My Apple account ID is locked

Hello, I have an iPhone 15. I logged in with my Apple ID, but the next day an iOS update came, and I installed it. After the update, it started asking for Apple ID verification. I tried several times, but my account got locked. Unfortunately, my recovery email was not logged in, and I am also not receiving any verification codes on my SIM.


Now my iPhone is locked with the Apple ID, but the phone itself is working. What should I do in this situation? Can someone help me with this issue?

Posted on Nov 17, 2025 7:00 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 17, 2025 7:14 AM

● If your account has been disabled for “security reasons” the solution is to reset your password as outlined in this document: If you forgot your Apple Account password - Apple Support

If you find you can’t sign in, reset your password, or receive verification codes, you can request account recovery (get Apple’s own instructions in this article: How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple Account password - Apple Support ) to regain access to your account. Account recovery might take a few days or longer, depending on the specific account information you can provide to verify your identity. One tip to using account recovery it to look for options in small blue letters beneath the normal log-in items if you cannot complete the requested information.


Here are links to posts by Community contributors which provide additional detail about the account recovery process and what to do if you do not receive a text or call: Activation Lockout Issues - Apple Community and How can I reset my Apple Account password? - Apple Community and How to delete Apple ID when you can't log… - Apple Community This thread outlines the multi-step process and final recovery —> My Apple ID is locked, how do I fix it? - Apple Community , and this one about things you should and should not do while waiting —> How can I recover my Apple ID after multi… - Apple Community


If you cannot recover the account, you may at least be able to regain use of the hardware again for use with a new account. Refer to How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support for the various ways to remove an Activation Lock. If you have the necessary information you can do this yourself, otherwise Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Check the requirements and steps at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not detail what currently constitutes proof other than it “must include the product serial number, IMEI or MEID.” Apple may typically require the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller. If Apple resets the device this will give you access to the device but won't restore access to the account used to lock it. There is nothing that can be done to expedite an Activation Lock request.


*Apple recommends you "Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device" --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support


3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 17, 2025 7:14 AM in response to Mzakauddin

● If your account has been disabled for “security reasons” the solution is to reset your password as outlined in this document: If you forgot your Apple Account password - Apple Support

If you find you can’t sign in, reset your password, or receive verification codes, you can request account recovery (get Apple’s own instructions in this article: How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple Account password - Apple Support ) to regain access to your account. Account recovery might take a few days or longer, depending on the specific account information you can provide to verify your identity. One tip to using account recovery it to look for options in small blue letters beneath the normal log-in items if you cannot complete the requested information.


Here are links to posts by Community contributors which provide additional detail about the account recovery process and what to do if you do not receive a text or call: Activation Lockout Issues - Apple Community and How can I reset my Apple Account password? - Apple Community and How to delete Apple ID when you can't log… - Apple Community This thread outlines the multi-step process and final recovery —> My Apple ID is locked, how do I fix it? - Apple Community , and this one about things you should and should not do while waiting —> How can I recover my Apple ID after multi… - Apple Community


If you cannot recover the account, you may at least be able to regain use of the hardware again for use with a new account. Refer to How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support for the various ways to remove an Activation Lock. If you have the necessary information you can do this yourself, otherwise Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Check the requirements and steps at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not detail what currently constitutes proof other than it “must include the product serial number, IMEI or MEID.” Apple may typically require the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller. If Apple resets the device this will give you access to the device but won't restore access to the account used to lock it. There is nothing that can be done to expedite an Activation Lock request.


*Apple recommends you "Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device" --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support


Nov 17, 2025 7:38 AM in response to Mzakauddin

If you are referring to a two factor authentication code, that is never sent by email. It is sent to your other Apple equipment signed into your account or via text or phone call to your trusted numbers. If you cannot receive that code then you will have to request account recovery.


What is the exact message you are saying about the account being locked. Typically if you try to enter the wrong password too many times, you see a security lock message. You can also see a locked account message if what Apple wants you to do is contact them. Typically there is a link to do that. Finally, if Apple suspects the account is being abused they will simply lock the account permanently. You can call them and ask them if this is what they have done, but they will not tell you why.

Nov 17, 2025 7:25 AM in response to Limnos

Hello, thank you very much for replying. I really appreciate it. Let me explain my situation clearly.


Basically, I created a new Apple ID to use on my new phone. After signing in with the new account, an iOS update came at night. I installed the update, and in the morning when I unlocked the phone using the passcode, it started asking for Apple ID verification.


When I tried to verify, it kept saying 'verification failed'. I tried many times but it didn’t work. When I checked under the reset options, it showed that my account is locked, which is the main issue.


The biggest problem I’m facing is that the verification code is not coming on the phone number I added to my account. And since the phone was new, I had not logged in my email in the Apple Mail app either, so I am not receiving the verification link there.


Whenever I request verification, the link is sent to my email, but unfortunately I cannot open my email because my account is locked. And I am also not receiving the verification code on my phone number.


This is the basic issue I am facing. Please tell me how I can solve this problem. Kindly help me with this.

My Apple account ID is locked

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