iCloud Removal Guide

What Is iCloud?

Ever wondered where your backups go? They’re stored in your iCloud account, which is a cloud service that Apple offers to users to store their data, apps and documents securely and to protect their privacy.

When you set up a new iPhone or iPad, you’re asked to create an iCloud account (or log in to your iCloud account if you already have one), which will help you restore your data from a backup. iCloud acts like a remote storage place for everything you use your iPhone for, such as pictures, videos, apps, files, music etc. Besides this, iCloud will help you to locate your iPhone if you’ve lost it.

Why is Removing iCloud Important?

iPhones are tied to their owners’ iCloud accounts which are password protected, and only the owner is able to access it and remove it. Therefore, when preparing your iPhone for a trade-in, selling it privately or simply passing it on to your family member, it is necessary for you to remove your iCloud account from your iPhone.

By removing your iCloud, you’ll keep your data protected and won’t give access to your iCloud to someone you don’t know. Secondly, when your device reaches one of our merchants, it can be easily tested and your order can be processed without delays. Unfortunately, our merchants often receive iCloud locked devices which reduces the value of the phone to £0 as it can not be tested and sold further on while being iCloud protected.

How to Back Up Your iPhone?

Before proceeding with iCloud removal from your iPhone, you need to back up your data. Make sure that your iPhone is plugged into a power source and is connected to Wi-Fi so that the backup can be carried out. To back up your iPhone, follow these steps:

Step 1 Open the Settings menu from your home screen and tap on your user profile at the top.
Step 2 Enter your Apple ID password if a pop up window appears.
Step 3 Select iCloud and scroll down and tap on iCloud Backup.
Step 4 Select Back Up Now.

If you’ve forgotten your Apple ID password, visit Apple support and follow the instructions.

How to Delete or Remove an iCloud Account From Your iPhone

Once the backup has been completed, you’re ready to remove your iCloud from your iPhone.

Step 1 Navigate to Settings on your iPhone and tap on your user profile at the top.
Step 2 Enter your Apple ID password if requested to sign into your iCloud.
Step 3 Scroll down and tap on Sign Out at the bottom of the screen.
Step 4 Enter your Apple ID password and tap Turn Off.
Step 5 Carefully read the information presented and tap Sign Out.
Step 6 Tap Sign Out on the confirmation message.

How to Reset Your iPhone to Factory Settings?

Now that you’ve signed out from your iCloud account on your iPhone, we recommend that you carry out a reset before selling so your iPhone can be reset to default factory settings and your data can stay safe. Here’s how you do it:

Step 1 Navigate to Settings from your home screen and tap on General.
Step 2 Scroll down and tap on Reset.
Step 3 Tap on Erase All Settings and Content and Continue. Follow the required steps to enter your iPhone's passcode, confirm your Apple ID logins to turn your iCloud off and then Erase iPhone.

Your device will turn off and restart, which may take a few minutes. Once completed, your data will be erased. To check whether the change has been successful, turn on your iPhone and if you don’t see the Activation Lock screen, you’ve done everything correctly.

How to Remove iCloud From My iPhone Remotely?

You can remove your iPhone from your iCloud account remotely by following these steps:

Step 1 Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
Step 2 Navigate to Find My iPhone and at the top of the screen click on All Devices.
Step 3 Select the iPhone you want to remove from your iCloud account.
Step 4 Click Erase iPhone and click Next until the process is completed.
Step 5 Click Remove from Account.

When selling your iPhone or iPad it's absolutely essential to remove your iCloud account first. Here's our guide to removing your iCloud account from your iOS device.