How to unlock a locked Apple ID after changing the Apple ID and password?

It is common to find your account still restricted even after a password change if the lock was triggered by a security flag rather than just a forgotten password. When an Apple ID is locked, simply updating your credentials does not always clear the "Locked" status on Apple's servers.

The most effective way to resolve this is to visit iforgot.apple.com and enter your current Apple ID. Even though you have already changed the password, this specific portal allows you to verify your identity to "unlock" the account specifically. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you will need a trusted device or your trusted phone number to receive a verification code that confirms you are the legitimate owner. Once verified, the account should transition from "Locked" to active.

If the account remains locked after using the recovery site, it may be due to a more serious security concern that requires Apple Support intervention. In some cases, if there were multiple failed login attempts or suspicious activity, Apple may place a temporary hold on the account that a password change cannot bypass. You may need to provide your original proof of purchase for the device or answer security questions to prove your identity to a support representative.

Finally, ensure that all your devices—such as your iPhone, iPad, or Mac—have been updated with the new Apple ID and password. Sometimes, an old device trying to log in repeatedly with outdated credentials in the background can cause the account to lock itself again almost immediately after you fix it.