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!

Before Fixing the Can’t Sign Out of Apple ID Issue

Ensure that Apple server works normally at the time you sign out of the Apple ID. If there is downtime, some or all of the services stop working abruptly. Simply wait for Apple to fix the issue and then try signing out again.

• 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.

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.

If the issue isn’t gone, turn off Screen Time passcode first and then disable Screen Time again.

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 or screen passcode, 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. 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 6. 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 7. 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 Do I Force Log Out of My Apple Account on iPhone

There are times when you need to force log out of your Apple ID on an iPhone. For example, you may be unable to sign out in the Settings app even with the password, need to log out of a disabled Apple ID or want to remove your Apple ID from the device without the forgotten password.

In this section, we will share 4 ways to sign out of your Apple ID on iPhone without using the Settings app or password. You can first get an overview of them in 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:

Step 1 Click “Remove Apple ID” in Passixer Interface

When the quick start screen for the software appears, select Remove Apple ID from the features displayed.

Step 2 Click “Start” and Follow the Corresponding Steps

Afterwards, link the faulty iPhone or iPad to your computer with the aid of a USB cable. Once the software detects your connection, click "Start". Next, based on the condition of the Find My feature on your device. If Find My is Off, Apple ID removal will begin immediately after clicking the button above.

If Find My is ON (iOS 11.4 or Earlier)

Step Reset iPhone Settings to Start Removing Apple ID

Reset all settings via the Settings app on your iPhone and then Passixer will start removing Apple ID from your device.

If Find My is ON (iOS 11.4 or Later)

Step 1 Complete the Setup to Get Ready for Apple ID Removal

Set up a screen passcode, enable 2FA and confirm your action.

Step 2 Check Device Info and Download Firmware

Next, Passixer will scrutinize the connected device for some device info so it can recommend the right firmware to remove the Apple ID. Click "Start" to get the firmware downloaded.

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Step 3 Begin Removing Apple ID

When the download is completed, input 0000 in the empty space shown on the subsequent screen and hit the Unlock button. Now, the Apple ID removal operation is begun.

Step 4 Follow Onscreen Steps to End the Removal Process

Follow the onscreen steps to finish the Apple ID removal.

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.

Way 4. Disconnect Apple ID from iPhone via Erase All Content and Settings

This way will force you to sign out of Apple ID directly on iPhone, provided that you know the screen passcode and haven’t enabled the Find My feature.

Step 1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Step 2. Select Erase All Content and Settings among the erase options. Then confirm the erase with your screen passcode.

Fixed: Can’t Sign Out of Apple ID on Mac

There are 4 main fixes to get rid of the Can’t Sign Out of Apple ID on Mac issue. You can follow them one by one until you get the problem fixed.

Fix 1. Activate Your Apple ID

If you are unable to sign out of your Apple ID in Mac Settings because your Apple ID is inactive, contact Apple Support to recover your account.

Additionally, if you see the Request Access option on your Mac, you can select it and follow the on-screen instructions to complete activation.

Fix 2. Turn off Screen Time on Mac

A greyed-out Sign Out option on Mac usually indicates that your Mac has restrictions, with Screen Time being one of them. Try to turn off the Screen Time passcode and disable the feature to see if the issue is resolved.

Step 1: Open the System Settings app on your Mac and select Screen Time from the left pane.

Step 2: Scroll down and toggle off Lock Screen Time Settings.

Step 3: Input the Screen Time passcode, Mac password or Touch ID.

Step 4: Find App & Website Activity and disable it.

Fix 3. Disable MDM on Mac

MDM is another common restriction that can cause the ‘Can’t Sign Out of Apple ID’ issue on a Mac. You can remove the MDM profile using your device password or ask the administrator to help you delete the MDM configurations.

Step 1: Click the Apple icon in the top menu and select System Settings.

Step 2: Switch to the General tab in the left pane and choose Device Management in the right section.

Step 3: Choose the MDM profile, click the minus icon at the bottom right corner and confirm the removal with your Mac password.

Fix 4. Factory Reset Mac

If your Mac isn’t supervised, you can erase it via the Settings app to remove all content and settings, including the signed-in Apple ID. You will need the screen passcode during the reset, and if Find My Mac is enabled, the Apple ID and password are required afterward to bypass the iCloud Activation Lock.

Step 1: Choose System Settings from the drop-down of the Apple menu.

Step 2: In the System Settings window, select General in the left menu and choose Transfer or Reset in the right pane.

Step 3: Hit Erase All Content and Settings and enter the Mac password.

Step 4: Back up your Mac with Time Machine.

Step 5: Sign out of your Apple ID with the correct password. Next, click Erase All Content and Settings in the shown box.

Step 6: Connect your Mac to a workable network like WiFi and restart the device.

Step 7: Set up your Mac as new.

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 7 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.