Cannot sign out of Apple Account on iPhone due to 'Verification Failed' error

Hello,

For help with an invalid/not-active/not-supported account you need to contact Apple (the people on this forum are users like yourself and can only provide advice).

To reach Apple Support for an account issue:

1. Click here --> https://getsupport.apple.com/?caller=cups&PGF=PGF63005

2. Select: Disabled Apple ID

3. Select: ”The Apple ID is not active" alert

4. Select: “Continue”

5. Select a chat or telephone call option.

or:

Contact Apple for support and service by telephone (or chat may be offered too) --> Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

If the account cannot be restored you may at least be able to regain use of the device. Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Read the requirements and steps for an Activation Lock support request at: https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support and links at the bottom right for the type of service requested. Apple says they “may” require "proof of purchase documentation” and that you need “proof of ownership documentation”, but does not detail what currently constitutes proof other than it “must include the product serial number, IMEI or MEID.” User reports on this community and chat with Apple indicate that typically Apple will absolutely require, and ONLY accept, an original receipt issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller. Presumably this is the only kind Apple can authenticate against fraud since Apple is not involved in third party sales. Apple recommends that you "Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device" --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support

If anybody tells you that you have to be the “original” owner, they are wrong. In the case of removing the lock with the correct information, it can be anybody who knows the currently signed in account information. In the case of asking Apple to unlock it, as long as you have the original Apple receipt (which may well not have any personally identifying information on it) you are okay. Apple confirmed this in a conversation.

If Apple resets the device this will give you access to the device but won't restore access to the account used to lock it. There is nothing that can be done to expedite an Activation Lock request.

Did you already have a look at this older thread?

Workaround/Fix: Verification failed - Apple Community

Or these suggestions in Verification Failed an unknown error occurred - Apple Community

Are you using a VPN or other kind of firewall, which might block the contact to Apple servers.

If yes, disable them and try again.

Yea i did read that earlier, none of the suggestions worked out, no vpn connected and i tried on several different networks, ig my last option is to contact apple support and wait for them to reply (if they do).

Welcome and thank you for reaching out. 🤗

You can verify associated devices by signing in to your Apple Account page (account.apple.com) under Account Security (Trusted Devices) or opening Settings on an iPhone or iPad, tapping your name and scrolling down to see the list of devices linked to your account.

If you need more help, contact Apple Support directly.

Thanks again for reaching out. 👍🏼

Good Luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian | Community Volunteer

Thanks for your reply! I’ve already checked the devices associated with my account. My main problem is that I’m unable to sign out of the Apple Account on my iPhone. The password is correct, but I always get “Verification Failed — An unknown error occurred.” I also cannot sign into this same account on account.apple.com because it says the account is not valid or supported. Find My is ON, so I’m trying to find a safe way to sign out without erasing the iPhone. Do you know what could cause this?

Hi!

Thank you for your explanation. I just discovered that the Apple Account connected to my iPhone was permanently deleted by Apple on September 11, 2026. Unfortunately, I forgot to sign out of my iPhone before deleting it.

My iPhone 16 Pro Max is still signed into that account, and Find My is ON.

My questions are :

If I factory-reset my iPhone, will Activation Lock still ask for the deleted Apple Account, or will the account deletion automatically remove the lock?

I bought this iPhone second-hand and don't have the original purchase receipt. If Activation Lock remains, what options do I have?

I would really appreciate your advice before I risk resetting my phone. Thank you!