If you're returning an Apple device to us, you'll need to remove your iCloud account before sending it back. This applies whether you're returning the item under warranty or as part of our returns policy.
Removing your iCloud account also turns off Activation Lock, which helps us process your return without delays.
Remove your iCloud account using your device:
iPhone, iPad and iPod
If you're using iOS 10.3 or later:
- Open Settings.
- Tap your name.
- Scroll down and tap Sign Out.
- Enter your Apple ID password.
- Tap Turn Off.
If you're using iOS 10.2 or earlier:
- Open Settings > iCloud.
- Tap Sign Out.
- Tap Sign Out again.
- Select Delete from My Device.
- Enter your Apple ID password.
- Go to Settings > iTunes & App Store > Apple ID > Sign Out.
Apple Watch
- Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap My Watch.
- Select your Apple Watch.
- Tap Unpair Apple Watch.
- Enter your Apple ID password when prompted.
- Confirm the changes.
When you unpair your Apple Watch from your iPhone, it will try to create a backup of your watch. If you were to get a new Apple Watch, you can use the backup to pick up where you left off
MacBook and iMac
For macOS Catalina or later:
- Open System Preferences.
- Select Apple ID.
- Untick Find My Mac.
- Enter your Apple ID password.
- Click Sign Out.
For macOS Mojave or earlier:
- Open System Preferences.
- Select iCloud.
- Untick Find My Mac.
- Enter your Apple ID password.
- Click Sign Out.
Removing your iCloud account remotely:
If you no longer have access to your device, you can remove your iCloud account remotely using iCloud.com. This will remove the device from your Apple account and turn off Activation Lock, allowing us to process your return. For all devices:
- Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
- Select Find My.
- Choose the device you'd like to remove from your account.
- Select Erase This Device.
- Once the erase has completed, select Remove from Account.
- Confirm that you'd like to remove the device.
Returning your device?
Before sending your device back, please make sure you've:
- Removed your iCloud account.
- Removed any personal data.
- Removed SIM cards and memory cards.
- Backed up any information you'd like to keep.
If an iCloud account is still linked to the device when it reaches us, we won't be able to process the return until the account has been removed.
If you need help with a return, please see our Tech Returns, Refunds and Warranty article or contact us directly. We'll be happy to help out.