How do I know if my email has been hacked

Ever tried to download a recent app, movie, or music purchase only to get the App Store or iTunes Store replying that your “Apple ID has been disabled?” Apple occasionally disables Apple IDs automatically for security reasons, especially if it thinks your Apple ID was hacked or otherwise compromised.

So that’s great in protecting you from identity theft but bad in that you (the victim) are often uninformed of the problem. Consequently, without so much as a warning, you see the dreaded alert “Your Apple ID has been disabled.” 

When your Apple ID is disabled, you cannot even update any of your apps. Instead, you see the message that your Apple ID is disabled or locked–again and again, no matter how many times you try. So yeah–this is a serious inconvenience and problem! 

But take comfort. Though seeing this message is very worrying, questions about Apple IDs are one of the most common reasons iFolks call Apple Support or visit Apple Stores. Remember, you are not alone. Folks deal with this particular problem every day!ick Tips 

Contents

• Things To Try To Get Your Apple ID Working Again
• No time? Check out our video instead!
• The Symptoms
  • Known Apple ID alerts include
  • Beware of Scams
• The Causes
  • If you have an outstanding (unpaid) charge or any disputed charges on Apple’s iTunes or App Store, Apple might disable your ID and purchase priveledges until you pay the charge
  • Recent Dispute with Apple Charges?
  • Bills Not Paid?
• Try to log into your Apple ID via a Browser
• Borrow a device and use the Apple Support app to reset your password
• Check Your Restrictions
  • If Restrictions are enabled, you’ll need your restrictions passcode to disable this feature
  • Forgot Screen Time or Restrictions passcode?
• If You Do NOT Know or Forgot Your Apple ID user id or password
  • Check and see if you are signed in to your account on one of your iDevices
  • Check and see if you are signed in to your account from your Mac computer
  • Check iTunes
  • Forgot Your Apple ID Password?
• Entered Password Too Many Times?
• Reset Password and Log Out of iTunes or iCloud
• Visit Apple’s Support Sites
  • For iFolks Using Two-Step Verification
  • If you use two-factor authentication
  • If You Lost Your Recovery Key
• Can’t sign in or reset your Apple ID password at all? Start account recovery
  • What is Apple ID account recovery?
• What to do after you reset your Apple ID password
  • Services that may require you to update your Apple ID password
• Reset Apple ID and still cannot make purchases?
• Conclusions

Things To Try To Get Your Apple ID Working Again

• If you tried multiple times, wait for at least 8 hours (up to 24 hours) for your Apple ID to start functioning again–don’t try to log in during this time.
• Make sure you do not have any outstanding bills due to Apple for purchases, subscriptions, and so forth.
  • Update and confirm your billing info with Apple (you may need to contact Apple Support directly).
  • Check your App Store account for unpaid charges and pay them.
  • If you recently disputed a charge with Apple, follow up with Apple Support asap.
• Try logging in to your Apple account via a web browser and check for any messages requesting security updates or information updates.
• If you use two-factor authentication, use another trusted device or trusted phone number to unlock your Apple ID.
• If you have a recovery key, use it to help you regain access to your account.
• Borrow a friend’s, co-worker’s, or family member’s iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and use the Apple Support app to reset your password.
• Go to Apple’s iforgot website to unlock your account with your current password. Authenticate your ID with your email or by answering  security questions.
• If you believe your Apple ID was hacked or otherwise compromised, reset your password via the iforgot website.
• Make sure that your iDevice’s Restrictions are OFF.
• Contact Apple support if nothing else works.

Related Articles

• Getting a message to Update Apple ID Settings on iPhone, iPad, or Mac?
• Apple ID Disabled for Security Reasons? Here’s What to Do
• ‘Update Unavailable With This Apple ID’? Here’s How to Fix It
• How-To Fix “Please contact iTunes support to complete this transaction” Error
• Fix Disabled Apple IDs
• How to Delete Your Apple ID
• How to Create An Apple ID without a Credit Card

No time? Check out our video instead!

The Symptoms

You enter your Apple ID and password, click Sign In, and it doesn’t work.

One of the alerts listed below may appear when you try to use certain Apple services (like iCloud, iMessage, or FaceTime) that require an Apple ID.  These messages inform you that your Apple ID is disabled.

You might not have used your Apple ID in a long time. And you probably won’t see anything beforehand alerting you on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. But every time you try to log in, it doesn’t accept the information.  Your Apple ID is disabled.

Known Apple ID alerts include

1. “This Apple ID has been disabled for security reasons.”
2. “Too many attempted sign-ins.”
3. “Your Apple ID has been disabled”
4. “You can’t sign in because your account has been disabled for security reasons.”
5. “This Apple ID has been locked for security reasons.”
6. “Please contact iTunes support to complete this transaction.”

And if you tried to access your Apple ID too many times with the wrong password, your account is automatically locked for a period of time. Even if you remember the correct password!

Once Apple identifies a problem with your Apple ID and disables it, you can’t log in. It’s as simple AND as frustrating as that!

Beware of Scams

Many scammers like to take advantage of this issue and send emails or messages to unsuspecting Apple users to get them to divulge their credentials.

Do not click on any links in the emails or messages OR supply your Apple ID credentials. You should report any funny links to Apple Support directly.

One of our readers reported this scam which states ‘Due to suspicious activity your Apple-id has been locked tap apple.id-user-access.com to restore full access to your Apple services’.

We highly recommend that you don’t click on any links or supply your credentials. Instead, get in touch with Apple Support and chat with them directly. You can also set up an appointment at the Apple Store and have them look into this for you.

The Causes

The usual suspects for a disabled Apple ID are entering the wrong password too many times in a row or not having used an Apple ID for a long time. Most of the time, when your Apple ID is disabled it’s not someone trying to hack your account, but instead, you get yourself locked out because of a forgotten password. Yes, we’re human and yup, we are error-prone.

Additionally, Apple periodically changes the rules and requirements for Apple IDs, passwords, security questions, and verification steps.  So if you haven’t updated your Apple ID setting to meet these needs, Apple occasionally disables these accounts until you log in and update all your information.

If you have an outstanding (unpaid) charge or any disputed charges on Apple’s iTunes or App Store, Apple might disable your ID and purchase priveledges until you pay the charge

Unpaid charges are often due to credit or debit card expiration, so check that your card information is up-to-date.

You may need to call Apple’s iTunes Support Team directly to find out if there is an unpaid charge on your iTunes account. Once paid, Apple restores app purchasing again.

Recent Dispute with Apple Charges?

Your Apple ID might just be locked because months ago you disputed Apple charges on your credit card. When you dispute an Apple charge, Apple often temporarily closes your account until you call in and resolve the charging issue.

Apple takes security very seriously.  When Apple suspects your account has been hacked, it suspends it. So this is added protection just in case your credit card is being used by someone not authorized.

Bills Not Paid?

Often this message (“Apple ID has been disabled”) means that you have a billing issue–usually an unpaid iTunes or App Store order. If you can still access your account information, check your billing information and update your payment method and any other settings.

If you cannot access your account, contact Apple Support and take a look at your billing and payment information with them. Clear up anything outstanding.

Try to log into your Apple ID via a Browser

Try logging into your iTunes or iCloud account from Safari, Chrome, or another browser, preferably on a Mac or computer versus an iDevice. Getting this particular error message usually means Apple needs to perform a security check on your account.

Alternatively, wait at least 8 hours and try again–this fix works in cases when you made multiple unsuccessful attempts by entering an incorrect password too many times.

Borrow a device and use the Apple Support app to reset your password

You can reset your password using the Apple Support app on someone else’s device, as long as the device owner has the Apple Support app installed. If not, it’s easy to install via the App Store and search for Apple Support App.

Once the Apple Support app is on the device, open the Apple Support app on the device

1. Tap the Get Support tab at the bottom.
   
   
2. Scroll down and tap Apple ID.
3. Tap Forgot Apple ID Password.
4. Choose Get Started.
5. Tap “a different Apple ID” (any information that you enter is not stored on the device).
   
   
6. Enter your Apple ID that you want to reset the password for.
7. Tap Next.
8. Follow all the on-screen steps until you receive confirmation that your Apple ID password is changed.

Check Your Restrictions

Look and see if you set-up any Restrictions on your iDevice for times when other folks are using your device, like your kids, grandparents, family members or friends, check those restrictions off.

We often use restrictions on our iPhones and iPads to disable in-app purchases so that our children and any others using our iDevices aren’t allowed to make purchases on our accounts.

Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions or for older iOS versions Settings > General > Restrictions and verify this setting is “Off.”

If Restrictions are enabled, you’ll need your restrictions passcode to disable this feature

Your restrictions passcode is not the same as your Apple ID password–it’s a four-digit passcode you created when first enabling restrictions.

Forgot Screen Time or Restrictions passcode?

If you don’t know your Screen Time passcode, take a look at this article How-To Reset the Screen Time Passcode on iOS, iPadOS, or macOS

For older iOS versions that don’t include Screen Time, if you’ve forgotten your Restrictions Passcode, check out our article on setting up iDevices into Kids Mode that outlines the steps to address this issue.

If You Do NOT Know or Forgot Your Apple ID user id or password

Check and see if you are signed in to your account on one of your iDevices

iPhones, iPads, and iDevices use Apple IDs for these services

1. Tap Settings > App & iTunes Store.
2. Go to Settings > Apple ID Profile > iCloud.
3. Tap Settings > Messages > Send & Receive.
4. Go to Settings > FaceTime.
5. Tap Settings > Passwords & Accounts > iCloud.

Check and see if you are signed in to your account from your Mac computer

Macs use Apple IDs for these services

1. Select Apple menu > System Preferences (for older macOS or OS X choose  iCloud).
2. Open Mail, then select Mail > Preferences > Accounts.
3. Select Calendar, then select Calendar > Preferences > Accounts.
4. Open FaceTime, then select FaceTime > Preferences > Settings.
5. Choose Messages, then select Messages > Preferences > Accounts.

Check iTunes

See if you previously bought something in the iTunes Store. If so, check which account you used to purchase it.

To Check Apple ID via iTunes

1. Open iTunes.
2. Click one of your purchases. Find your purchases under My Music or Playlists.
3. Choose Edit > Get Info.
4. Click the File tab.
5. The ‘purchased by’ shows the Apple ID that was used to buy the item.

Forgot Your Apple ID Password?

If your issue is a forgotten password, visit Apple iForgot to recover your password.  iForgot walks you through the steps to reset a forgotten password, unlock your account, and recover an Apple ID.

Be aware that after multiple unsuccessful attempts to unlock your account, your Apple ID remains locked. And you need to wait at least a day to try again.

Entered Password Too Many Times?

When you try incorrect passwords too many times, your Apple ID automatically locks to protect your security. Consequently, you can’t sign in to any Apple services that use your Apple ID, like iCloud, iTunes, the App Store, Apple Music, etc.

If you tried multiple times, stop trying and wait for at least 8 hours (up to 24 hours) for your Apple ID to start functioning again–its’ really important that you do not try to log in during this time

Once you verify your identity with Apple, your account unlocks. Go to iforgot. apple. com and unlock your account with your existing password or reset your password. See the section Reset Password for the details on how to do this.

Reset Password and Log Out of iTunes or iCloud

First, reset your password by visiting Apple’s support site for Apple ID passwords.  If you’re able to reset your password, then try logging out and back in of iTunes or iCloud on your iDevice. Make sure you update your password on all your devices including Macs and Windows PCs.

To log out of your iTunes account on your iPhone or other iDevices, Tap on your Apple ID in Settings > Apple ID Profile.  Scroll Down and Sign Out and then log back in to see if that refreshes your Apple ID account.

There’s also a link here to Apple’s iForgot site if you’re having trouble remembering your Apple ID and password.

Visit Apple’s Support Sites

Go to Find Apple ID to unlock and reset your account. This process requires you to either authenticate your ID by email or answer the security question(s) provided when you created your Apple ID. This recovery process should restore your account in a jiffy.

Please note that if you are an iCloud user, enter your full iCloud email address ([email protected]) If your security questions do not work, or you don’t know the answers anymore, and you do not have a verified rescue email setup that’s different from your locked iCloud email account, you cannot prove your identity using the web interface.

You need to contact Apple support directly to get help with unlocking the account.

For iFolks Using Two-Step Verification

If you use two-step verification, you need to use BOTH your recovery key and one of your trusted iDevices.

If you use two-factor authentication

You need your trusted device OR your trusted phone number to unlock your Apple ID.

If You Lost Your Recovery Key

As long as you remember your Apple ID password and still have access to one of your trusted devices, you can sign in and create a new Recovery Key. Go to your Apple ID account page. Sign in with your password and trusted device. In the Security section, click Edit > Replace Lost Key.

Keep your new Recovery Key in a safe place. Your old Recovery Key won’t work anymore, and you can’t use it to reset your password or access your account.

Can’t sign in or reset your Apple ID password at all? Start account recovery

If you use two-factor authentication and can’t sign in or reset your Apple ID password, go through Apple’s account recovery process. This process includes a waiting period that lasts anywhere from a day to several weeks.

What is Apple ID account recovery?

Account recovery helps you get back into your Apple ID account when you don’t provide sufficient information to reset your password.

Go to appleid.apple.com and choose Forgot Apple ID or password.

After you provide as much information as you can, the account recovery waiting period begins. You should get an email from Apple with a confirmation of your request for Account Recovery that includes an approximate date and time of when you can expect to regain access.

When the waiting period is over, Apple sends you a text or automated phone call with instructions to regain access to your account. Follow these instructions to regain access to your Apple ID.

What to do after you reset your Apple ID password

After you change your Apple ID password, remember to update it in your iCloud settings and in any Apple services that you normally sign in to with your Apple ID–things like FaceTime, Apple Music, Apple TV+, and more (listed below.)

Services that may require you to update your Apple ID password

• iCloud
• App Store, Mac App Store, Apple Books Store, and Apple Store app
• Apple Music
• Find My app and service
• FaceTime, Game Center, and iMessage
• iTunes Services (Genius/ Home Sharing/ Match/ Store/U)
• Apple Online Store and any Apple Retail services and programs ( such as Concierge, Joint Venture, workshops, and youth programs)
• Apple Support Communities

Reset Apple ID and still cannot make purchases?

Sometimes performing the suggested reset for your Apple ID doesn’t help. Usually, you still can access all of your Apple accounts without problems. But you may not be able to purchase or update your Apps.

Receiving this alert when buying something means that your account is under investigation by Apple due to some of the more serious security concerns. You need to contact Apple support straight away. Resolving this issue often takes several days for Apple. So prepare for patience!

Here are the steps on how to fix it, first Contact Apple for support and service.  Find your country’s Apple Customer Service, call the appropriate phone number and talk directly to an Apple Account Service Team Member. Let them know you need to enable your Apple ID Account. Enabling your account should only take a few minutes as long answer all their questions verifying your account and identity.

Conclusions

It’s amazing how much our Macs and iDevices depend on our Apple IDs.  It’s not until we receive an alert warning us that our Apple ID has been disabled that we realize how important and integral it is. Hopefully, one of the tips listed got your Apple ID back enabled and worked as normal on your iDevice or Mac.

Remember that after you change your password, you need to update that password in your iCloud settings and in any Apple apps and services that you sign in to with your Apple ID.  This includes things like iTunes, App Store, FaceTime, iMessage, Photos, iCloud Drive, Mail, and others.

If these steps didn’t help you change your password or if your security questions do not work and you do not have a verified rescue email set up, that’s different from your locked iCloud email account, contact Apple Support.

You cannot prove your identity using the web interface, and you need to contact Apple support directly, to get help with unlocking the account. Once on this site, select Apple ID, and choose Disabled Apple ID.  Now set up a call with an Apple employee, start an online chat session, or email Apple support–whatever works best for you and your schedule.

SK

Obsessed with tech since the early arrival of A/UX on Apple, Sudz (SK) is responsible for the original editorial direction of AppleToolBox. He is based out of Los Angeles, CA.

Sudz specializes in covering all things macOS, having reviewed dozens of OS X and macOS developments over the years.

In a former life, Sudz worked helping Fortune 100 companies with their technology and business transformation aspirations.