Signing out of Apple ID on an iPhone removes that device from iCloud, App Store, iMessage, FaceTime, and other Apple services for the account. It does not delete the Apple ID or erase the account’s iCloud data, and you can sign back in later.
These steps apply to iOS 17 and iOS 18.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you need to switch Apple IDs, hand off the phone, troubleshoot account sync, or sign out a lost or sold device remotely.
Sign Out Normally
- Open Settings.
- Tap your name at the top.
- Scroll down and tap Sign Out.
- Enter the Apple ID password.
- Choose which iCloud data, such as contacts or calendars, to keep locally on the iPhone.
- Tap Sign Out again and confirm.
Data removed from the iPhone remains in iCloud. Signing back in with the same account can bring it back.
Fix Missing or Grayed-Out Sign Out
- Check Settings > your name > Find My > Find My iPhone and turn it off if required.
- Check Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Account Changes. Set it to Allow if it is blocking sign-out.
- Restart the iPhone and try again if the sign-out screen is stuck.
- If you do not know the Apple ID password, reset or confirm it from another device or at Apple’s account website first.
Sign Out a Lost or Sold iPhone Remotely
- Open Find My on another Apple device or visit icloud.com/find.
- Sign in with the same Apple ID.
- Select the iPhone.
- If the device is lost or no longer yours, use Erase This Device to protect data.
- After erasing, remove it from the account if needed so it can no longer access your data.
Sign-Out Notes
Local View Changes
Mail, Contacts, Calendars, Photos, App Store access, iMessage, and FaceTime may disappear from that iPhone after sign-out, depending on what you chose to keep.
Check Messages and FaceTime
If handing the phone to someone else, check Messages and FaceTime settings afterward to make sure no Apple ID remains signed in there.
Family Sharing
Signing out of one device does not remove your Apple ID from Family Sharing or change shared purchases for the group.
Sources
- Apple Support: Sign out of iCloud on iPhone
- Apple Support: If you cannot sign in or sign out of iCloud
- Apple Support: Find your Apple ID device and sign out remotely