How to Remove a Device from iCloud Remotely

If you no longer have access to the device itself, you can use iCloud Find Devices to erase and remove it remotely.

You will need the Apple Account email address or phone number and password linked to the device.

Step 1 - Go to iCloud Find Devices

Open any web browser and go to icloud.com/find

Enter the email address or phone number linked to your Apple Account, followed by your password, then select Sign In.

Forgotten your password?

Select Forgotten your password? or go to iforgot.apple.com

Enter the email address or phone number associated with your Apple Account and follow the instructions to reset your password.

Step 2 - Select your device

Once Find Devices opens, click All Devices and choose the device you want to remove.

Make sure you select the correct device before continuing.

Step 3 - Erase the device

Select Erase This Device and follow the instructions on screen.

You do not need to enter a lost-device phone number or message. Confirm the erase when prompted.

Step 4 - Wait for the device to erase

If the device is online, the erase will begin after you confirm it.

If the device is offline, the erase will begin automatically the next time it connects to the internet.

Apple will send an email when the device has been erased.

Step 5 - Remove the device

Once the erase has completed, return to the device in Find Devices and select Remove This Device.

This removes Activation Lock and removes the device from Find My.

Step 6 - Done

Your device is now removed from Find My and Activation Lock has been removed.

The device can now be activated and connected to another Apple Account.

Good to know

  • If the device is offline, the erase will begin when it next connects to the internet.
  • Erasing the device alone does not remove Activation Lock. You must select Remove This Device after the erase has completed.
  • This process can be used for supported Apple devices including iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch.
  • For more information, see Apple’s guide: support.apple.com/en-gb/108934

 

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