How to Fix When Apple ID is Disabled

You enter your Apple ID, your password and you click Sign in. 

But for some unknown reason, you see a message saying that “Your Apple ID has been disabled“. Sometimes you might even not even see the message on your iPhone, iPad or Mac and it’s like you can’t even log in.

 

 

The most annoying part to this is that let’s say you kept on entering your password and you knew absolutely that it was correct, the thing is you still will not be able to log in because your Apple ID is disabled completely.

It’s really frustrating and it happens to a lot of users.

Personally, I have had this issue once or twice on my iPhone before and I could not find a complete, updated guide to fixing this. That is what this guide is written to be and I have compiled the most effective, working solutions that I have gathered over the years.

In this guide, I’ll show you how you can fix when Apple ID is disabled in less than 3 minutes of your time. 

 

 

How to Fix When Apple ID is Disabled: 5 Steps

 

1. The Simplest Method.

The first way you can try to fix your disabled Apple ID is by jumping into a special page by Apple and then changing the password for it.

 

Note

It’s best if you use your computer to visit Apple’s Apple ID webpage since it’s a whole lot easier to type your Apple IDs, passwords, and your security questions with a full-sized keyboard. A lot of people make the same mistake (sometimes even twice) when they enter and confirm a new password using their iPhone. Don’t be like those people. Be the smart you.

 

1. Go ahead visit appleid.apple.com and click on Forgot Apple ID or password? Then enter your email address for the Apple ID that is disabled. You’ll also need to enter the security characters that are shown in the image. Hit Continue. 

 

 

What if I do not know the email address for my Apple ID?

If you’ve forgotten your Apple ID’s email address, then it may help to use your iPhone or Mac and find out if the Apple ID’s email address shows up in the Settings.  

 

2. Good. Now you’ll be asked about how you’ll like to reset the password: Get an email or Answer security questions. Choose the one that you’re most comfortable with. I am going to go with Get an email. Hit Continue. 

 

Note

If you remember that you have enabled two-factor authentication for your Apple ID, then resetting the password will be a piece of cake. All you’ll need is one of your trusted devices.

Follow the steps for Two-Factor Authentication.

If you have enabled two-step verification, then Apple will ask for your Recovery Key. 

Follow the steps for Two-Step Verification. 

 

3. Since you’ve not used two-factor or two-step verification methods and you chose to Get an Email, then jump into the email address that you just entered in the previous step and look for an email by Apple asking you to reset.

 

Note

If you chose Answer security questions, then you’ll only need to answer the security questions that are shown by Apple to get hold of the reset password page.

 

4. Found the email? Great! Just tap on Reset now (it’s in blue) in the email.

5. Finally, all that you have to do is just think of a new password (one that you’ll remember!) and write it down. Make sure the password is different from the one that you’ve used last time. Hit Reset Password once you’re done.

 

Voila! Your account will be fixed and will not be disabled or locked anymore. 

 

Note

Don’t forget to change the password for the Apple ID on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Also, update the password in your Settings so that you are able to download new apps from your App Store or iTunes.

You’re done.

 

2. If You’re Using Two-Factor Verification.

 

If you’re on iPhone or iPad.

1. Jump into your Settings app and tap on your Apple profile (it’s the one with your name the very top)
2. Next, tap on Password & Security and then Change Password. 

 

Note

If you’re on iOS 10.2 or earlier then tap on iCloud and then your name. 

 

3. Finally, all you have to do is just follow the onscreen steps to update your password.

 

If you’re on Mac.

1. Jump into your Apple Menu and then click on System Preferences.
2. Next, select iCloud and then Account Details.
3. Finally, just click on Security then Reset Password and enter your password that you use to unlock your Mac to reset your Apple ID. 

 

Note

There are two things you need to take care of once that you have your Apple ID fixed:

• It’s good to have more than one trusted number to your Apple ID (and iCloud) account so that if you come into a situation where don’t have access to one of both of your trusted phone numbers then you can still manage to recover your account. To add another trusted phone number jump into your Settings app then tap on your Apple profile (at the very top). Then tap on Passwords & Security and then tap Edit. Over here just tap on Add a Trusted Phone Number and add your backup trusted phone number.
• Also don’t forget to change the password for the Apple ID on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Also, update the password in your Settings so that you are able to download new apps from your App Store or iTunes.

 

You’re done.

 

3.  If You’re Using Two-Step Verification.

Apple requires that you verify your identity by entering your Recovery Key. Remember when you first enabled Two-Step Verification for your Apple ID and Apple provided you with a 14-character passcode? Yeah, that’s your Recovery Key and it’s crucial to regaining access to your account.

 

Note

If you’ve permanently lost your Recovery Key or if you’ve lost access to your trusted device (your iPhone, iPad, Mac) then you can’t change your password. 🙁

 

Here’s how you can use the Two-Step Verification that you’ve enabled to get your Apple ID back.

1. Go to iforgot.apple.com and enter your unique Recovery Key.  Then hit Continue.

 

2. Next, choose one of your trusted devices and Apple will send that device a verification code.

3. Grab that device and find the verification code it’ll most likely be in your Messages app.

4. Now enter the verification code.

5. Finally, all you have to do now is just think of a new password (not as same as the one before). Hit Reset Password to finish it off. You can now use your new password to access your Apple ID. 

 

Note

Don’t forget to change the password for the Apple ID on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Also, update the password in your Settings so that you are able to download new apps from your App Store or iTunes.

 

But If you’ve tried everything and none of the above works for you, then …

 

 

4.  It’s Time to Contact Apple Directly.

If you have tried all of the above and you still find that your Apple ID is disabled, then you really should pay a visit to your nearest Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider to get your iPhone repaired. 

Some of us will be held back by our jobs in the office and we wouldn’t have the time to go and visit Apple. If that’s the case, the best way to get in touch with someone from Apple is simply by going to Apple’s Support website and then either set up a call, start an online chat session or email directly Apple’s support.

 

 

Share this guide with someone and help them when their Apple ID is disabled too and are looking to recover it. 🙂