How to Remove Find My iPhone Before Selling

Of every step in selling an iPhone, this is the one that catches people out — and the one that can stall a sale completely. Find My iPhone is linked to Activation Lock, Apple's anti-theft feature. If it is still switched on, nobody else can use the phone. Here is why it matters and exactly how to turn it off.

Why Activation Lock stops a sale

When Find My is on, your iPhone is tied to your Apple Account. Even after a wipe, the device will demand your Apple Account password before it can be set up again. That is great if your phone is stolen — and a problem if you are trying to sell it, because the buyer is locked out.

So before any iPhone changes hands, Find My / Activation Lock must be off. There is no way around it, and a reputable buyer will not be able to complete the purchase until it is cleared.

Method 1: Turn it off on the iPhone (easiest)

If you still have the phone in your hand:

1. Open Settings and tap your name at the top.
2. Tap Find My, then Find My iPhone.
3. Toggle it Off.
4. Enter your Apple Account password when prompted.

That's it — Activation Lock is released for that device.

💡 Even easier: a full Erase All Content and Settings does this automatically when you enter your Apple Account password. So if you are following our factory reset guide, you don't need to do this separately.

Method 2: Remove it from another Apple device

If you have another iPhone, iPad, or Mac signed in to the same Apple Account:

• On an iPhone/iPad: open the Find My app > Devices > select the old phone > Remove This Device.
• On a Mac: open Find My > Devices > select the device > Remove This Device.

Method 3: Remove it remotely (already handed it over?)

If the phone is no longer with you but you still know your Apple Account login:

1. Go to iCloud.com/find on any browser and sign in.
2. Select the iPhone from the device list.
3. Choose Erase iPhone (if not already erased).
4. Once erased, choose Remove from Account.

This clears your data and Activation Lock so the new owner can use the device.

How to confirm it worked

After erasing, the iPhone should restart to the "Hello" setup screen and let you proceed without being asked for a previous owner's Apple Account. If it asks to sign in with an Apple Account that isn't the new owner's, Activation Lock is still on and needs removing using Method 3.

Forgot your Apple Account password?

You need it to turn off Find My, so reset it first at iforgot.apple.com. Don't erase the phone until you can sign in — otherwise you'll be stuck with a locked device that no one can use.

Next step

With Find My off, finish preparing the device with a full factory reset, then book your free home collection. Not got a quote yet? Get one in under a minute.