The Find My iPhone app allows you to locate, lock, or erase your iPhone if it is ever lost or stolen. It can also help you find missing AirPods, iPads, Macs and other devices linked to your Apple ID.
While this app provides important security features, there may come a time when you need to remove a device from Find My iPhone. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do that.
Table of Contents
Reasons to Remove a Device from Find My iPhone
There are a few common reasons you may need to remove a device from Find My iPhone:
- Selling or giving away a device – Before passing an iPhone, iPad or Mac to a new owner, you’ll want to erase it from Find My iPhone to disable Activation Lock. This allows the new owner to activate and use the device normally.
- Troubleshooting issues – Sometimes removing and re-adding a device to Find My iPhone can resolve connection problems.
- Privacy – If you no longer use a device you may wish to remove it from Find My iPhone to protect your privacy. This also cleans up your Devices list.
How to Remove an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch
Removing an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch from Find My iPhone is simple:
On the iOS Device Itself
- Open the Settings app
- Tap your Apple ID banner at the top of the screen
- Tap Find My
- Tap Find My [device name] and toggle the switch off
- Enter your Apple ID password and tap Turn Off
On Another iOS Device
- Open the Find My app
- Tap Devices at the bottom
- Tap the device you wish to remove
- Tap Remove This Device
On iCloud.com
- Visit iCloud.com and login
- Click Find My iPhone
- Click the device
- Click Remove from Account
Be sure to back up any data on the device before removing it from Find My iPhone.
How to Remove a Mac from Find My iPhone
To remove a Mac from Find My iPhone:
- Click the Apple menu > System Preferences > Apple ID
- Click iCloud
- Disable Find My Mac
How to Remove AirPods or Beats Headphones
To remove AirPods, Beats headphones or other audio accessories:
- Place the device in its case
- Hold down the button on the case until the status light flashes white
- On your iPhone, open the Find My app
- The device will disappear from the Devices list once unpaired
How to Remove an Apple Watch
To remove an Apple Watch from Find My iPhone:
- Open the Apple Watch app on iPhone
- Tap My Watch > Unpair Apple Watch
- Tap again to confirm
This will sign the watch out of your Apple ID and remove Activation Lock.
Tips When Removing Devices
Keep these tips in mind when removing a device from Find My iPhone:
- Double check the device is removed from your account afterwards
- Back up your data first in case you need it later
- For lost or stolen devices, erase them remotely after removal
- Turn off Find My iPhone before selling, trading in or recycling a device
Removing devices properly from Find My iPhone ensures they are fully disconnected from your account. Follow the step-by-step instructions above to remove iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods or other devices. This keeps your data safe and allows new owners to activate devices they purchase from you.
