If you’ve upgraded to a new iPhone or want to manage your Apple ID devices, it’s important to know how to remove a device from your Apple ID. Removing old or unused devices helps protect your privacy, secures your account, and ensures you have control over which devices can access your iCloud, Apple Music, or App Store purchases.
This guide explains exactly how to remove a device from your Apple ID directly from your iPhone.
Why Remove a Device from Your Apple ID?
Removing a device can help you:
-
Prevent someone else from accessing your Apple ID
-
Free up device slots for iCloud or Family Sharing
-
Fix issues with Find My iPhone
-
Stop receiving iMessages or FaceTime calls on old devices
-
Keep your account secure
It’s a crucial step if you’ve sold, lost, or no longer use a device.
Step 1: Open Your iPhone Settings
-
Unlock your iPhone.
-
Tap the Settings app (the gear icon) on your home screen.
This is where you’ll manage your Apple ID and connected devices.
Step 2: Access Your Apple ID Account
-
At the top of the Settings menu, tap your name or profile picture.
-
This opens your Apple ID account page.
Here you can see all devices linked to your account.
Step 3: View Devices Linked to Your Apple ID
-
Scroll down to the Devices section.
-
You’ll see a list of all devices currently signed in with your Apple ID, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and more.
-
Tap the device you want to remove.
This shows device details like model, OS version, and Find My iPhone status.
Step 4: Remove the Device
-
After selecting the device, scroll down and tap Remove from Account.
-
Confirm your choice by tapping Remove again in the pop-up.
The device is now removed from your Apple ID. It can no longer access iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, or Apple services using your account.
Step 5: Additional Security Steps
After removing a device:
-
Change your Apple ID password if the device was lost or stolen.
-
Enable Two-Factor Authentication for extra security.
-
Check Find My iPhone to ensure the removed device cannot track your location.
These steps protect your account from unauthorized access.
Tips and Notes
-
Removing a device does not erase it automatically; you need to erase the device separately if you want it wiped.
-
You can also remove devices from your Apple ID via iCloud.com: Sign in → Account Settings → Devices → Remove.
-
Only devices signed in with your Apple ID appear in the list; some may take a few minutes to update.
Final Thoughts
Removing a device from your Apple ID on an iPhone is simple and crucial for account security. Whether you’re upgrading to a new iPhone, selling an old device, or securing your account, following these steps ensures your Apple ID is safe and only accessible on devices you trust.