Fixed: Can’t Sign Out of Apple ID on iPhone/iPad

Having to sign out of Apple ID on an iPhone or iPad is a common practice among sellers and buyers of a second-hand device. Another instance where this is possible is when you need to change the Apple ID linked to your iDevice. Regardless of the reason, performing this operation isn’t a tough task to complete.

However, for some reason, some users are finding it difficult. Is this the same with you? You are on the right page to seek solutions. This post will walk you through the reasons why you can’t sign out of Apple ID and how to fix the underlying issue without hassles. Keep reading!

How to Sign Out of Apple ID on iPhone

If you’re logging out of your Apple ID on an iPhone for the first time, ensure that you follow the correct steps. Keep in mind that signing out of the App Store alone will not completely remove your Apple ID from the device.

Step 1. Open Settings and tap your Apple ID avatar.

Step 2. Locate the bottom screen and hit Sign Out.

Step 3. Input your Apple ID password and tap Turn Off. 

Step 4. Determine what data to keep on your device and tap Sign Out to confirm the log-out.

Reasons and Fixes for Can’t Sign Out of Apple ID on iPhone/iPad

Below, we list out some of the reasons your iPhone or iPad could display “Sign-out is not available” or “Could not sign out” issues and the corresponding fixes to resolve it. Check and implement the one that’s easiest for you:

Reason 1. Screen Time Restrictions

When you activate the Screen Time Restrictions feature on an iPhone and try to sign out the Apple ID linked to it, the corresponding sign-out button will turn grey which signals that you can’t perform the operation. This is because there is a privacy restriction on the account.

Fix: Disable Screen Time Restrictions

If Screen Time Restrictions is the reason for the underlying issue, disabling the feature is the best solution to fix it. This solution is simple to implement and the steps you need to follow are shared down here:

• Begin with launching the Settings menu screen on your iPhone.
• Scroll down and hit the Screen Time button.
• Swipe to the bottom of the screen and hit the Turn Off Screen Time.

Reason 2. Restoration of iCloud Backup

Perhaps you’ve configured your device to restore your files from iCloud backup, then you are stopped from logging out of your Apple ID.

Fix: Stop iCloud Backup Restoration or Wait for Restoration to Finish

In this case, you need to wait until the data restoration is completed. If you are in a hurry to delete the Apple ID account from your device, you could stop the data restoration process. To do this, follow the simple guide shown down here:

• Open the Settings panel on your device.
• Locate and click on your profile name, then select iCloud on the subsequent screen.
• Head down to the next interface to where you have DEVICE BACKUPS and click on iCloud Backup.
• Next, tap on Stop Restoring [iPhone/iPad]. Once done, iCloud backup restoration will immediately stop.

Reason 3. Activation of MDM

Are you using a device with MDM enabled on it? If so, MDM could be the main culprit. This is because there is a central system managed by an administrator that controls all operations on the device. Permission is required from this system for you to perform any activity or make changes on the device.

Fix: Disable MDM Restrictions

Disabling MDM restrictions is the best solution to implement in this scenario. However, it’s important you’re in contact with the administrator of the device if MDM was placed by a firm, if not then you must have the credentials(user name and password) readily available to successfully complete the operation.

Here’s how to disable MDM restrictions on your iPhone or iPad:

• Click on the appropriate button to launch the Settings panel.
• Find the General icon and tap on it.
• Select Device Management on the subsequent interface.
• Next, click on [MDM Profile] and select Remove Management.
• When the prompt pops up for you to provide MDM account name and password, input the information correctly (if you are in control of the MDM). However, if the MDM was installed by a firm, you have to ask for the admin to finish this step.

Reason 4. Unstable Internet Connection

If you have poor internet service on your iPhone or iPad, you may struggle to sign out of your Apple ID. Your internet strength is crucial when performing such an operation to avoid the underlying issue.

Fix: Connect to Strong Network

You need a strong and reliable network service to remove the Apple ID from your iDevice successfully. We suggest that you switch the network from WiFi to Cellular data or vice versa. Alternatively, you can contact your network service provider to help you resolve internet issues.

Reason 5. Apple Server Issue

The Apple server is the control room for checking everything underneath the Apple ecosystem. Once it’s down, some if not all of the services stop working abruptly. This could be the reason why you can’t sign out of Apple ID on your iPhone or iPad.

Fix: Check Apple Server Status

Checking the Apple server to see the situation of things is a pro tip you could employ when faced with the underlying issue. To do this, apply the procedure below:

• Go to the official website for Apple Server.
• Search for Apple ID from the options shown. If you see a green dot beside the option, then the server is up. However, if you see red, then the server is down. If the server is down currently, wait and try to log out of Apple ID later.

Reason 6. Enable Focus Mode

Focus Mode is a feature designed to help you silence all notifications or allow certain notifications. Should you enable this feature on your iOS device, signing out of Apple ID may be impossible regardless of whether you have your password or not.

Fix: Turn Off Focus Mode

You need to deactivate Focus Mode on the corresponding device so you can disconnect the Apple ID from your iPhone/iPad. This can be done using the following step-by-step procedure:

• Swipe down from the upper right corner of your screen to access the control center.
• Locate the Focus Mode icon and tap on it to deactivate it.

In case you use an iPhone with the Home button instead, follow these steps below to turn off Focus Mode:

• Swipe up from the bottom of your screen and the control center will open.
• Tap on the Focus Mode icon to successfully turn off the feature from operation.

Reason 7. Account Deactivation

If your Apple ID is deactivated(locked/disabled), the Sign Out option would be greyed out and you cannot remove the account linked to the device.

Fix: Reset Apple ID Password

A simple reset of your Apple ID password would be helpful in fixing can’t sign out of Apple ID in this case. To reset the password to your account, follow these steps:

• Launch your preferred web browser and head to the website iforgot.apple.com.
• Enter your Apple ID and its associated phone number if required.
• Access the Reset Password message on the trusted device like Mac and iPhone.
• Click Reset on Mac System Preferences or tap Allow on iPhone when you see “Use this phone to reset password”.
• Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the password reset. At last, you can use the new Apple ID password to sign out of Apple ID on your device.

Reason 8. Software Glitches

When your iOS is outdated, your entire iPhone or iPad begins to glitch and malfunction. One pronounced issue you may encounter is “could not sign out of Apple ID”.

Fix 1: Force Restart Device

With a simple force restart, you can clear temporary iOS glitches causing your iPhone or iPad to display the underlying issue. This solution involves turning your device off and on using hotkeys and not interacting with your screen.

Chose and use the guide that matches your device model from the guides shared down here:

iPhone 8/SE (2nd and 3rd Generation)/X and Later Models

• Press and release the Volume Up button.
• Hold and release the Volume Down button also.
• Long press the Side button until your device shows the Apple logo on its screen.

iPhone 7 Series

• Long press the Power button and Volume Down button simultaneously.
• Keep holding the buttons till you see the Apple logo.

iPhone 6/5 and Older Models

• Hold down the Power and Home buttons concurrently.
• Continue holding the buttons till the Apple logo appears on your display screen.

iPad with Face ID/ Touch ID

• As fast as possible, press and release the Volume Up button.
• Proceed to do exactly the same with the Volume Down button.
• Afterwards, hold the Power button till you see the Apple logo on your screen, then release it.

iPad with Home Button

• Press down the Home + Top buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo comes up.

Fix 2: Update iOS/iPadOS

If the solution above fails, you should try updating your OS to the most recent version. This helps you erase those bugs that are causing the underlying issue.

Here is how to update your OS:

• Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
• Choose General on the subsequent screen.
• Tap on Software Update and wait patiently for your device to check Apple’s database for update.
• If there’s an update, an interface with the Download and Install button will appear. Click on the button to commence the update installation.

How to Remove Apple ID from iPhone/iPad Without Sign-Out Option

If the underlying issue persists after implementing all the solutions above, you can consider unlinking the Apple ID from your iPhone or iPad without the Settings app. Note that these methods will erase all content and settings from your device. The only exception, in some cases, is Passixer. You can learn more details from the table below.

Way 1. Delete Apple ID from iDevice with Passixer

Passixer iPhone Unlocker offers a smooth and stress-free Apple ID removal feature from any iPhone or iPad model without requesting you to provide the corresponding password. It also comes in handy when the Sign Out option is greyed out or you need to remove the previous owner’s Apple ID from your second-hand iPhone/iPad. Unlike other ways in this part, Passixer will keep your iPhone data intact after Apple ID removal if you haven’t enabled Find My before.

Steps to Use Passixer for Fixing Can’t Sign Out Of Apple ID on iPhone/iPad

Install Passixer on your computer, launch it and apply the simple procedures down here:

If Find My is ON (iOS 11.4 or Earlier)

If Find My is ON (iOS 11.4 or Later)

Way 2. Remove Apple ID from iPhone via iCloud Find My

Find My feature in iCloud can not only locate your Apple device but also can remotely erase it, which will remove Apple ID from your iDevice. Here is how to use this way.

Step 1. Sign in to iCloud Find My with the Apple ID used on the iPhone whose Apple ID you want to remove.

Step 2. Expand the device list and choose your iPhone.

Step 3. Click Erase This Device and enter the Apple ID password.

Way 3. Unlink Apple ID from iPhone Using iTunes/Finder

If Find My is disabled on your iPhone, try this way to restore your device to factory settings. All data and settings will be deleted from your iPhone, including the Apple ID.

Step 1. Run iTunes on your Windows PC or launch Finder on your Mac. If you are running Windows 10 or later, you can use Apple Devices instead.

Step 2. Connect your iPhone to the computer and locate it in the official app you choose. Here we take Finder as an example.

Step 3. Click Restore iPhone in the right section.

Step 4. Start the device restore by clicking Restore.

FAQs

Conclusion

Now you know the reason why you can’t sign out of Apple ID and the appropriate solution to resolve the issue when it happens. We discussed 8 basic reasons and solutions to fix the underlying issue, choose and apply any one of them. The solution involving Passixer is advanced and obviously the ultimate one to implement.