4 Best Ways to Remove a Device From Apple ID

Your Apple ID is the all-important knot that keeps a check on all your devices in the Apple ecosystem. It seamlessly syncs across your account settings, backs up your data to iCloud, and also acts as an authentication tool. That’s why you need to periodically review and remove devices from your Apple ID that you no longer use.

You can remove devices from your Apple ID in four different ways. The first method involves using an iPhone or iPad. Alternatively, you can use a Mac. But if you don’t have access to another personal iOS or macOS device, you can instead use the Apple ID management portal or the iCloud web app for the task at hand.

Let’s go over all the solutions and you can pick the one that’s most convenient. But before you get started, here are a few things that you should keep in mind.

When Should I Remove a Device From My Apple ID

If you want to simply remove an old device in Apple ID, it is straightforward. Delete it from your devices list related to your Apple ID using the instructions that follow, and you are done. The device will no longer receive any two-factor authentication codes or sync your data.

But, in instances where you want to remove an Apple device that you do not recognize, you must immediately change the password for your Apple ID soon after. While it’s likely that you signed into the device a while back and forgot all about it, it’s still wise to set up a new password as a precaution. Also, consider adding two-factor authentication if you haven’t done so already.

Why Should I Remove Apple Devices From My Account

It’s wise not to remove devices that you still use yourself from your Apple account. That prevents the device from using iCloud services, which puts your data at risk since it won’t sync or take backups anymore. Remove devices that you plan to stop using altogether. Or if you want to set up your device with another Apple ID.

If you’re planning to sell your device too, you should remove it from your Apple ID. However, that will not completely sign you out of it. You must sign out manually by inserting your password — otherwise, the device will be subject to Activation Lock, preventing the buyer from using it. Also, it’s best to take due precautions by wiping the device of all data before selling it.

You might also want to remove your Apple ID from a Mac or iPhone if you’re passing it on to other members of your family. Here’s how to do it.

1. Remove the Device From Apple ID Using iPhone or iPad

Removing devices from your Apple ID is straightforward on the iPhone and iPad.

Step 1: Tap your Apple ID within the Settings app of your iPhone or iPad. Scroll down to see a complete list of your devices. Select the device that you want to remove.

Step 2: Tap on ‘Remove from account’. Then, tap Remove again to confirm.

Wait for a few seconds and the selected device should be removed from your Apple ID. Repeat for any other devices that you want to remove.

2. Remove the Device From Apple ID Using Mac

Another easy way to review and delete your list of Apple devices is to use a Mac. A brief dive into the System Preferences panel should help you do that.

On macOS Ventura

Step 1: Open the Apple menu. Navigate to System Settings.

Step 2: Click on your name at the top of the left pane where it says Apple ID.

Step 3: Scroll down on the right section. Select the device you want to delete.

Step 4: Now, click on Remove from Account.

Step 5: Select the Remove button once again.

You will now be asked to enter your Apple ID password. Once you do that, the selected device will be removed from your Apple account.

On Older Versions of macOS

Step 1: Open the Apple menu. Click on System Preferences.

Step 2: Click the option labeled Apple ID.

Step 3: Select the device that you want to remove from the left pane. After that, click on ‘Remove From Account’.

Step 4: Click Remove to confirm.

Repeat the action for any other devices that you want to remove, and then exit the System Preferences panel.

3. Remove the Device From Apple ID Using the Account Management Portal

If you don’t have another personal iPhone, iPad, or Mac at hand, then the Apple ID account management portal should let you remove your devices quickly. This method works on desktop or mobile browsers. So, you can even use a Windows or Android device for this task without issues.

Step 1: Sign in to the Apple ID account management portal. You can access the website using the link below.

Apple Account Management Portal

Step 2: Select the device that you want to remove from underneath the Devices section. Then, click on the ‘Remove from account’ button.

Step 3: Click on ‘Remove this device’ to confirm.

Review and delete any other unwanted devices and then sign out of the Apple ID account management portal.

4. Remove the Device From Apple ID Using iCloud

Alternatively, you can use the iCloud website to remove devices from your Apple ID. However, the web app only works best on desktops, or an iPad running Safari in desktop mode.

Step 1: Open the iCloud website using the link below and sign in.

Visit iCloud

Step 2: Click your name on the upper-right corner of the iCloud homepage. Then, select Account Settings.

Step 3: Select the device you want to remove from the My Devices section. You should ideally see all your Apple devices listed here.

Step 4: Click the ‘X’ icon next to the device you want to remove.

Step 5: Click Remove to confirm your decision. This will permanently remove the device from your Apple ID.

After removing any other devices, sign out of iCloud.com. This is how you can unlink your iPhone from your Macbook or other Apple device that you own.

FAQs on Unlinking Devices from Apple ID

Declutter Your Apple ID

Removing a device from iCloud is incredibly easy once you’ve learned how to do it. As you saw, you don’t have to necessarily use another iPhone, iPad, or Mac that belongs to you either. So, the next time you see an unidentified device or you’re getting rid of your Apple device, remember to remove the device from your Apple ID.