Apple ID: "This Apple ID has been disabled for security reasons" alert appears

Resolution

For your protection, your Apple ID is automatically disabled (partially) if your account password is incorrectly entered numerous times. This affects some services you may access with your Apple ID, such as your accounts with: Apple Print Products, iCloud, and iTunes Store.

When you try to use some online services and your Apple ID has been disabled, one of the following messages may appear:

• “This Apple ID has been disabled for security reasons”
• "Too many attempted sign ins"
• "You can't sign in because your account was disabled for security reasons"
• "This Apple ID has been locked for security reasons"

Note: Partially disabled means you cannot edit your personal information, make purchases, or access iCloud.

Reset your account password

If your account was partially disabled for security reasons, use iForgot (http://iforgot.apple.com/) to reset your account. This should restore your access to the disabled services. You can also click the “Reset Password” or “Forgot Password?” buttons that appear in the alert message.

Note: If you are an iCloud user, when prompted to enter your Apple ID, be sure to type your full email address. For example, username@me.com or @mac.com.

Update your iCloud settings

After changing your password, you may need to update some settings on your Mac, PC, and iOS device. 

Mac OS X

1. From the Apple () menu, choose System Preferences.
2. Click iCloud.
3. Click on Sign Out.
4. Type your new password, and click Sign In.

Windows-based PC

1. Choose Start > Control Panel.
2. Double-click iCloud.
3. Click on Sign Out.
4. Type in your new password, and click Sign In. 

iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

1. Tap Settings.
2. Tap iCloud.
3. Tap Edit if prompted.
4. Type in your new password. 
5. Tap Done.

Email

If you use an email application to access your iCloud email, you should be prompted by your email application to enter your new password when you check for mail. If you are not prompted, see this article if you use Mac OS X Mail. If you are using another email application, refer to the application's built-in documentation for information about changing your email password settings.

Update Your Store Settings

If you use your Apple ID to make purchases, you may need to update your settings in the iTunes Store, App Store, or iBookstore:

iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

1. Tap Settings.
2. Tap Store.
3. Tap View Apple ID.
4. Tap Sign Out.
5. Sign in with your Apple ID and your new password.
   

Mac OS X

You should be prompted to enter your password when making a purchase, updating an app, or accessing your account in the iTunes Store or Mac App Store.

PC

You should be prompted to enter your password when making a purchase, updating an app, or accessing your account in the iTunes Store.