User level: Level 1 (35 points)Every time to go to access the Apple Support Community I'm told my account is locked?
I'm providing a correct password and often I already have a tab open where I have successfully logged on.
I then have to go through the pain of guessing the unreadable letters, providing the code sent to me etc.
Then perhaps less then 5 mins later I'm locked out again.
Posted on Oct 4, 2026 5:12 PM
User level: Level 10 (105,996 points)Nov 4, 2026 7:42 PM in response to Mark Gibson7
It is probably the VPN if that is used with your MalwareBytes installation. That can prompt a verification response from Apple servers with the use of any VPN.
Nothing against MalwareBytes, I use it on occasion for single scans, but would not install it to run constantly on my device. Unfortunately just turning it off may not work and you would have to uninstall to test if that is the cause, but feel free to try turning it off first.
User level: Level 10 (85,896 points)Nov 4, 2026 12:07 PM in response to Mark Gibson7
That's not good. How did you sign in to post your issue? New account?
Running any anti-virus, "cleaner" apps, or client-side VPNs? Lately, cheapo VPNs have bene the new Glitch from Heck, causing all sorts of odd issues until removed. They're awful.
Will pull the mods' chain again.
If you still do not hear back, I would use their email address is in the Terms of Use document for the forums to get something started: Apple Support Community Terms of Use
User level: Level 10 (169,253 points)Nov 5, 2026 11:00 AM in response to Mark Gibson7
Mark Gibson7 wrote:
Well no its not because as I said earlier today, I do not have a VPN of any sort running.
By “VPN of any sort running”, do you mean no VPN installed, or no VPN running?
If you have a VPN installed, at all, whether enabled or not, remove it, restart, and test again.
User level: Level 10 (85,896 points)Oct 4, 2026 6:39 PM in response to Mark Gibson7
Access here is the same as your Apple Account/Apple ID access. Can you access you Apple Account at account.apple.com?
User level: Level 10 (105,996 points)Nov 5, 2026 7:33 AM in response to Mark Gibson7
Mark Gibson7 wrote:
Well no its not because as I said earlier today, I do not have a VPN of any sort running.
Then I would recommend posting the free EtreCheck report. It contains no personal information.
User level: Level 10 (162,806 points)Nov 4, 2026 7:03 PM in response to Mark Gibson7
Mark Gibson7 wrote:
Just the usual range of OS updates (Windows, iOS, OS, etc.) and Malware updates.
What might those "Malware updates" be?
If it's something in the broad category of utterly useless garbage Allan Jones described, get rid of it forthwith.
If in doubt, EtreCheck. How to run the Etrecheck Diagnostic Tool - Apple Community
User level: Level 1 (35 points)Oct 4, 2026 7:00 PM in response to Allan Jones
Yes.
Can happily login elsewhere and more importantly maintain the log in.
Indeed I can be happily logged in and say looking at my mail but as soon as I come here I'm told the account is "locked out" even as I'm successfully checking my mail concurrently in another browser tab.
User level: Level 1 (35 points)Nov 4, 2026 12:42 PM in response to Allan Jones
No, the same account I've had since Apple moved from .me to .mac.
No VPNs.
Just the usual range of OS updates (Windows, iOS, OS, etc.) and Malware updates.
I wouldn't mind just that's its now a real PITA with codes, needing to approve on my iPhone, then actually logging back in again.
User level: Level 1 (35 points)Nov 4, 2026 7:27 PM in response to John Galt
Its called "Malwarebytes" and its a reputable piece of software.
I've used it across several platforms before the issue and remain a user.
Something that .mac is rapidly not resembling.
I'm not a fan of "throw the baby out with the bathwater" approach to tech support.
User level: Level 10 (162,806 points)Nov 5, 2026 5:49 AM in response to Mark Gibson7
Mark Gibson7 wrote:
Its called "Malwarebytes" and its a reputable piece of software.
According to whom? Its manufacturer? Its developer? Its customers?
If you are not willing to uninstall it, troubleshooting will remain at an impasse.
User level: Level 10 (105,996 points)Nov 5, 2026 10:28 AM in response to Mark Gibson7
Mark Gibson7 wrote:
Unfortunately, its Mac OS software.
I don't see a copy for iOS or Windows.
Yes, that is correct.
Since you said Just the usual range of OS updates (Windows, iOS, OS, etc.), I thought you were seeing this on a Mac also which would be unusual without the VPN. I don't have a Windows device, so unable to know how the Antivirus module in MalwareBytes in its basic subscription affects network connections, or any of the other built in A/V or Private Browsing features that would require verification each time.
User level: Level 10 (85,896 points)Oct 5, 2026 7:09 AM in response to Mark Gibson7
That is strange. I sent a note to the moderation team asking them to look into this.
User level: Level 1 (35 points)Nov 4, 2026 10:18 AM in response to Mark Gibson7
So glad its been "referred" but a month later nothing has changed.
User level: Level 1 (35 points)Nov 4, 2026 9:42 PM in response to Mac Jim ID
Well no its not because as I said earlier today, I do not have a VPN of any sort running.
User level: Level 1 (35 points)Nov 5, 2026 10:16 AM in response to Mac Jim ID
Unfortunately, its Mac OS software.
I don't see a copy for iOS or Windows.
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256370511