How to resolve Apple Account deactivation and freezing issues on iPhone 14?

So basically, my boyfriend has a problem with his phone. When he bought the iPhone 14, it was completely original and he has all the paperwork and everything. When he logged into his Apple account, for some reason his account suddenly got deactivated and locked, so he can’t really do anything with it. Even when he enters the correct password, it doesn’t accept it. He doesn’t want to reset the phone because he’s afraid he’ll lose his Apple account completely.

His phone is also acting up in other ways. It keeps freezing, he can’t download updates because he can’t enter his password, and even though he deleted photos, it still says that the storage is full. A lot of the time, when he opens Safari, for example, it just closes, the search doesn’t work, or the phone shuts down and turns back on by itself.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: What can we do?

Posted on Sep 16, 2026 10:33 PM

1 reply

WheelieNick

Level 9 (74,110 points)

Sep 17, 2026 3:04 AM in response to evka288

Because his account says it is deactivated or locked, it will continue to reject the correct password until Apple grants access.

Do not keep trying the password: Repeated attempts will prolong the security lock.
Look for a "Request Access" prompt: If he sees a notification or alert on the screen stating the account is inactive, tap Request Access or Continue directly from that message to start an automated review.
Use the Official Recovery Website: If the phone is too frozen to use, open a web browser on yourphone or a computer and go to Apple's iForgot Portal. Enter his Apple ID and follow the steps to request account reactivation.
Prepare the Documentation: Because he bought it original and kept the paperwork, he is in a perfect position. If the automated recovery fails, he can submit an official request via the Apple Activation Lock Support Page or visit an Apple Store with his receipt, ID, and the phone's serial/IMEI number.