Top Fixes for an Account Disabled in App Store and iTunes

Bon LewisUpdated by Bon Lewis / January 23, 2026 05:30

Hello! My account has been disabled in the App Store and iTunes, and I badly need your help to fix it. I’m not sure what exactly the cause is, so I also do not know what the appropriate action to take is. Why has my account been disabled in the App Store and iTunes? I don’t want to worsen the situation by trying anything without enough knowledge, so please suggest a trusted solution. I would greatly appreciate any help. Thanks!

An account that was disabled in the App Store and iTunes can be incredibly frustrating, cutting you off from app updates, subscriptions, music, and other essential services. If you have seen this message from Apple, you will likely feel confused and powerless, but no worries. In nearly all cases, this situation can be resolved with an appropriate solution. You must only identify the best one with the help of the details below, and your account will be okay in no time.

Your Account Has Been Disabled In The App Store
Guide

Guide List

Part 1. What Happens When Your Account Has Been Disabled In The App Store and iTunes

When you receive a notification that your account was disabled in the App Store and iTunes, it signifies that Apple has restricted your access to its features and services, but don’t worry. Typically, it’s only a temporary security or compliance measure instead of a permanent termination of your account. However, it will still affect your account usage significantly since you won’t be able to conduct transactions, such as installing and updating apps, purchasing media, like music and movies. The subscriptions linked to the account may also become unmanageable. So, once you regain your account’s capabilities, be careful not to trigger again.

Part 2. How to Fix If Your Account Has Been Disabled In The App Store and iTunes

There are different situations that might have caused your account to be disabled, so various fixes are available as well. Understand each of them below to perform the most suitable one.

Method 1. Try Again After 24-48 Hours

The simplest and first action you should take is to wait patiently for 24 to 48 hours without attempting to access the App Store or iTunes. During this period, do not try to sign in repeatedly, as this can reset the security timer and prolong the lock. After the waiting period has passed, attempt to sign in to the App Store again. This strategy is most effective for minor security problems and often gets resolved without further intervention, allowing you to regain your account’s functionalities.

Method 2. Restart iPhone

What if the account issue was only caused by a glitch? If so, a practical troubleshooting option would be to restart iPhone or other devices. It will clear temporary system caches and refresh the device, removing the basic issues that may be preventing your account from working correctly.

Abide by the painless operation below to fix an Apple account disabled in App Store and iTunes by restarting your iPhone:

Restart your iPhone without a Home key: Hold down your iPhone’s Side button and one of the Volume keys simultaneously. Then, drag the Power slider accordingly when it appears.

Restart iPhone Without Home Key

Restart your iPhone with the Home key: Hold down the iPhone’s Power button, then drag the Power slider to the right once it’s presented on the screen.

Restart iPhone With Home Key

In the same way, you can reboot your other device to fix issues.

Method 3. Sign Out and Sign In

Meanwhile, signing out of your Apple ID on your device and then signing back in may also fix the problem, as it refreshes your connection to Apple's servers and clears out any outdated account information stored on your iPhone that might have caused the issue. Like the previous methods, it is a quick and easy solution to try when your device shows the disabled error.

Simply tap your name on the iPhone’s Settings and scroll down to select Sign Out. Afterward, relaunch Settings and tap Sign in to your iPhone. Then, provide your Apple credentials when prompted to sign back in.

Sign Out And Sign In

Method 4. Reset Apple ID Password

Aside from the basic scenarios above, a disabled account can also be the result of a security flag. So, resetting your Apple ID password serves as a critical verification step to reclaim ownership. The procedure can be done smoothly on iPhone or iPad Settings app, but ensure the new password you create is strong and secure.

Have regard to the convenient steps below to resolve your account has been disabled in the App Store and iTunes by resetting the password:

Step 1On your iPhone’s Settings interface, tap [your name] and opt for Sign-In & Security. Afterward, select Change Password under Security.

Step 2You will be prompted to provide your current account or device password, so enter it, and on the following screen, set and confirm the password you want.

Reset Apple ID Password

Method 5. Update Payment

An outdated, expired, or declined payment method is also among the common reasons for an account to be disabled. Apple may automatically restrict your account access if a subscription renewal or other charge fails to process. Thus, it would help to review and update your payment details in the designated section.

You can access it by tapping your name on the Settings interface and selecting Payment & Shipping. Then, simply review and manage your payment method accordingly.

Update Payment

Method 6. Contact Apple Support

After trying everything and your account is still disabled, it might be best to request access directly from Apple.

The most direct path is to visit Apple Support’s Contact page and click Apple Account under the Get the help you need section. Next, tap Disabled Apple Account and choose the suitable topic, “Your Media & Purchases account has been disabled” alert, on the following page. You can then continue with the prompts to contact support and request account access.

Contact Apple Support

Method 7. Try FoneLab iOS Unlocker

Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to regain their Apple account’s access and functionalities. So, if all official methods to restore your disabled Apple ID have failed and you are permanently locked out of the account, a final option is to use a trusted third-party tool like FoneLab iOS Unlocker. It can remove Apple ID from iPhone, allowing you to sign into a different one afterward to start anew. It is the best option to perform if it’s no longer possible to save your disabled account.

FoneLab iOS Unlocker
FoneLab iOS Unlocker

FoneLab Helps you unlock iPhone screen, Removes Apple ID or its password, Remove screen time or restriction passcode in seconds.

  • Helps you unlock iPhone screen.
  • Removes Apple ID or its password.
  • Remove screen time or restriction passcode in seconds.

Accept the secure directions below as an example to remove the Apple ID from your iPhone using FoneLab iOS Unlocker:

Step 1Access the main FoneLab for iOS webpage to locate and choose Free Download in the left section. This way, the installation file will be in your computer’s Downloads. Open it to install the program and run it afterward.

Choose Free Download

Step 2Next, choose the Remove Apple ID function from the main menu. A Lightning cable will be needed to link your iPhone with a disabled account to the computer. Once recognized, be guided by the on-screen instructions on the subsequent interface. Simply let the prompts lead you until the Apple ID is finally removed.

Choose Remove Apple ID

Part 3. FAQs about Account Has Been Disabled in The App Store and iTunes

Can I still recover a disabled Apple ID from years ago?

Yes, it is still possible. However, the chances of recovering it successfully are low since it will also require your old information to verify your identity.

Will my Apple account unsubscribe from services if it's disabled?

Not immediately, but it will once the billing cycle ends, and your Apple account is still disabled. It’s because the situation stops you from making payments to the subscriptions.

Many solutions are available to resolve your concern regarding your account that has been disabled in the App Store and iTunes, but when it’s no longer possible to fix the problem, don’t hesitate to install FoneLab iOS Unlocker. It will help you start anew without complication.

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