"This Apple Account Has Been Disabled" or Locked? Here's the Fix

Q: It says "Media & Purchases" is disabled specifically.

That's the store side of your account. Tap Continue on the alert to request reactivation, or contact Apple Support.

Published ✓ Verified ⏱️ 2 min read April 18, 2026 · by Ryan Bennett

You try to sign in and your iPhone says “This Apple Account has been disabled for security reasons,” “locked for security reasons,” or “not active.”

Why: Apple locks an account automatically to protect it — usually because the password or other account details were entered incorrectly too many times (by you, or by someone trying to get in). It’s a safety measure, not a permanent ban, and you can almost always get back in.

Fix 1: Tap “Request Access” right from the alert

If the message itself offers a button, that’s the quickest route:

If you see Request Access in the alert, tap it and follow the prompts to regain access to your account.
If the alert mentions Media & Purchases and shows Continue, tap that to request reactivation.

If there’s no button, move to Fix 2.

Fix 2: Reset your password

For a disabled or locked account, resetting your password is the main way to unlock it.

On the iPhone, go to Settings, tap [your name] at the top, then Sign-In & Security > Change Password if you can reach it.
If you can’t sign in at all, open Safari and go to iforgot.apple.com, enter your Apple Account email, and follow the steps to verify your identity and set a new password.
To request an unlock directly, go to iforgot.apple.com/unlock and follow the prompts.

Once the password is reset, sign in again with the new password.

Fix 3: If you still can’t get in

If verification fails or you’ve lost access to your trusted devices and number:

You may need to create a new Apple Account if recovery isn’t possible.
For a device stuck on Activation Lock, Apple can help if you have proof of purchase — start a request at al-support.apple.com.

FAQ

Did I get hacked? Not necessarily. The lock usually triggers from too many wrong password attempts. Reset your password to be safe, and turn on two-factor authentication.

How long does the lock last? It’s not a timer you wait out — you regain access by resetting your password or requesting access, as above.

It says “Media & Purchases” is disabled specifically. That’s the store side of your account. Tap Continue on the alert to request reactivation, or contact Apple Support.

Sources: Apple Support — If your Apple Account is locked, not active, or disabled