Seeing “Your Apple ID has been locked for security reasons” on your Mac is stressful, but it’s usually fixable. The lock often happens after repeated password attempts, a suspicious sign-in trigger, or a security policy change on Apple’s side.
Work through the steps below in order; stop as soon as you’re back in.
1. Confirm it’s a real Apple message (not a pop-up)
If the alert appears inside System Settings or an Apple app (App Store, iCloud settings), that’s a good sign. Be cautious if it appears in a random webpage or a browser pop-up asking you to “verify” urgently.
- Don’t call phone numbers shown in pop-ups.
- Don’t install “support” software suggested by a web page.
- Only use Apple’s official recovery page in the next step.
When in doubt, close the browser and start from a trusted Apple URL you type yourself.
2. Unlock your Apple ID using Apple’s recovery page
The safest path is Apple’s self-serve unlock flow. On your Mac, open a browser and go to iforgot.apple.com.
- Enter your Apple Account email/phone.
- Follow the prompts to verify identity (this may use a trusted device, phone number, or email).
- Set a new password if prompted.
If Apple offers account recovery, follow it exactly—even if it means waiting. Trying lots of guesses usually extends the lock.
3. Check date/time and internet basics (small things that break sign-in)
Apple sign-in relies on secure connections and correct time. If your Mac’s clock is off, you can get repeated failures that look like an account problem.
- Go to System Settings > General > Date & Time, and enable Set time and date automatically.
- Turn Wi‑Fi off and back on, or switch networks if possible.
- If you use a VPN, pause it temporarily and try again.
Then try signing in again once—avoid repeated attempts.
4. Reset your password (even if you think it’s correct)
Sometimes the account is locked because Apple saw multiple incorrect attempts (often from an old device, an app, or a password manager filling the wrong saved password).
- If you can access iforgot.apple.com, set a new, unique password.
- After changing it, update the password on every device you use.
- Update any password manager entry so it stops re-trying the old password in the background.
A password change is also a good safety step if you suspect someone else tried to access your account.
5. Look for an old device (or app) repeatedly triggering the lock
One common cause: an older iPhone/iPad/Mac, or even an email/calendar account on a work Mac, keeps trying an outdated Apple ID password and locks you again.
- On other Apple devices, open Apple ID settings and confirm you’re signed in with the new password.
- On Macs, check System Settings > Internet Accounts for Apple ID-related sign-in prompts.
- If you have an old device you no longer use, power it on and update the password there—or sign out.
If the lock returns shortly after you unlock it, this step is usually why.
6. Verify trusted phone numbers and two-factor authentication
If you can sign in on the web (or on a trusted device), check your security settings so you don’t get stuck again the next time a verification code is needed.
- Confirm your trusted phone number is current and accessible.
- Remove any phone numbers you no longer control.
- Make sure you have at least one trusted device that can receive prompts.
If you’re not receiving codes at all, fix that first—unlocking is much harder without a reachable trusted number/device.
7. If you suspect compromise: sign out of sessions and review account activity
If the lock happened after an “unrecognized device” alert, treat it as a real security event.
- Change your Apple ID password again (unique, long).
- Review the devices signed in to your Apple account and remove anything you don’t recognize.
- Check your email account security too (if someone controls your email, they can keep trying resets).
If you can’t regain access via Apple’s flow, contact Apple Support through official channels and be ready to verify identity.
Final thoughts
An Apple ID lock is usually a protective measure, not a permanent problem. Start with iforgot.apple.com, then hunt down the device or app that keeps re-trying an old password.
Once you’re back in, updating trusted numbers and passwords across devices is what prevents the lock from coming right back.