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An Apple ID is essential to access Apple services like the App Store, iCloud, and Find My. However, if you have purchased a second-hand iPhone or someone else has used your iPhone and mistakenly entered their Apple ID, it can cause confusion and inconvenience. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to remove an Apple ID from your iPhone.
Why is a wrong Apple ID appearing in the App Store?
The most common reason for this issue is when someone borrows your iPhone or iPad and enters their own Apple ID to install an app or access Apple services like iCloud and Find My. The next time you enter the App Store or other Apple services, the system expects the same account to be used again.
To remove the unauthorized Apple ID from the App Store, follow these simple steps:
- Open the App Store app.
- Tap the circular avatar at the top right corner – this is probably the face of the Apple ID owner.
- At the bottom, tap “Sign Out”.
- Now enter your own Apple ID and password and tap “Done”.
You should now have your Apple ID in the App Store. When you download or update apps, you will be asked for your password.
However, note that the app installed by the other person will remain on your device. If an update for that app becomes available, you may be asked to enter your friend’s password to download it. You can choose to manage without the update, ask your friend to enter their password, or simply delete the app.
How to remove an Apple ID from iCloud or Find My Friends?
Removing an unauthorized Apple ID from iCloud or Find My Friends is more complicated. Apple will ask for the password before deleting the account. This is a security measure to prevent stolen iPhones from being resold.
If you have access to the person’s password, follow these steps to delete the Apple ID account from iCloud and Find My Friends:
- Open the Settings app. Tap the top item where it displays your name and photo. (In older versions of iOS, you need to tap on iCloud.)
- Scroll down and tap “Sign Out”. When prompted, tap “Delete from my iPhone”.
- Enter the person’s Apple ID password.
- Select whether you want to keep copies of your iCloud data for calendars, contacts, reminders, and Safari.
- Tap “Sign Out” or “Turn Off” if applicable.
Once signed out, you can tap “Sign In” and enter your Apple ID and password to use the device.
What if I do not know the password?
If you do not have access to the password, there is a way to remove an Apple ID from an iPhone or iPad, but it is risky and should only be used as a last resort. You need to turn off the device and connect it to a Mac or PC with iTunes installed while holding the Home button. You must keep holding the Home button until you see the iTunes logo and cable image on the device. Then, you should be able to use iTunes on your Mac or PC to restore the device.
We advise this as a last resort because there is a slight chance that the phone will freeze in recovery mode, so make sure there is no other option before attempting it.
FAQs
1. Can I use two Apple IDs on my iPhone?
Yes, you can use multiple Apple IDs on a single iPhone or iPad, but it can cause confusion with apps that are purchased or installed under another Apple ID. It is recommended to use one Apple ID for all Apple services.
2. Will removing the Apple ID from my iPhone delete my data?
No, removing an Apple ID from your iPhone will not delete your data, but you may lose access to data associated with that Apple ID, such as contacts, photos, and documents stored in iCloud. Make sure you browse through the settings and backup any important data before signing out an Apple ID.