How do I remove previous owner from Apple ID?

Answered by John Hunt

To remove the previous owner from an Apple ID, there are a few steps that need to be followed. Please note that this process requires the cooperation of the previous owner. Here’s a detailed guide on how to proceed:

1. Contact the previous owner: Reach out to the person from whom you purchased or acquired the device and explain the situation. It’s essential to have their cooperation to remove their Apple ID from the device. If you don’t have their contact information, try to trace it back through the seller, receipts, or any other means you may have.

2. Request their assistance: Ask the previous owner to follow these steps to remove their Apple ID from the device:

A. Sign in to iCloud: The previous owner should go to www.icloud.com and sign in using their Apple ID and password.

B. Access Find My iPhone: Once signed in, they need to click on “Find iPhone” to access the Find My iPhone feature.

C. Select the device: The previous owner should choose the device in question from the list of devices linked to their Apple ID.

D. Remove the device: By clicking on “Remove from Account” or “Erase iPhone,” they can unlink the device from their Apple ID. This action will disable Activation Lock and dissociate their Apple ID from the device.

3. Verify the removal: After the previous owner completes the steps above, they should confirm that the device is no longer associated with their Apple ID by checking their iCloud account or through the Find My iPhone feature.

4. Set up the device: Once the previous owner has successfully removed their Apple ID from the device, you can proceed with setting up the device as if it were new. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new Apple ID or sign in with your existing one.

If you encounter any issues or the previous owner is unable or unwilling to remove their Apple ID, you may need to contact Apple Support for further assistance. They have specific procedures in place to handle situations like this and can guide you through the necessary steps to resolve the issue.

Remember, it’s crucial to ensure that the device is not associated with someone else’s Apple ID to avoid complications or restrictions in the future.