[7 Methods]How to Fix "This Apple ID is Not Active" Error on iPhone?

User Concern

“Having trouble logging into my son's Apple account. Gives the message 'Apple ID is not active'. Started a few days ago. It was working fine before that. Get the same message if I try to reset the password.”

Apple ID is important for using your iPhone or iPad. It allows you to log in to iCloud and use services like Find My. If you see the “Verification Failed: This Apple ID is not active” error message, it means you can’t access or enjoy the full features on your iPhone or iPad until you activate the Apple ID.

So, why is your Apple ID not active, and how to activate your Apple ID again? In this guide, we will explain what "This Apple ID is not active" means, why it appears, and how to fix this problem. Keep reading!

Part 1. Why Does It Say My Apple ID Is Not Active?

The error message "Verification Failed. This Apple ID is not active" can result from various causes. Here are some of the possible reasons:

• If Apple's server is down or under maintenance, your iPhone might not be able to verify the Apple ID password.
• If you or someone else enters the wrong Apple ID password or other account information multiple times, your Apple ID will be locked for security reasons.
• If you bought a used iPhone, you'll need to remove the previous owner's Apple ID to log in with your own. Otherwise, you might see the "This Apple ID is not active" error.
• You may encounter issues if you try to sign in with an Apple ID not supported in your region. If you use a foreign Apple ID with incorrect details to access apps unavailable in your area, Apple may block your account.
• Apple may also deactivate your Apple ID account if there are issues with your payment method or identity verification.
• If you violate Apple's terms and conditions, Apple will deactivate your account and make it inactive. You won't be able to sign in on your iPhone, iPad, or other Apple devices.

Part 2. What To Do If My Apple ID Is Not Active?

If you see the error message "Verification Failed. This Apple ID is not active" on your iPhone or iPad, try the following ways to fix the issue and reactivate your Apple ID:

2.1 Restart Your iPhone or iPad

The first step to reactivate your Apple ID is to reboot your iPhone or iPad. A simple restart can refresh your device's system and fix minor issues, including this Apple ID is not active.

• Press and hold either the volume button and the side button until the power-off slider appears. (For old iPhones, press and hold the side or top button.)
• Drag the slider to turn off your device, then press and hold the side button to turn it back on.

2.2 Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is one of the most effective ways to protect your Apple ID from being locked or marked as inactive. When 2FA is turned on, any attempt to sign in to your Apple ID from a new device or browser will require not only your password but also a six-digit verification code sent to your trusted device or phone number.

To enable Two-Factor Authentication on your iPhone or iPad:

• Open the Settings app.
• Tap your name at the top to access your Apple ID settings.
• Go to Password & Security.
• Tap Two-Factor Authentication, then choose Turn On.
• Follow the on-screen steps to verify your trusted phone number and complete the setup.

2.3 Check Apple System Status

Another simple solution to fix an inactive Apple ID is to check the Apple System Status page. A red dot next to Apple ID indicates a problem with the Apple server. A green dot means the Apple server is working fine, so the problem is likely on your end.

2.4 Reset Apple ID Password

The error message "This Apple ID is not active" often results from incorrect passwords. To fix this, you can reset your Apple ID password on your iPhone or iPad. Here's how to do it:

• Unlock your device and go to Settings, then tap on your name.
• Choose the Password & Security option and tap Change Password.
• Enter the device's passcode when required and follow the on-screen instructions to reset the password.

2.5 Sign In Apple ID from A Web Browser

In some cases, an inactive Apple ID is due to a glitch with the cache memory of your iOS device. This can cause your Apple account sign-in details to be unrecognized. A quick fix is to sign in using a web browser on your computer.

• Open your preferred web browser and go to appleid.apple.com.
• Enter your Apple ID and password, then click the arrow or press Enter to sign in.
• If prompted, complete any additional verification steps, such as entering a verification code sent to your devices.

2.6 Contact Apple Support for Help

If none of the previous solutions have worked and your Apple ID is still not active, your final step is to contact Apple Support for help. They will explain why your Apple account was disabled and provide guidance on how to reactivate it.

2.7 Ultimate Way to Fix This Apple ID is Not Active

If your Apple ID is not active due to a locked Apple account or forgotten sign-in details, FoneGeek iPhone Passcode Unlocker can help. This software removes Apple ID accounts from iOS devices without needing a passcode, making it ideal for used iPhone users who need to remove the previous owner's account.

The software also removes different types of screen locks on iOS devices, including 4-digit passcode, 6-digit passcode, Touch ID, and Face ID. And it works well on all iOS devices and iOS versions, even the newest iPhone 15/14 and iOS 17/16.

Follow this guide to remove Apple ID without a password:

• Download FoneGeek iPhone Passcode Unlocker from its official site and install it on your PC.
• Run the program after installation, and on the home page, select “Unlock Apple ID” to continue.
• Connect your iOS device to your PC using a lightning cable. Unlock the device and tap the “Trust” option if this is the first time you are using the PC with your iOS device.
• Once the device is detected, click on “Start Unlock” to remove the Apple ID linked to it.

Wait for a few minutes for the FoneGeek Passcode Unlocker to work its magic. After, the software will indicate if the Apple ID was removed or not.

Part 3. FAQs About This Apple ID is Not Active

Q1. I bought a second-hand iPhone and see this error. What should I do?

This often means the previous owner’s Apple ID is still linked to the device. You’ll need to ask the seller to remove their Apple ID from the device or use a reliable tool to remove it if contacting the seller isn’t possible.

Q2. Will I lose my data if my Apple ID becomes inactive?

No, your data are still stored in iCloud. Once the Apple ID is reactivated, you’ll regain access to all synced data like photos, contacts, notes, and backups — assuming no data was deleted.

Q3. Can I fix an inactive Apple ID without a password?

Without the password, your options are limited. You may be able to use account recovery or tools like FoneGeek iPhone Passcode Unlocker, but it’s always best to attempt password recovery through Apple’s official channels first.

Final Words

If you're trying to fix the "This Apple ID is not active" error on your iPhone or iPad, consider using the method outlined in this article. FoneGeek iPhone Passcode Unlocker is a simple and fast solution for this issue. This professional software allows you to remove the Apple ID from your iPhone/iPad without needing a password.