How Do I Unlock My Apple Account?

If your Apple account is not letting you in, there are some things you can do to regain access. The issue is often due to forgotten passwords, so a simple password reset is all that is needed to get you back into your account. If you suspect your account has been hacked, you can reset your password, force devices to log out that should not be in your account, and add extra security features such as two-factor authorization.

Adam Goldkamp is the editor / author responsible for this content.
Jul 13, 2023

With more than 1.5 billion iPhone users, there are as many or more Apple accounts, but what happens when you get locked out of yours? How do you unlock your Apple account? You can find out more about account management and features by contacting Apple customer support, and below are ways to unlock your account.

Unlocking Your Apple Account

Whether it is an iCloud account, iTunes or your Apple Wallet, you want to make sure you can access it when you need it. When you are locked out, there are things you can do to regain access.

Resetting Your Password

Often the reason you may find yourself locked out is password related. You can reset your Apple password by doing the following:

  1. Open your Apple device (such as iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch).
  2. Go to "Settings."
  3. Select your name.
  4. Click or tap "Password & Security."
  5. Select "Change Password."

To reset the password from your MAC, do the following:

  1. Open the Apple menu.
  2. Select "System Settings" or "System Preferences."
  3. On the sign-in page, select "Forgot Password."
  4. Check email for a password reset link and click the link.
  5. Enter the new password twice and click enter.

When You Suspect Your Apple Account Was Hacked

If you notice unusual activity on your account or suspect it has been hacked causing the lock-out, you need to take the following steps:

  1. Follow the steps above to reset your password.
  2. Go to your Apple ID settings and change your personal and security information.
  3. Check your email for any signs that it has also been compromised. Reset passwords on email addresses and other accounts linked to your Apple account.
  4. Report suspicious activity from your email to your email provider, and suspicious activity from your Apple Wallet to your financial institution and Apple.
  5. Log out of other devices from the one you are using to reset your account.
  6. Set up two-factor authorization for your account to protect it in the future.
  7. If you have suffered financial loss, you can also file a police report regarding the theft.

Being locked out of your Apple account can be a headache, but it can be fixed in just a few steps from any Apple device. For more information or assistance with unlocking your account, call Apple customer support.

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Adam has been tirelessly trying to help customers find the best tips and tricks to get through phone trees and writing many guides for prickly customer service problems. He's been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Inside Edition and Bloomberg.
How Do I Unlock My Apple Account?

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