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Apple Account (Apple ID) disabled/locked immediately after adding a foreign credit card



Hello everyone,

I am experiencing an issue where my Apple Account has been locked and is showing as "disabled" or "not active."

This happened yesterday, immediately after I updated my payment method and added a foreign credit card to my account. I suspect Apple's automated security/billing system flagged the transaction or the location change, which triggered a security block.

When I try to use my account, it shows an alert saying it is disabled. Because of this, I am locked out of downloading apps, updates, and using my iCloud features.

Has anyone faced this specific billing lock before? What is the quickest way to get an Apple specialist to review and lift this restriction?

Thank you for your help.




3 replies

Welcome and thank you for reaching out. 🤗


According to Apple:


If your account has been disabled for security reasons:


If you see one of the following messages, your Apple Account locked automatically to protect your security and you can’t sign in and use any Apple services:


  • “This Apple Account has been disabled for security reasons”
  • “You can’t sign in because your account was disabled for security reasons”
  • ”This Apple Account has been locked for security reasons”


This might happen if you or someone else might have entered your password or other account information incorrectly too many times. To regain access, you need to reset your password.

Learn how to reset your Apple Account password.


If your Apple Account is locked or not active:


If you see a message that says your Apple Account is locked or not active, you might be able to request access to your account by tapping Request Access right from the alert.



You can also request access to your account.


If you can’t regain access to your Apple Account:


When you request access to your locked Apple Account, you might get an alert that says, “This Apple Account is locked and can’t be used” or your request might be denied.


If you can’t regain access to your Apple Account, you can either:



If your Media & Purchases account has been disabled:


If you see a message that says “Your Media & Purchases account has been disabled,” you might be able to request reactivation by tapping Continue right from the alert.


You can also request reactivation.


Good Luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian | Community Volunteer

Hello~ See below…


Add a payment method to your Apple Account - Apple Support*


*If you're using an accepted payment method but your Apple Account is set to a different country or region.


Your region must match your credit card’s origin.


~Katana-San~