How to Recover Your Apple ID When Locked Out Completely

If your Apple ID – now known as your Apple Account—gets completely locked out, it’s usually because of too many incorrect password attempts or detected suspicious activity, leaving you cut off from iCloud, photos, apps, and backups. The good news is you can recover your Apple ID when completely locked out, including tougher cases like regaining access to Apple ID after multiple failed attempts or recover Apple ID without phone, Apple ID recovery without trusted device or phone number. This guide walks you through the process step by step, starting with the simplest fixes and covering the no-access scenarios that require a bit more patience, so you can get back in quickly and securely.

Why Is Your Apple ID Locked Out?

Your Apple ID  gets locked for security reasons, usually after multiple failed attempts to sign in—like entering the wrong password too many times, or if Apple detects suspicious activity, such as logins from unusual locations or devices. You might see messages saying it’s “locked,” “disabled,” or “not active” for security reasons. The good news is you can usually fix this through Apple ID recovery, though in a completely locked out situation, it may require some patience. Quick tip: If the alert on your screen has a “Request Access” button, tap it right away, that often starts the process faster.

 Apple Account Recovery Steps with a Trusted Device or Phone

If you have a trusted device already signed in or a linked phone number, recovering your Apple ID is quick and easy.

On iPhone or iPad: Open Settings, tap your name at the top, then Sign-In & Security (or Password & Security). Tap Change Password, verify with your device passcode or a code sent to your trusted phone number, and set a new one.

No device nearby? Go to iforgot.apple.com in any browser, enter your Apple ID email or phone number, get the verification code if available, and reset your password. This usually works in just minutes.

If you don’t have access to a trusted device or phone number, like if it’s lost or changed, recovery takes longer, but it’s still possible. 

Recover Apple ID Without Phone: When Texts Aren’t an Option

If you don’t have access to a trusted phone number, like if you’ve switched carriers, lost your phone, or changed numbers, you can still recover Apple ID without phone through Apple’s account recovery process.

Start by trying to sign in on any device or at iforgot.apple.com. When it asks for a verification code you can’t get, select “Didn’t get a code?” or similar, then choose the option like “Can’t access your phone number.”

From there:

• Start account recovery: Provide your Apple ID and any details you can, such as credit card info on file or other account details to verify your identity—the more accurate, the better it might help.
• Apple will review and require a waiting period (often several days or more) for security. You’ll get an email or notification with the exact time you can regain access. No one, including Apple Support, can speed this up.

If you set up an account recovery contact (a trusted person), they can give you a code to reset faster.

You can also borrow a friend’s Apple device or visit an Apple Store to use one there for the process. 

Apple ID Recovery Without Trusted Device or Phone Number

If you’re completely locked out with no access to a trusted device or phone number, Apple ID recovery without trusted device or phone number relies on their account recovery process, it’s built for exactly these situations.

Go to iforgot.apple.com on any browser (borrow a computer or phone if you need to).

• Enter your Apple ID email (or phone number if that’s your primary).
• Try to reset your password. When it can’t send a code to a device or phone, choose options like “Didn’t get a code?” or “Can’t access your device/phone.”
• Select to start account recovery.
• Provide as much info as you can to verify your identity—like credit card details on file, billing address, or other account info. The more accurate, the shorter the potential wait.

Apple will then start a mandatory waiting period for security (often several days or longer). You’ll get an email (or iMessage if your account is phone-based) with the exact date and time you can regain access—no one can speed this up.

If you set up a recovery contact beforehand (a trusted friend or family), they can provide a code to help you reset faster.

You can also visit an Apple Store to use one of their devices for the process. Avoid trying to sign in elsewhere during the wait, as it might delay things.

What to Expect in Apple’s Account Recovery Period

When you need to regain access to Apple ID after multiple failed attempts and have to use account recovery, there’s a mandatory waiting period for security reasons—to make sure it’s really you and block hackers.

You’ll get an email (or iMessage) within 72 hours with the exact date and time you can regain access. It might be just a few days, or longer (sometimes a week or more), depending on your account details.

No one, even Apple Support, can shorten this wait. Providing accurate info like credit card details on file can sometimes help reduce the time.

Check your email (including spam) and iforgot.apple.com for updates. Avoid signing in on other devices during the wait, as it could cancel or delay the process.

Once the time comes, follow the instructions right away to reset your password and get back in. Patience is required—it’s all to protect your account.

Bonus: Set Up Safeguards Now (And Why FastestPass Is Your New BFF)

Once you’re back in your account, the best way to avoid this happening again is to set up better recovery options.

• Add an account recovery contact: Choose a trusted friend or family member. If you’re locked out, they can give you a code from their device to help you reset. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign-In & Security > Account Recovery to set it up.
• Set up a recovery key: This is a 28-character code you create as an extra backup. Write it down and keep it in a safe place (not on your phone or computer). It lets you recover even without other options.
• Keep two-factor authentication on, and add extra phone numbers or email addresses for verification.

The easiest way to prevent lockouts from wrong passwords is to use a good password manager. I recommend FastestPass, it securely stores your Apple ID and all your passwords, generates strong ones, autofills logins, and warns you about breaches.

Wrapping Up

That’s it! You’ve got a straightforward guide to getting your Apple ID back when it’s locked. Whether it’s a quick reset using your phone or the longer account recovery process when you’re totally stuck, there are ways to fix it. A locked Apple ID just means Apple is protecting your stuff, even if it’s annoying.

If you run into trouble during recovery, try Apple’s support chat at apple.com/support—it’s actually pretty helpful. Stay safe, use strong passwords (FastestPass makes that easy), and here’s hoping your Apple ID stays unlocked for good.