Remove the activation lock from your iPhone

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Remove the activation lock from your iPhone Remove your activation lock via iCloud

The activation lock is a built-in Apple security feature that prevents unauthorized access if your iPhone is lost or stolen. If you’re ready to pass your iPhone on to someone else, removing your Apple ID activation lock is a must. Without it, no one else can use the device.

Before you begin

Planning to upgrade or move your data to a new phone? Be sure to back up your iPhone first.

Remove the activation lock from your iPhone

Disabling the activation lock is easy through your iPhone’s settings.

Open Settings.
Tap your name at the top of the screen.
Select iCloud, then Find My iPhone.
Toggle Find My iPhone off.
Enter your iCloud password to confirm.
Once you’ve turned off Find My iPhone, you can safely factory reset your device.

Remove your activation lock via iCloud

No access to the device? You can use iCloud to erase it and remove the lock.

Log in to iCloud with your Apple ID.
Open the All Devices dropdown and select the iPhone.
Click Erase iPhone. This deletes data on the phone but keeps your cloud backups safe.
Enter your Apple ID password when prompted.
Skip the optional phone number and message screens by selecting Next until done.
Click Remove from Account to complete the process.