How do I disconnect or remove my iCloud account?

  • Updated

Before you ship your device, it’s mandatory to disconnect your personal accounts, otherwise there will be delays to your trade-in, repair, or return. 

There are 2 ways to disconnect your device from your iCloud account — even if your device isn’t with you.

Before we start, note that when you click "Erase All Content and Settings" it completely erases your device, including your Apple Pay payment methods, photos, contacts, music, and apps. It will also turn off iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, Game Center, and other services. Your content won't be deleted from iCloud when you erase your device.

Haven't backup your data yet? Learn how to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

Ready? Choose your situation:

My iPhone or iPad is with me and works.

My MacBook is with me and works.

My iPhone/iPad/MacBook either isn't with me, doesn't work, or both.

My iPhone or iPad is with me and works.

Step 1. Make sure you have your iCloud account credentials handy. You'll need to know which iCloud account was on the device and the corresponding password. Find your Apple ID email address or phone number

Step 2. From Settings, go to: "General" > "Reset" (or "Transfer or Reset iPhone" on iOS 15).

Step 3. Click "Erase All Content and Settings". (If you turned on "Find My", you'll need to enter your Apple ID and password.)

  • If your device uses eSIM, choose the option to erase your device and the eSIM profile when asked. 
  • Note If the button is not available, you'll have to deactivate the Screen Time restrictions. Find your Screen Time passcode 

  • Enter your passcode if asked. Then select "Erase [device]" and confirm. The reset and reboot processes will take a few minutes to complete. Once it's done, there's no need to do anything further, just turn the device off. In the meantime, you should have received an email confirming that the "Find My" setting has been disabled.

  • If you got a "Verification Failed" message, try again by activating your Wi-Fi connection only, or cellular service only. If that doesn't work and you have access to a computer, try to restore the device to factory settings by following the steps here: Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings (Don't forget to turn off "Find My" first.)

  • Alternatively, you can disconnect your iCloud account from your device without using the device itself — just jump to the last section below to learn how.

My MacBook is with me and works.

Step 1. Make sure you have your iCloud account credentials handy. You'll need to know which iCloud account is/was on the device and the corresponding password. Find your Apple ID email address or phone number

Step 2. Go to Apple menu > "System Preferences".

Step 3. Select "Apple ID". If you can't find "Apple ID" (because you're using macOS Mojave or earlier) select "iCloud".  

Step 4. Select "Overview" > "Sign Out".

  • Note that before signing out of your Apple ID, you can copy or archive iCloud documents and data to your Mac. See this article for help: If you sign out of your Apple ID preferences on Mac
  • Note that after signing out of your Apple ID on your Mac, you can still access your iCloud documents, data, photos, and videos on any of your other devices that were set up using your Apple ID. You can also access this content on iCloud.com.

Step 6. Enter your Apple ID password to confirm. 

Congrats, you've successfully signed out of your iCloud on your Mac.

My iPhone/iPad/MacBook either isn't with me, doesn't work, or both.

Step 1. Go to https://www.icloud.com/ and log in to the same iCloud account connected to your device.

  • If the two-factor authentication has been activated, you'll receive the 6-digit verification code on your trusted devices. If you haven't received it, put your SIM card in another device and click on "Didn't Get a verification code" > "Text me", and you'll receive it via a text message on your trusted phone number. Learn more about two-factor authentication for Apple ID

  • If you forgot your password check out this article: Find your Apple ID password

Step 2. Select "Find iPhone"

  • If you don't see the logo of the setting "Find My", it may be because you're not connected to the right iCloud account (make sure it's the one used on your device), or it could be because you never activated the "Find My" setting on this device, in which case, you have nothing more to do here.

Step 3. Select "All Devices" at the top of the window. 

  • If you don't see "All Devices", it's because you've already selected a device. Select the name of the current device in the center of the toolbar to access the "Devices" list, then select a new device.

Step 4. Select the device you want to disconnect. Your device must be offline — you should see a gray dot beside it if it is. A device is considered offline when it's turned off or not connected to a data network.

  • If you have multiple devices under the same name, proceed by elimination or use the function "Play Sound" for each device. Also, you can check your Apple ID device list to see where you're signed in and see the serial number/IMEI for each one of them on https://appleid.apple.com/

  • If you still have your device, but it's not working properly (e.g. can't access settings, the screen is broken, etc.), make sure it's offline. The easiest way is to turn it off and wait 3 minutes for the process to complete before going on to the next step. If that's not possible, make sure you're not connected to your Wi-Fi network (turn off your box or get far enough to lose connection) or any mobile data network (remove your SIM card).

Step 5. Select "Remove from Account". If you don't see this button, make sure your device is offline.

Step 6. Select "Remove" when asked to confirm.

Step 7. Enter your Apple ID password and click "Remove". The setting "Find My" has been successfully disabled on your device. 

Step 8. To confirm that the process is complete, please do the following:

  • Sign in to your Apple account using your Apple ID. If you’re not automatically redirected, select “Devices”. Be aware that this is a different portal than iCloud. (You may be asked to enter a code for the two-factor authentication. If you haven’t received it, put your SIM card into another device and click “Didn’t get a verification code?” then “Text Me.” You’ll receive the code via text message to the phone number on file.) 

  • Once you've signed in, choose the device you’ve just removed the “Find My” functionality from. (If you don't see the device listed, this means it has been completely removed and you're done! If you're trading in the device, take a screenshot to send to the refurbisher.)

  • Under the “Backup & Security” section, you should see “Find My iPhone Off” with a slash to the left of it. This means the device’s “Find My” functionality has been removed. (If you're trading in the device, take a screenshot to send to the refurbisher.)

  • Note that for trade-ins, the refurbisher may also need the last lock code used on your phone to complete the reset. You can provide it safely after they've given you proof that your item has been reset.

Related articles

Return to top