How do I unlock a locked Apple ID account on iPhone?

Hi, my Apple ID is locked and cannot sign in or sign out, it stuck in my iPhone and I cannot do anything.

first I have created Apple ID on my PC then I signed it into my iPhone, after a while I cannot download app from App Store and it shows message "This account is locked."

I have reached to Apple support website and follow step by step instructions, but at the end it still show this message again. Please help.


[Edited by Moderator]

Original Title: This account is locked.

Posted on Jan 26, 2026 8:33 PM

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3 replies

Jan 27, 2026 7:01 AM in response to tavfik

Refer to this article: If your Apple Account is locked, not active, or disabled - Apple Support


According to various posts, Apple may permanently lock accounts for other reasons (very broadly outlined in section VII-B of Legal - iCloud - Apple ). You, or somebody who has managed to get access to your account, are likely doing something Apple is interpreting 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 legal 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 or even no account at all. 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



How do I unlock a locked Apple ID account on iPhone?

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