How to Remove an iCloud Account From an iPhone

iPhone users may need to remove their iCloud account from a device before selling it, giving it to someone else or switching to a different Apple account. Signing out disconnects the account from that iPhone; it does not permanently delete the account itself.

Before starting, back up any important information and make sure recent changes have finished syncing with iCloud. Avoid manually deleting synced photos or contacts as a way to clear the phone, since those deletions can also affect iCloud and other connected devices.

To sign out, open Settings, tap your name at the top of the screen, then scroll down and select Sign Out. Follow the on-screen prompts, entering your Apple account password if asked to turn off Find My.

Depending on the software version, the iPhone may ask whether to keep copies of certain data on the device. Choose the appropriate options and confirm that you want to sign out. If you plan to keep the phone, you can then sign in with a different Apple account.

If the iPhone is being sold or given away, signing out alone is not enough to clear its contents. After confirming your backup and signing out, go to Settings, General, then Transfer or Reset iPhone and select Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the prompts to remove your personal information before handing over the device.