Why it matters
Activation Lock is part of Find My. It keeps a lost or stolen device from being used by anyone else. That same protection means a donated device with Activation Lock on can't be set up by its next owner. It can't be bypassed, and we can't remove it for you.
Turning it off takes a minute if you have your Apple Account password.
If you have the device
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1
Open Find My settings
Settings, then your name, then Find My.
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2
Turn it off
Turn off Find My iPhone, iPad or Mac and enter your Apple Account password.
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3
Sign out
Settings, then your name, then Sign Out.
If the device is somewhere else
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1
Go to iCloud.com/find
Sign in with the Apple Account the device uses.
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2
Select the device
Choose it from All Devices.
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3
Remove it
Select Remove This Device. If it's online, erase it first.
If the owner has passed away
Apple has a process for family members. An executor can contact Apple Support with proof of ownership and the required documents. If the owner set up a Legacy Contact, that person can request access.
Mac
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1
Open Apple Account settings
System Settings, then your name, then iCloud.
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2
Turn off Find My Mac
Select Find My, then turn it off and enter your password.
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3
Sign out
Return to your name and select Sign Out.
Apple Watch
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1
Keep the watch near your iPhone
Open the Watch app on the iPhone.
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2
Unpair it
Select All Watches, tap the info button next to the watch, then Unpair Apple Watch.
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3
Enter your password
This turns off Activation Lock for the watch.
Forgot your Apple Account password?
Go to iforgot.apple.com to reset it with your phone number or trusted device. If you can't, Apple offers account recovery, which can take a few days.
How to check
- Sign in at iCloud.com and open Find Devices
- The donated device should not be listed
- On a device, Settings shows no Apple Account signed in
- A Mac shows the Hello setup screen after erasing