Why is my Apple id locked, seemingly at random?

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Level 1

14 points

Why is my Apple id locked, seemingly at random?

Once every few weeks, my Apple ID gets locked for security reasons. The reason is not an invalid or lost password, since I can use the same password again after unlocking (unless the system also tells me to change my password, which happens every so often).

Is this a sign that someone is trying to log in using my id? Or is the reason that I frequently use a VPN (so maybe Apple thinks I switch between countries too much)?

To be honest, I see many similar questions (Apple ID locked), but very few real answers.

Thanks!

iPhone 11, iOS 15

Posted on Dec 17, 2021 9:47 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Limnos

Level 10

426,899 points

Dec 17, 2021 11:04 AM in response to johan132

Have you changed your Apple ID email address or password recently? Please click on this link and read "What to do after [or before] you change your Apple ID [email address] or password" ➔ https://support.apple.com/HT204071 - "After you change your Apple ID email address or password, you might need to update your sign-in information with any Apple services you're using." - Or if you're seeing persistent disabled messages or repeated requests for the password to your previous Apple ID. You may also wish to turn off "Find My" before changing information and turn it on again afterward.

If a message says your Apple ID is locked or disabled "for security reasons", click here and read what to do --> https://support.apple.com/HT204106 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 need to reset your password to regain access."

Are you signed up for Two Factor Authentication?

Security and your Apple ID - https://support.apple.com/HT201303

Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - https://support.apple.com/HT204915 - "Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security for your Apple ID designed to ensure that you're the only person who can access your account, even if someone knows your password."

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Answer 2

johan132 Author

Level 1

14 points

Dec 17, 2021 11:34 AM in response to Limnos

Hi,

No, I have not changed anything lately. Except my password, when I had to, a few weeks ago. I have read the help articles several times, but they don't tell me much (apart from explaining how to unlock my Apple ID, which I can do by heart after so many times).

I do not use two-factor authentication. I use a password, and unlock my ID with the security questions.

My ID got locked again today. When I entered my password, and answered the security questions, it got unlocked again. So I know the password, know the security questions, and before my ID was locked, I was normally logged in on my phone.

Every few weeks, Apple seems to see a reason to lock my ID, and it is not clear to me why.

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Answer 3

Limnos

Level 10

426,899 points

Dec 18, 2021 9:45 AM in response to johan132

Ask Apple why:

Contact Apple. Click here --> https://support.apple.com/choose-country-region Select your country, then a product. If you don't see one that handles your issue then keep experimenting with selections until you reach one that gets you a chat session or a telephone call and get the representative to redirect you.

or:

Contact Apple for support and service --> "See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world."

Click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT201232

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Why is my Apple id locked, seemingly at random?

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