If you own an Apple device, you’ve probably seen the feature called Find My iPhone. It is a powerful tool designed to protect your device if it gets lost or stolen. However, there are times when you may need to switch it off, such as before you trade in or sell iPhone, when you want to give away device safely, or if you plan to recycle your Mac. Many people also turn it off when setting up a used phone or before upgrading. In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to turn off Find My iPhone on all devices easily.
What Is Find My iPhone and Why You May Need to Turn It Off
Find My iPhone links your device with Activation Lock, a feature that prevents others from using your phone if it is stolen. However, there are moments when turning it off is necessary. For example, if you want to trade in or sell iPhone / iPad, send it for repair, or even give away device safely, you must first disable Find My. This keeps the new owner from being locked out and ensures your personal data is not left behind.
Apple’s ecosystem requires every device to be removed from your account before transfer. If you do not switch it off, the buyer or technician cannot set up the device. According to Apple Support, deactivating Find My is the first and most important step when you prepare device before selling your iPhone or iPad.
How to Turn Off Find My iPhone Directly from Your Device
On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app. Tap your name, select “Find My,” and then toggle off “Find My iPhone.” Enter your Apple ID password to confirm. Once this is done, Activation Lock will be removed automatically. The iPhone User Guide and iPad User Guide also confirm these steps.
This process is quick, but forgetting your Apple ID password will block you from finishing. Many Apple users in the USA report that forgetting login details is one of the most common issues. Apple Support recommends recovering your account details before attempting to disable the feature.
How to Turn Off Find My iPhone on iOS 13 and Later
For devices running iOS 13 or newer, the steps are similar but designed with updated menus. Go to Settings, then tap your name, open “Find My,” and choose “Find My iPhone.” From there, simply turn off the option and provide your Apple ID password.
Apple has adjusted menu layouts in later updates, so always check which iOS version you are using. If your phone is running iOS 17, the path is identical, but earlier macOS version (macOS 14, macOS 15) changes apply to Macs, not iPhones. Still, keeping track of your operating system is vital before following any guide.
How to Turn Off Find My iPhone from iCloud.com (Web Browser)
If you no longer have your device in hand, you can still remove it through iCloud.com Find My. Sign in using your Apple ID, select “Find iPhone,” and then choose the device you want to remove. Click on “Erase Device” and then “Remove from Account.” This completely disconnects it from your Apple ID.
This method is useful when a phone is lost or sold before being properly erased. Many people in the USA who trade their devices online or use carrier programs rely on this method to make sure ownership is cleared. Without it, the buyer will be stuck with an unusable phone.
How to Disable Find My iPhone Without Your Phone (Using Another Device)
Apple Family Sharing or another trusted Apple device can help if your own phone is unavailable. You can log in on another iPhone, iPad, or even Mac and remove the device from your account. This is done by opening the Find My app, selecting the missing device, and choosing “Remove.”
Many families in the USA use this option when a child’s phone is being repaired. It is simple, effective, and avoids delays at service centers. It also ensures your data remains safe, while still allowing you to prepare the device for official service checks.
How to Turn Off Find My on Mac
On a Mac, the method changes based on your macOS version (macOS 14, macOS 15). For macOS 15 or later, open System Settings, click your name, and select iCloud. From there, turn off Find My Mac. For macOS 14 or earlier, open iCloud, find the “Find My Mac” option, and switch it off.
After confirming with your Apple ID password, Activation Lock will be removed. Before you recycle your Mac or hand it in for trade-in, disabling Find My is a required step. Apple clearly states in its instructions that technicians will not service your Mac if the feature is still on.
How to Remove AirPods, Apple Watch, or AirTag from Find My
Accessories like AirPods, Beats, Apple Watch, and AirTag are also tied to your Apple ID. To remove AirPods, place them in the case, then remove them from your devices list. For Apple Watch, simply unpair it from your iPhone, which also disables Activation Lock.
According to the Apple Watch User Guide, you must follow the unpair process before you buy second-hand Apple Watch or sell yours. AirTags and third-party items can also be unregistered directly from your account using your iPhone or iPad.
How to Turn Off Find My iPhone Without Apple ID Password (Legal Owner Only)
There are no shortcuts when it comes to disabling Find My without a password. Only the rightful owner can do this. Apple Support in the USA will ask for proof of purchase before helping you. If you are unable to provide it, the device cannot be unlocked.
Never use third-party tools that claim to bypass this system. Apple’s Activation Lock is part of its strict anti-theft protection. Legal owners can resolve issues directly through official support, but others will not succeed.
How to Prepare Your iPhone Before Selling or Trading In
If you want to trade in or sell iPhone / iPad, you must complete a checklist. This includes backing up your data, signing out of iCloud, and removing your device from Find My. Only then should you erase the device and restore it to factory settings.
Carriers and Apple stores in the USA require this before accepting any device. If you forget, the phone cannot be activated by the new owner. By disabling Find My and erasing your data, you prepare device before selling while also protecting your identity and files.
Common Problems & Troubleshooting When Turning Off Find My iPhone
Some users report that the Find My option is grayed out. This often happens when there are restrictions set up through Screen Time or Mobile Device Management profiles. Removing those settings usually solves the problem. Another common issue is forgotten Apple ID details.
In such cases, use Apple’s account recovery tool or contact Apple Support directly. They will guide you through secure steps to reset your password and regain access. Remember, without proper account credentials, Find My cannot be disabled under any condition.
How to Check If Find My iPhone Is Turned Off Successfully
After disabling the feature, go back to Settings, open your Apple ID, and confirm that “Find My iPhone” no longer shows as active. You can also sign in to iCloud.com Find My to double-check that the device is not listed under your account.
For further confirmation, erase the device and restart it. If the setup process does not ask for your Apple ID, you know Find My has been switched off. Always confirm before you give away device safely or sell it to someone else.
Conclusion
Turning off Find My iPhone is more than just a technical step. It is a safeguard that protects you, the new owner, and Apple’s security ecosystem. Whether you plan to trade in or sell iPhone / iPad, recycle your Mac, or even buy second-hand Apple Watch, always disable Find My first. This ensures peace of mind, smoother transfers, and absolute protection of your private data.
Faqs
How do I shut off Find My iPhone?
Go to Settings > [your name] > Find My > Find My iPhone, then toggle it off using your Apple ID password.
How do I turn off Find My iPhone when it’s grayed out?
Check if Screen Time restrictions or company profiles are enabled; remove them to access the option.
Can you temporarily turn Find My iPhone off?
No, you can only fully turn it off; it cannot be paused temporarily.
Why do people turn off Find My iPhone?
Usually before they trade in or sell iPhone, or when preparing it for repair or transfer
.How do I deactivate Find My Device?
On Apple devices, it’s done through iCloud or device settings; on Android, use Google’s Find My Device app.
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