How to Get Rid of The Apple ID Not Active Error on iPhone/iPad

"Yesterday, I opened my iPhone and suddenly got a message that asked me to enter my Apple ID password, so I did, but got another alert that said this Apple ID is not active, how to fix it?" 

Although the iPhone is one of the most advanced smartphones, it can make mistakes. An Apple ID is a unique account to access your iPhone and Apple services on your device. Once something is wrong with your Apple ID, it will be a disaster. So, follow the troubleshooting to fix it.

• Part 1. Why Apple ID Is Not Active
• Part 2. How to Fix Apple ID Not Active
• Part 3. FAQs about Apple ID Not Active

Part 1. Why Apple ID Is Not Active

An Apple ID that is not active means the account has either never used it before or has not used it in a while. For the former, you have to create a new Apple ID. For the latter, you must reactivate it.

Why is my Apple ID not active? This error usually occurs when you try to sign in with or sign out of your account, but your Apple ID is not yet active. There are lots of reasons why it happens, and the common ones include:

1. You just created your Apple ID and have not finished the verification process.

2. You have changed the email address or phone number associated with your Apple ID, but Apple hasn't verified it.

3. You have not verified the new email address or phone number that you used as your Apple ID.

4. Your Apple ID is locked or disabled for security reasons.

Part 2. How to Fix Apple ID Not Active

Solution 1: Remove Apple ID from Your iPhone

In most cases, you encounter the error "This Apple ID is not active" due to the outdated account information. Therefore, the first fix is removing your Apple ID and updating your account. However, you cannot sign out of your Apple ID when caught in this error loop. That is why you need Apeaksoft iOS Unlocker. It helps you remove your Apple ID from your iPhone without any restriction.

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Here are the steps to fix Apple ID not active error on your iPhone:

Run the best Apple ID removal software after installing it on your computer. Choose Remove Apple ID, and hook up your iPhone to your computer with a Lightning cable. Click Start to move on.

If Find My iPhone is disabled on your iPhone, the software begins removing Apple ID immediately.

If Find My iPhone is enabled and you are running iOS 11.3 or earlier, reset all settings in your Settings app, and the software will work.

If Find My iPhone is enabled and you are using iOS 11.4 or above, enter 0000, click Confirm, check your iPhone information, and hit Start to download the firmware. Then input 0000 again, and click Unlock to start removing Apple ID on your iPhone. 

When it finishes, you can create a new Apple ID on your device.

Solution 2: Check the Status of Apple Servers

Sometimes, but not often, the bug of Apple ID not active cannot sign out might be a problem on Apple's end. Your Apple ID and other information are hosted on Apple's servers. Once servers are down, your Apple ID won't work at all.

Visit the Apple System Status webpage(www.apple.com/support/systemstatus/) in a web browser. Check the status of these servers. If some entries are marked with red or yellow icons, wait for them to work again. Then your Apple ID should work again.

Solution 3: Force Restart Your iPhone

Force restart iPhone is a widely used solution. It can fix lots of problems on iOS devices, including the Apple ID not active error. Since the procedures vary depending on your device model, we list the details respectively below.

iPhone X and later: Press the Volume Up button and quickly release it. Do the same to the Volume Down button. Hold down the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold down the Volume Down + Side buttons until the Apple logo appears.

iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold down the Sleep/Wake + Home button until you see the Apple logo.

Solution 4: Reset Apple ID Password

Apple locks your Apple ID if you input your Apple ID password wrong too many times. Then you will encounter "This Apple ID is not active" message. To fix it, you can reset your Apple ID password.

Step 1 Open your Settings app, and tap on your profile.

Step 2 Navigate to Password & Security, Change Password, and enter your iPhone passcode when prompted.

Step 3 Enter and re-enter a new password, and tap Change. Then sign in with your Apple ID and the new password.

Solution 5: Update Software

It is well known that outdated software can lead to a variety of errors, such as Apple ID not active. If you encounter the error, it is time to update the software on your iPhone or iPad. The procedure is as follows:

Step 1 Start the Settings app from your home screen.

Step 2 Go to General, and Software Update to search for updates available.

Step 3 If there is one, tap the Download and Install button, and follow the instructions to update your software.

Note: You can also turn on Automatic Updates on the Software Update settings screen to get the updates in time.

Solution 6: Contact Apple Support

If you have tried the solutions above and the Apple ID is not active error still occurs, you should contact Apple Support for help. Visit the Apple Support webpage (support.apple.com) in a web browser, search for "Apple ID not active", and the webpage will list the possible solutions to the error. Furthermore, you can make a phone call to get help from Apple experts.