?

    Yes, but it is difficult and slow. You must use the Apple Account Recovery process (Solution 3), which is designed for this exact situation. Be prepared to wait several days for the process to complete. This is the primary scenario where a tool like TunesKit iPhone Unlocker becomes a useful alternative.

Part 5. Conclusion

That's all. In this post, you have learned the best methods to fix Apple ID locked for security reasons. All the solutions mentioned above are workable and effortless. However, if you want a solution that allows you to fix this problem without any limitation, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker can also be the optimal move.

Try It Free Try It Free

Add a review

homeHome > Unlock iOS > How to Fix Apple ID Locked for Security Reasons [2025 Guide]