Could Not Sign Out of Apple ID? [10 Best Methods]

It's one of the most frustrating roadblocks an iPhone user can face. You're trying to sell your device, troubleshoot an issue, or switch accounts, and you're stopped by an unhelpful error message: "Could not sign out. There was a problem removing this iPhone from your account." Sometimes, the "Sign Out" button is just greyed out, leaving you with no options.

If you're stuck in this situation, don't worry. This guide will walk you through ten proven solutions, helping you successfully sign out of your Apple ID and regain control of your device.

Part 1: Why Can't I Sign Out of My Apple ID?

This problem is common and almost always solvable. The issue usually stems from a specific setting, a temporary server glitch, or a software bug.

• Screen Time Restrictions: Parental controls or personal usage limits can block account changes.
• Apple Server Issues: Occasionally, the problem is on Apple's end, and their servers are temporarily down.
• Unpaid Balances: An outstanding App Store purchase or subscription can prevent you from signing out.
• Software Glitches: A temporary bug in the current version of iOS can cause the sign-out process to fail.

Part 2: Top 10 Solutions to Fix Could Not Sign Out of Apple ID

After understanding the potential causes, now let's work through the solutions to get this fixed. We'll cover everything from the most common and easiest fixes to more advanced steps.

Solution 1. Check Apple's System Status

Before you spend time changing settings, it's wise to ensure the problem isn't on Apple's end. If the Apple ID servers are down for maintenance or experiencing an outage, you won't be able to sign out.

You can check this easily. Open a web browser and navigate to Apple's official System Status page. Look for "Apple Account" in the list. If the indicator next to it is not a green circle, there's an ongoing issue. The only solution in this case is to wait until Apple resolves it.

Solution 2. Disable Screen Time Restrictions

In most cases, the Screen Time feature can lock account settings to prevent changes. Once it is enabled on your iPhone, you will not be allowed to sign out of Apple ID unless you turn off the Screen Time restriction. Next, you can turn off the Screen Time feature with the following steps:

Step 1. Open the Settings app and tap on Screen Time.
Step 2. Scroll down and select Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Step 3. Look for the section titled Allow Changes and tap on Account Changes.
Step 4. If this is set to "Don't Allow", change it to Allow. You may need to enter your Screen Time passcode if prompted. Once enabled, go back and try to sign out again.

Solution 3. Force Restart Your iPhone

A force restart is a classic troubleshooting step that can clear up temporary software glitches and memory issues that might be preventing you from signing out. The process doesn't erase any data.

For iPhone 8 and later models: Press the Volume Up button and release it quickly. Then press the Volume Down button and release it quickly. Finally, press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down and Side buttons until your iPhone screen shows Apple logo.
For iPhone 6 or earlier models: Press and hold the Home and Side buttons until until you see the Apple logo.

Solution 4. Check Your Network Connection

Signing out of your Apple ID requires a stable connection to Apple's servers to verify your identity and deactivate services like Find My. A poor or intermittent internet connection can interrupt this process.

Try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data to see if that resolves the issue. You can also perform a quick network refresh by opening Control Center, enabling Airplane Mode for about 15 seconds, and then turning it off again.

Solution 5. Settle Unpaid Balances and Subscriptions

Apple will not allow you to sign out of your account if you have an outstanding balance or an active subscription that needs payment.

Step 1. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Media & Purchases.
Step 2. Tap View Account. You may need to sign in.
Step 3. Select Purchase History to review any unpaid orders. If you find any, you'll need to update your payment information to settle the balance before you can sign out.

Solution 6. Update to the Latest iOS Version

Bugs in an outdated version of iOS can sometimes cause unexpected issues with account management. Ensuring your iPhone is running the latest software can often resolve these hidden problems.

To check for an update, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, download and install it.

Solution 7. Reset Network Settings

If a simple network refresh didn't work, resetting all network settings can resolve deeper connectivity issues that may be blocking the sign-out process. This will erase your saved Wi-Fi passwords and cellular settings, but it will not affect your personal data.

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

Solution 8. Remotely Remove iPhone via iCloud

If you cannot sign out directly on your iPhone, you can often force the removal of the device from your account by using a web browser on a computer or another device.

Step 1. Go to icloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID and password.
Step 2. Click on Find My.
Step 3. Click on All Devices at the top and select the iPhone you are trying to sign out of.
Step 4. Choose Remove from Account. This will disassociate the device from your Apple ID. Note that if Activation Lock is on, you may need to erase the device first.

Solution 9. Use TunesKit iPhone Unlocker to Fix Can't Sign Out of Apple ID

If you have tried every method above and are still unable to sign out, especially if you cannot remember your password or have a more complex software issue, a specialized tool may be your final option. The TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is designed to handle such situations by securely removing the Apple ID from your device without needing a password. It's a powerful solution for when standard troubleshooting isn't enough.

In various situations like forgot Apple ID password, Apple ID won't sign in, or Apple ID working not working, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker can help you fix these problems with several simple clicks. Besides, as a comprehensive iOS unlocking tool, it can also help you remove iOS screen lock, bypass MDM restriction, and unlock Screen Time passcode, etc. Thanks to its simple and concise interface, users can unlock their iOS devices without encountering any iOS problems.

Here, I will show you how to fix the can't sign out of Apple ID problem by using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker.

Step 1Get Your Device Connected to PC

To begin with, download and install TunesKit iPhone Unlocker on your computer. Then, connect your iPhone to the computer. When your iPhone is detected by TunesKit iPhone Unlocker, select the Unlock Apple ID option and click on the Start button.

Step 2 Check Your Device Status

In this phase, you will need to check and ensure that two-factor authentication is enabled and screen lock is set up on your iPhone. If the Find My iPhone feature is disabled on your iPhone, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will remove your Apple ID from your iPhone directly.

Step 3Download Firmware Package

Then, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will ask you to download the firmware package to remove the Apple ID from your iPhone. Ensure that all the given information is nothing wrong. Click on the Download button to start downloading.

Step 4Fix iPhone Can't Sign Out of Apple ID

After downloading the firmware package, you can click on the Unlock button and TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will start to removing the Apple ID from your iPhone. After that, you can log into the Apple ID again and see if you can sign out of Apple ID successfully.

Solution 10. Factory Reset Your iPhone

Setting your iPhone to the factory settings is also a workable solution to fix the can't sign out of Apple ID problem. This should be your final step, as performing a factory reset on your iPhone will erase all the data and content from your iOS device. You can factory reset your iPhone by doing the steps below.

Step 1. Navigate to Settings, and click on the General option.
Step 2. Select the Transfer & Reset option.
Step 3. Click on the Erase All Content and Settings option to factory reset your iPhone. Enter the screen lock passcode if you are prompted.

Part 3: FAQs on Signing Out of Apple ID

Part 4: Conclusion

So, here are all the 10 effective solutions about how to fix can't sign out of Apple ID on iPhone. Try them one by one until your problem is solved. If you are still having other iOS unlocking problems, taking the assistance of TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will be a wise choice in most situations.