Apple two-factor authentication locked me… (2024)

FAQs

How to get into your Apple ID if you are locked out of two-factor authentication? ›

You can request account recovery to regain access to your account. Account recovery might take a few days or longer, depending on the specific account information you can provide to verify your identity.

Two-factor authentication is enabled by default on new Apple IDs and cannot be turned off.

Two-factor authentication is the default security method for most accounts. Certain Apple services and features, such as Apple Pay and Sign in with Apple, require two-factor authentication.

Just go to iforgot.apple.com and enter your Apple Account email address or phone number.

Use a security key to unlock your Apple ID

You can use your security key to unlock it. Tap Unlock Account, then follow the onscreen instructions to unlock your Apple ID. If you think your account might have been locked because someone else knows your password, tap Change Password and enter a new one. Tap Done.

You can't bypass 2FA. If you use security questions with your Apple ID, or if you don't have access to a trusted device or phone number, go to iforgot.apple.com. Then you can unlock your account with your existing password or reset your password.

After you turn on two-factor authentication, you have a two-week period during which you can turn it off. After that period, you can't turn off two-factor authentication. To turn it off, open your confirmation email and click the link to return to your previous security settings.

One of the easiest and, therefore, most common ways to bypass two-factor authentication is by simply utilizing the password reset function of websites and applications.

If you don't want security questions or you're concerned about forgetting the answers, you can set up two-factor authentication. Learn about two-factor authentication.

What to do if you forgot security questions? ›

Try the most likely answers you would have given. If the first attempt does not succeed, try again. Keep trying the most logical answers to your security questions.

Go to your Apple ID Account Page and then click on the “Forget Apple ID or Passcode”. Enter your locked Apple ID, select the option for resetting your password, and then hit the “Continue” option. Enter your recovery key. Choose your trusted device where you would like to receive a verification code.

If you can't sign in, reset your password, or receive verification codes, you can request account recovery to regain access to your account. Account recovery might take a few days or longer, depending on the specific account information you can provide to verify your identity.

Criminals can call users and pose as banks or trusted agents and ask to confirm the passcode that was sent to them, or provide links to spoofed websites through phishing attacks. They can also pose as users and contact cell phone carriers in an attempt to carry out a SIM cloning attack.

Get a text or phone call

Select “Didn't Get a Code?” on the sign in screen. Choose to have the code sent to your trusted phone number. You'll get a text message or phone call from Apple with your verification code. This text message might include an additional domain validation line.

If your Apple Account is locked or not active

If you see a message that says your Apple Account account is locked or not active, you might be able to request access to your account by tapping Request Access right from the alert. You can also request access to your account.

If you use security questions with your Apple ID, or if you don't have access to a trusted device or phone number, go to iforgot.apple.com. Then you can unlock your account with your existing password or reset your password.