Unlock your devices in 3 steps
Recover data in 3 steps
Feb 21, 2025 • Filed to: Remove Screen Lock • Proven solutions
You’ve just bought a secondhand device and are happy to use it. But there’s a catch! The device is still signed into the previous owner’s Apple ID. This leaves you locked out of essential features like iCloud and the App Store. What do you do from here? How do you erase the previous owner's ID without their password?
Well, don't panic. You're not stuck just yet! There are effective ways to erase the prior owner’s ID without needing their account details.
This guide will show you how to remove the previous owner's Apple ID without a password. By the end, you can seamlessly remove the previous Apple ID and make the device entirely yours.
Let's get started.
Apple ID is essential to maximizing the iOS experience. It gives you complete and secure access to your device. With your Apple ID, you can sync data between devices and download apps you like. It also lets you use iCloud, iMessage, and Find My without hiccups.
You will lose access to all these features when your device uses the previous owner’s ID. Usually, the original owner signs out of their account before reselling or giving away their device. But there are times when things aren’t this way.
Here are some situations when you may wish to remove the previous owner’s Apple ID.
Regardless of your situation, there are ways to erase the previous ID without a password. Let’s explore these right away!
iPhone locked to previous owner’s Apple ID, but cannot go through the hassle of contacting the original owner? Don’t worry. You can use the following ways to bypass the previous Apple ID without a password.
Note: Factory resetting or restoring your iOS device may trigger the Activation Lock. Therefore, turn off Find My before attempting these methods.
How do I remove the previous owner from Apple ID? A simple answer is to factory reset your device. This will wipe all data and restore your device to its original settings. So, back up your device before proceeding.
Here’s what to do next.
Step 1. Go to your device’s Settings and select General.
Step 2. Slide to the bottom and tap “Transfer or Reset iPhone.” For some devices, the option is “Reset.”
Step 3. Press the option for “Erase All Content and Settings.” Then tap “Continue”.
Step 4. Enter your device’s passcode. Then tap “Erase iPhone” to confirm.
Are you still stuck trying to erase the previous owner’s Apple ID? Another easy workaround is to use iTunes or Finder on Mac. These solutions let you restore your iPhone to its original state and log out of the Apple ID.
Let’s see how it works.
Step 1. Put your device in recovery mode if it's locked. To do this:
Step 2. Connect the iPhone in recovery mode to a computer with a USB cable.
Step 3. Launch iTunes or Finder. Then click the device icon and select “Summary” from the side panel.
Step 4. Click the “Restore iPhone” button. A popup will appear.
Step 5. Press “Restore” again to confirm the action to erase your iPhone.
Are you prompted to sign in with the previous Apple ID when downloading from the App Store? Why does this happen? Your device isn’t tied to the iCloud Activation Lock but still carries the old ID for app purchases.
Here’s how to fix it.
Step 1. Tap Settings and then “iTunes & App Stores.”
Step 2. Tap the previous owner’s Apple ID. A popup will appear. Tap “Sign Out” from here.
Step 3. To sign in without your Apple ID, tap “Settings > iTunes & App Store.”
Step 4. Press the “Sign in” option. Then, enter your log-in details.
While these methods work, they require that Find My is not enabled. You’ll need to turn it off if it is, which requires the previous owner’s Apple ID password. Don’t have the password? No worries! Keep reading for a better workaround!
Are you seeking a safer, more effective solution to remove the previous owner's Apple ID? A professional tool like Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) is the best option.
It helps you remove the old Apple ID without a password or previous owner. Moreover, you can preserve all your data if your device has a version below iOS 11.4. Removing the Apple ID is seamless, even when the Find My service is on.
With support for all devices running iOS 7.0 to 18, you needn’t worry about your device’s compatibility. The whole process also takes only a few minutes!
Besides Apple ID, you can bypass the activation lock, forgotten passcodes, and MDM locks with just a few clicks.
Remove Previous Owner Apple ID without Password in Minutes.
Here’s how to remove an Apple ID without the previous owner or password using it.
Step 1. Download and install Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer. Launch it and connect your device. Then click “Toolbox > Screen Unlock.”
Step 2. Select “iOS" as your device type. Then, click “Remove AppleID” from the new window.
Step 3. The next screen will show if your device is connected. Click “Unlock Now” from here.
Step 4. Answer some questions before proceeding. Then, follow the instructions to put your device in Recovery mode. Otherwise, click “DFU mode” at the bottom for steps to enter this mode.
Step 5. You will see your device’s information on the screen. If necessary, correct the device’s model and system version. Then click “Start.”
Step 6. Dr.Fone will download the firmware profile for your device. Wait for it to complete. Then, click “Unlock Now.”
Step 7. Enter the confirmation code. Then, click “Unlock.” Once the process completes, click “Done” to close the window or “Try Again” for another attempt.
That‘s how to remove the previous owner’s Apple ID without a password! Let’s see how to bypass it with the owner’s help!
If the previous owner of your device is someone you know or can easily contact, you can ask them to remove their ID without going through all the technical workarounds.
But how can they help you erase the previous owner’s Apple ID? Here are three solutions!
The owner can sign in to the iCloud website with their Apple ID details. Then, they can remotely remove or erase your device to bypass the Apple ID.
Here’s how it works.
Step 1. Log in to iCloud.com with your Apple ID.
Step 2. Click your profile picture and choose “iCloud Settings.”
Step 3. Click on the “Find Devices” option under Find Your Devices.
Step 4. Select your device from the “All Devices” option. Then, Click “Erase This Device.”
Step 5. Click “Erase” to confirm. iCloud will start erasing your device.
The previous owner can also delete their Apple ID remotely from the Find My app. The app also gives the option to remove or erase your device.
Here’s how it's done.
Step 1. Open the Find My app. Select the “Devices” tab from the bottom.
Step 2. Tap on the device from which to remove the old Apple ID.
Step 3. Choose “Erase This Device” or “Remove This Device” as needed.
Step 4. Tap “Erase” or “Remove” to confirm the action.
The previous owner might use their Apple ID on another iPhone, iPad, or Mac. If so, they can log into their Apple account and remove your device.
Here’s how:
Step 1. Go to https://account.apple.com/. Sign in with the same ID as the previous owner’s.
Step 2. Click the “Devices” option. Select iPhone and click “Remove from account.”
Step 3. A window will pop up. Click “Remove from account” from here to verify the action.
That’s all about how to remove the previous owner’s Apple ID without a password. Still, have questions about it? Go through the following question to find your answers.
So there you have it—a complete guide on how to remove the previous owner’s Apple ID without a password! We have shared four simple ways to bypass the Apple ID without the account details. You can also ask the old owner to remove it remotely.
However, we suggest using Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) for a more reliable and safer solution. It can help you remove the Apple ID in minutes without any complex or lengthy steps!
staff Editor
