How can I reset a locked Apple Account on iPhone 11?

Apple account locked when I try to reset it it says “this account is locked and cannot be use

Device:iPhone 11

os version:18.5


[Edited by Moderator]

iPhone 6, iOS 12

Posted on Jun 18, 2025 6:27 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 18, 2025 7:58 PM

According to various posts, Apple may permanently lock accounts for other reasons (very broadly outlined in section VII-B of Legal - iCloud - Apple ). That may be the case here because your account isn't saying it is "disabled". If it isn’t apparent, contact Apple and ask if that is the situation, but don’t expect them to tell you why. You, or somebody who has managed to get access to your account, are likely doing something Apple is detecting as account misuse. You will have to see if your activities could be construed—rightly or wrongly—as meeting any of Apple's conditions in the support article. You will need to create a new account and stop doing things the way you have been that may have caused the other account to be locked.

In this situation you may be able to still use your equipment with a new account. 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

Jun 18, 2025 7:58 PM in response to sangit33

According to various posts, Apple may permanently lock accounts for other reasons (very broadly outlined in section VII-B of Legal - iCloud - Apple ). That may be the case here because your account isn't saying it is "disabled". If it isn’t apparent, contact Apple and ask if that is the situation, but don’t expect them to tell you why. You, or somebody who has managed to get access to your account, are likely doing something Apple is detecting as account misuse. You will have to see if your activities could be construed—rightly or wrongly—as meeting any of Apple's conditions in the support article. You will need to create a new account and stop doing things the way you have been that may have caused the other account to be locked.

In this situation you may be able to still use your equipment with a new account. 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


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How can I reset a locked Apple Account on iPhone 11?

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