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Lena Müller

EDD account locked after password reset - can't access UI Online at all

I'm seriously frustrated right now. I tried to log into my UI Online account to certify for benefits yesterday, but kept getting the wrong password error. I reset my password through the 'Forgot Password' link, got the email, created a new password... and now it says my account is LOCKED?! I haven't even been able to log in once with the new password. Just keeps saying 'Your account has been locked due to multiple unsuccessful login attempts.' I need to certify by Sunday or I'll miss this payment period. Has anyone dealt with this? Do I need to call them or is there some online fix I'm missing? This is the worst possible timing since my rent is due next week and I'm counting on this payment.

I dealt with this exact situation last month. Unfortunately, the only way to get the account unlocked is to call EDD directly. There's no online way to resolve the lock. You'll need to specifically ask for a 'security block' removal. Make sure to have your account number, SSN, and security questions ready when you call. Good luck getting through though - their phone lines are always jammed.

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Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. Their phone lines are impossible! Has anyone had success calling at a specific time of day?

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had the same problem and waited 3 days hoping it would unlock itself. it doesnt. you gotta call.

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3 days?! I don't have that kind of time before my certification deadline. This is so stressful.

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Try clearing your browser cache and cookies first! Sometimes that actually works with the EDD website. Also try using a different browser completely before spending hours trying to call.

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Thanks, I'll try that right now. Fingers crossed it works!

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Update: Just tried clearing cache, cookies, using Edge instead of Chrome, even tried on my phone. Still locked. Looks like calling is my only option...

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After struggling with the exact same issue, I discovered Claimyr and it saved me hours of frustration. Their service connects you with an EDD representative without having to redial constantly. I watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km) and decided to try it. Got through to an agent in about 20 minutes who unlocked my account immediately. Just go to claimyr.com if you're desperate to get through. It's worth checking out especially when you're up against a certification deadline.

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does that actually work?? im always getting the 'too many callers' message whenever i try EDD

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Account locks are a security measure that won't resolve automatically. Here's the most efficient process: 1. Call the EDD technical support line at 1-833-978-2511 (not the regular claims line) 2. Select the account services option in the menu 3. Specifically request a security unlock for your UI Online account 4. They'll verify your identity with several questions 5. Once unlocked, wait at least 30 minutes before attempting to log in again 6. When you do log in, use the exact password you reset to The technical support line tends to have slightly shorter wait times than the regular claims line. Also, calling right when they open at 8:00 AM or during lunch hours (12-1) sometimes works better.

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Thank you so much for the detailed steps! I'll try the technical support line specifically. Really appreciate the tip about waiting times too.

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THE EDD SYSTEM IS GARBAGE!!! I got locked out 3 TIMES this year alone. Each time I had to call and wait HOURS just to talk to someone. The whole system is designed to make people give up on their benefits. And they wonder why people get frustrated and angry when calling!!!

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It definitely seems designed to be frustrating. I just don't understand why there isn't a self-service option to unlock accounts with proper verification.

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try logging in thru the main edd.ca.gov site instead of going directly to UI online sometimes works for me

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Just tried that too - no luck. Still getting the locked message. Thanks for the suggestion though!

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I wanted to update everyone - I called using the technical support number that was suggested earlier (1-833-978-2511) and after about 45 minutes on hold, I got through to someone who unlocked my account. The representative said that when you do a password reset, you should wait at least 15 minutes before trying to log in, otherwise the system can get confused and trigger a lock. Just posting this in case it helps someone else avoid the same problem!

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Thanks for updating us! That's valuable information about the 15-minute wait period after password resets. I hadn't heard that specific guideline before, but it makes sense given how their systems work. Glad you got it resolved before your certification deadline!

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wait really? they never tell us these "rules" anywhere on the website!!! typical EDD keeping important info secret

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I'm going through this exact same nightmare right now! Been trying to get into my account for 2 days and it's locked after I reset my password. The fact that there's no self-service unlock option is absolutely ridiculous - every other website in 2025 has basic account recovery features. I'm going to try calling that technical support number (1-833-978-2511) that was mentioned, and definitely waiting the 15 minutes after any password changes from now on. It's crazy that they don't publish these "hidden rules" anywhere. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here - at least now I know I'm not going crazy and this is a common issue with their broken system!

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You're definitely not going crazy - this is such a widespread issue! I've been dealing with EDD for months and their system quirks are infuriating. That 15-minute rule after password resets should absolutely be posted somewhere obvious, but like you said, they keep these critical details hidden. Hope the technical support line works for you! Pro tip: have all your info ready (SSN, account number, etc.) before calling so you don't waste time scrambling for documents once you finally get through. Good luck!

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Just wanted to add another tip that helped me when I had the same lockout issue - if you're calling the technical support line (1-833-978-2511), try calling exactly at 8:00 AM when they open. I set an alarm and called right on the dot, got through in about 15 minutes instead of the usual hour+ wait. The rep told me that password reset lockouts are one of their most common calls, which is pretty sad when you think about it. She also mentioned that if you have to reset your password again in the future, don't just wait 15 minutes - actually close your browser completely, clear cache, then wait the 15 minutes before attempting to log in. Apparently their session management is really fragile. Hope this helps someone avoid the frustration!

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This is incredibly helpful - thank you for the detailed steps! The 8 AM calling tip is gold, and I never would have thought about completely closing the browser and clearing cache before the 15-minute wait. It's honestly embarrassing that EDD's system is so fragile that we need these elaborate workarounds just to reset a password. I'm bookmarking this thread for future reference because I have a feeling this won't be the last time I run into account issues with their system. Really appreciate everyone sharing their hard-learned tricks here!

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I've been helping people with EDD account lockouts for a while now, and I wanted to compile all the best advice from this thread into one place: **Immediate Steps:** 1. Call the technical support line at 1-833-978-2511 (NOT the regular claims line) 2. Best calling times: exactly 8:00 AM or during lunch hours (12-1 PM) 3. Have ready: SSN, account number, and answers to security questions **For Future Password Resets:** - After resetting password, close browser completely and clear cache - Wait exactly 15 minutes before attempting to log in - Use the exact password you created during reset **Why This Happens:** The EDD system treats multiple rapid login attempts (even with correct info) as suspicious activity and triggers an automatic lock. It's a security feature that backfires more often than it helps. The fact that we all have to share these "secret rules" in community forums instead of EDD publishing clear instructions is absolutely frustrating. But at least we can help each other navigate their broken system! Hope everyone gets their accounts unlocked quickly.

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This is an amazing summary - thank you so much for putting all this together in one place! I wish EDD would just pin something like this to their website instead of making us figure it out through trial and error. It's ridiculous that basic account management requires insider knowledge and community forums to navigate. I'm definitely saving this comment for future reference. The fact that you mentioned this being a "security feature that backfires more often than it helps" really hits the nail on the head - their system punishes legitimate users way more than it stops actual security threats. Really appreciate you taking the time to compile everyone's hard-earned wisdom here!

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