How to Remove Previous Owner Apple ID from iPhone/iPad

by Lorena Hill

Updated on 2025-03-20

5min read

Suppose you just got a second-hand iPhone at a great price. You’re excited to set it up after opening it. But wait! You fail because the seller forgot to sign out of their Apple ID in Settings. Even worse, they’re unreachable. Similarly, assume you obtained a used iPad from a family member but the device prevents you from accessing with the iCloud lock screen, requiring the original Apple ID to remove it. Unluckily, your family member forgot the Apple account and can’t recover it.

What can you do under these cases where you are stuck with the previous owner’s Apple ID? Don’t worry! This article will discuss different methods to effectively remove the previous owner’s Apple ID from your iPhone or iPad, whether you can access the device or not. So, keep reading!

How to Remove Previous Owner Apple ID from Unlocked iPhone/iPad [Without Password]

If you can get into your second-hand iPhone or iPad and just need to delete its previous owner’s Apple ID from your device without password, then this part is for you.

Way 1. Use the Apple ID Removal Tool

When to Use: If you want to get rid of an Apple ID from your accessible iDevice without previous owner’s help, using Apple ID removal software like Passixer iPhone Unlocker is the best choice. These kinds of tools can wipe Apple ID from iPhone without password, whether Find My feature is on or not.

Why is Passixer iPhone Unlocker Recommended?

As a multi-functional iPhone unlocking tool, Passixer iPhone Unlocker’s Apple ID removal feature is powerful, which can delete Apple ID from iPhone without password, whether Find My iPhone is on or not. It can even help signing out of Apple ID on an iDevice without data loss when Find My is off. This software is extremely useful when you need to wipe an unknown Apple ID from your second-hand iPhone, iPad or iPod. With its intuitive interface and advanced unlocking technology, you can break free from Apple ID limitations and set up your Apple device just like new.

reset all settings | Remove Previous Owner Apple ID

Key Features

  • Erase Apple ID on iPhone without password and previous owner.
  • Bypass iCloud Activation Lock without Apple ID and password.
  • Remove any type of screen lock, including Face ID, Touch ID, 4/6-digit passcode or custom code.
  • Support any iOS version and iDevice model.

How to Remove Apple ID from iPhone

Step 1. Install Passixer iPhone Unlocker on your computer and open the software. On the main screen, click Remove Apple ID to start the process.

reset all settings | Remove Previous Owner Apple ID

Step 2. Connect your iPhone to the computer using an original USB cable. If a message pops up on your device, tap Trust to allow the connection.

reset all settings | Remove Previous Owner Apple ID

Step 3: Click Start to begin. The following process will differ depending on your device’s settings.

reset all settings | Remove Previous Owner Apple ID

Scenario 1: Find My iPhone is Off

If Find My iPhone is disabled, Passixer will instantly remove the previous owner’s Apple ID without requiring any additional steps.

Scenario 2: Find My iPhone is On (iOS 11.4 or Earlier)

  • On your iDevice, go to Settings. Click on General, select Resetand then click on Reset All Settings.
  • Once the reset is completed, Passixer will continue the Apple ID removal automatically.
  • reset all settings | Remove Previous Owner Apple ID

Scenario 3: Find My iPhone is On (iOS 11.4 and Later)

  • Make sure Two-Factor Authentication is turned on and that you have set a screen passcode. In Passixer, confirm these by entering 0000 and clicking Confirm.
  • reset all settings | Remove Previous Owner Apple ID

  • The tool will detect your device and download the necessary firmware.
  • reset all settings | Remove Previous Owner Apple ID

  • After downloading, enter 0000 again and click Unlock to start the Apple ID removal.
  • reset all settings | Remove Previous Owner Apple ID

Once the process is done, your iPhone or iPad will be free from the previous Apple ID. You can now sign in it with your own Apple ID and enjoy full access to all features.

reset all settings | Remove Previous Owner Apple ID

Pros

  • You don’t need the previous owner’s info to delete Apple ID from your used iPhone.
  • Remove Apple ID but keeps your files, photos, and apps safe (if Find My iPhone is off).
  • Work with a variety of iPads and iPhones, including the newest iOS updates.
  • Removing your Apple ID is quick and easy, saving you time over other methods.

Cons:

  • The tool must be installed on a PC or Mac to work, meaning you can’t use it directly on your iPhone.

Way 2: Erase iPhone in Settings

When to Use: This way only works if Find My iPhone is turned off and you remember your iPhone passcode. Also, you’re okay with losing all data on the device.

How to Erase iPhone in Settings

  • Open the Settings app on the iPhone.
  • Go to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  • Tap Erase All Content and Settings and click Continue.
  • If asked, enter the device passcode to confirm.
  • Wait for the iPhone to reset. When it restarts, it will no longer be linked to the previous Apple ID.
  • reset all settings | Remove Previous Owner Apple ID

Pros

  • Super easy, no extra tools or software needed.

Cons

  • It doesn’t work if Find My iPhone is ON.
  • All data is erased, so back up anything important before resetting.

Way 3: Reset iPhone with Apple Devices/iTunes/Finder

When to Use: If you have a Windows PC or Mac on hands, you can factory reset your iPhone with iTunes (Windows/macOS), Finder (macOS Catalina and later) or Apple Devices(Windows 10 or later). After resetting, Apple ID will be removed from your iPhone. However, this method won’t work if Find My iPhone is enabled.

How to Reset iPhone with iTunes/Apple Devices/Finder

Steps on Apple Devices App

  • Use a certified USB cable to connect your iPhone to Windows device with Apple Devices installed.
  • In Apple Devices, locate your iPhone and click Restore iPhone.
  • reset all settings | Remove Previous Owner Apple ID

Steps on iTunes/Finder

  • Connect the iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
  • Open iTunes (on Windows/macOS Mojave or earlier) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later).
  • Select your iPhone and click Restore iPhone.
  • Confirm the action and wait for the process to finish.
  • Once the reset is complete, the iPhone restarts and the previous Apple ID is removed.
  • reset all settings | Remove Previous Owner Apple ID

Pros

  • Apple-supported method, safe and reliable.
  • You can remove the previous owner’s Apple ID without needing third-party software.

Cons

  • Require a computer, not convenient for everyone.
  • It will NOT work if Find My iPhone is ON—you’ll still need the previous owner’s credentials.

How to Remove Previous Owner Apple ID from Unlocked iPhone/iPad [with Password]

If you have the password or can contact the previous owner, removing the Apple ID is quick and easy.

Way 1: Remove Apple ID with Password

You can ask the previous owner to sign out manually from his old iPhone to remove their Apple ID. This will ensure a smooth transfer of ownership easy and clean. If you’re still in contact, collaborate through these steps together:

  • Open Settings option on the iPad or iPhone.
  • Tap [Previous Owner’s Name] at the top.
  • Scroll down and select Sign Out.
  • Enter the Apple ID password when prompted.
  • Confirm the sign-out and restart the device.
  • reset all settings | Remove Previous Owner Apple ID

Way 2: Get Rid of Apple ID via iCloud

What if the previous owner isn’t nearby? No problem! They can remove the Apple ID remotely using iCloud via the steps below.

  • The previous owner should go to iCloud.com.
  • Sign in to the site with their Apple ID and click Find My.
  • Select the iPhone or iPad that’s still linked.
  • Click Erase This Device to wipe all data.
  • After erasing, choose Remove from Account to unlink the Apple ID.
  • reset all settings | Remove Previous Owner Apple ID

How to Remove Previous Owner Apple ID from Locked iPhone/iPad

If you factory reset your used iPhone connected to the previous owner’s Apple ID, iCloud Activation Lock will appear on the phone screen, stopping you from accessing it. You won’t be able to use it until that ID is removed. Take is easy, you can use the following methods to remove Apple ID.

Way 1: Use Apple ID Password

It’s always easy to remove the previous owner’s Apple ID with the password. Follow the steps below if you have the Apple ID password. 

  • Enter the Apple ID and password associated with the device. 
  • Tap Next or Continue to verify the credentials.
  • Once unlocked, you can set up the iPhone as your own and start using it freely!
  • reset all settings | Remove Previous Owner Apple ID

Way 2: Use Screen Passcode

There is a bright chance that you might be able to use the screen passcode to unlock the device if the prior owner of your device has enabled two-factor authentication.

  • On the Activation Lock screen, tap Unlock with Passcode (if available).
  • Enter the previous owner’s passcode when prompted.
  • The device will verify the passcode and remove the Apple ID.
  • Once done, you’re all set to set up your iPhone like a brand-new device!

Way 3: Use Passixer iPhone Unlocker

If your iPhone or iPad is stuck on the iCloud Activation Lock and you can’t reach the previous owner, don’t worry. Passixer iPhone Unlocker can help! This tool lets you bypass iCloud lock and regain access to your device without password or previous owner. In just a few clicks, remove the old owner’s Apple ID. Here’s how:

  • Connect your iPhone to Passixer and click on the Bypass Activation Lock mode from the main interface.
  • reset all settings | Remove Previous Owner Apple ID

  • Click Start.
  • reset all settings | Remove Previous Owner Apple ID

  • To bypass the iCloud lock, your iPhone needs to be jailbroken. Passixer will guide you through the process with on-screen instructions.
  • Once the jailbreak is completed, Passixer will begin bypassing iCloud lock for you.
  • reset all settings | Remove Previous Owner Apple ID

Way 4: Start an Activation Lock Removal Request

If you bought the iPhone legally and have proof of purchase, you can ask Apple to remove the previous owner’s Apple ID.

Apple provides an official way to request iCloud Activation Lock removal—but only if you have the correct documents! If you meet the requirements, here’s how to submit a request:

  • Go to Apple’s Activation Lock support page.
  • Sign in it with your Apple ID.
  • Upload a receipt or invoice showing that you legally own the iPhone.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions and submit your request. 
  • If Apple approves your request, you can use and set up your iPhone device as normal. 

Conclusion

You must delete the prior owner’s Apple ID to fully access your iPhone device? Thankfully, there are a number of ways to accomplish this, such as using iTunes, Settings, or a reliable program like Passixer iPhone Unlocker. We recommend using the Passixer iPhone Unlocker as a good option if you want a simple, hassle-free solution.

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