Mary Sharon Cohen

Q: How to keep my Apple ID from being locked?

I have a great Apple ID which I got 15 minutes after Steve Jobs introduced @mac.com email addresses.

 

It's simple. Easy to remember. Something my friends understand. And doesn't have weird numbers.

 

Unfortunately, being so simple other people with a similar name get it confused with their @mac.com address.

 

For instance, if my ID was Steve@mac.com, others may think that's their ID when they really signed up as Stevie@mac.com, Steve1@mac.com, Steven@mac.com, Stephen@mac.com, SteveR@mac.com.

 

You get the idea.

 

Unfortunately all these other "Steve"s try to log onto my account with the wrong password.

 

Over and over.

 

This causes Apple to automatically lock my account since it looks like someone is trying to break in.

 

Instead of locking my account, could Apple please just send me an alert?

 

They tell me when a new device signs in. Why not alert me that the account will be locked after a certain more number of tries unless I tell them not to lock it.

 

Or perhaps there is such a technique and I just don't know about it.

MacBook Pro

Posted on Mar 28, 2016 8:43 AM

Close

Q: How to keep my Apple ID from being locked?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by javaliga,

    javaliga javaliga Mar 28, 2016 9:42 AM in response to Mary Sharon Cohen
    Level 4 (3,710 points)
    iCloud
    Mar 28, 2016 9:42 AM in response to Mary Sharon Cohen

    You might consider using Two Factor Authentication on your Apple ID:

     

    Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support

     

    That way, as I understand it, you will be the only person who can access your account (from your devices).

  • by Mary Sharon Cohen,

    Mary Sharon Cohen Mary Sharon Cohen Mar 28, 2016 10:01 AM in response to javaliga
    Level 1 (11 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 28, 2016 10:01 AM in response to javaliga

    No javaliga,

     

    I don't think two-factor authentication for Apple ID will help.

     

    The account gets locked when someone tries to log on using the wrong password. Yes, they are trying to log on from a non-trusted device.

     

    But there is nothing in the support article that says Apple will stop locking my account if someone tries to log on from other devices. It only says that if they have the right passcode and try to sign on from another device, they will need the second set of authentication.

     

    From Apple:

    With two-factor authentication, your account can only be accessed on devices you trust, like your iPhone, iPad, or Mac."

    Regarding locking Apple says:

    If you or someone else enters your password, security questions, or other account information incorrectly too many times, your Apple ID automatically locks to protect your security and you can't sign in to any Apple services. You can unlock your Apple ID after you verify your identity.

    I need to have Apple stop locking my account and simply alert me via text or email that someone is entering the wrong code too many times.

     

    Suggestions to Apple:

     

    If an account shows suspicious activity with someone entering the wrong password, lock the account but at the same time send an email alert that my account has been locked to the non-Apple email you have on file for me.

     

    This would help me avoid all the "Please enter your Apple ID messages" I keep getting from various applications when the account has been locked.

  • by javaliga,

    javaliga javaliga Mar 28, 2016 11:27 AM in response to Mary Sharon Cohen
    Level 4 (3,710 points)
    iCloud
    Mar 28, 2016 11:27 AM in response to Mary Sharon Cohen

    Just thought it might be worth a try.  I don't have any other ideas.  Sorry.