Quick Solution: Turn Off Find My iPhone in 3 Steps
⚡ Summary Box – Get Unstuck Fast
Here’s how to turn off Find My iPhone right now:
- Open Settings → Tap your name at the top
- Select “Find My” → Tap “Find My iPhone”
- Toggle Off → Enter Apple ID password → Confirm
Time Required: 2-3 minutes
iOS Compatibility: iOS 12 through iOS 18
Requirements: Active internet connection + Apple ID password
⚠️ Warning: Disabling Find My iPhone removes Activation Lock protection. Only do this when selling, repairing, or troubleshooting your device. Re-enable immediately after.
Not working? Jump to the Troubleshooting section for greyed-out toggles and password issues.
What is Find My iPhone and When Should You Disable It?
Find My iPhone (technically called “FMIP” in Apple’s backend) is Apple’s anti-theft system introduced in iOS 5. It works through iCloud to track your device’s location, remotely lock it, or erase data if stolen.
The system consists of three interconnected features:
- Find My iPhone: Location tracking and remote commands
- Activation Lock: Prevents device reactivation without your Apple ID
- Find My network: Uses Bluetooth signals from nearby Apple devices to locate offline iPhones
When You MUST Disable Find My iPhone
Legitimate Scenarios:
- Before repair: Apple Store and third-party technicians require it off to service hardware
- Selling or trading: Buyers can’t activate the device with your account linked
- Transferring to family: New owner needs their own Apple ID connected
- Persistent software bugs: Some iOS glitches require toggling the feature
- Downgrading iOS: Restoring older firmware sometimes demands it
How the Security Works:
When Find My iPhone activates, Apple’s servers register your device’s serial number and IMEI to your Apple ID. This creates Activation Lock—an encrypted barrier preventing anyone else from using your iPhone without your credentials. That’s why you can’t just factory reset and bypass it.
Method 1: Turn Off Find My iPhone Directly on Your Device
This is the fastest method when you have physical access to your iPhone and know your Apple ID password.
For iOS 18 and iOS 17 (Current Versions)
Step-by-Step Process:
Step 1: Unlock your iPhone and open the Settings app (grey gear icon)
Step 2: Tap your name/Apple ID at the very top of Settings. You’ll see your profile picture or initials here.
![Screenshot placeholder: Settings screen with user profile highlighted at top]
Alt-Text: iPhone Settings screen showing Apple ID profile section at top to turn off Find My iPhone
Step 3: Scroll down and tap “Find My” (green circular icon with dot in center)
Step 4: Tap “Find My iPhone” on the next screen
![Screenshot placeholder: Find My settings showing Find My iPhone toggle]
Alt-Text: Find My iPhone settings page with toggle switch to disable find my iphone feature
Step 5: Toggle “Find My iPhone” to OFF (switch turns from green to grey)
Step 6: Enter your Apple ID password in the popup window. This authentication confirms you’re the owner.
Step 7: Tap “Turn Off” in the upper right corner
Why this step matters: iOS requires password verification because disabling Find My iPhone removes your device from iCloud’s security net. Apple implemented this in iOS 13 to prevent thieves from easily bypassing protection.
💡 Pro Tip: If you have Stolen Device Protection enabled (iOS 17.3+), you may need to wait for a security delay timer. This feature adds an extra hour-long delay when disabling Find My iPhone outside your usual locations. Learn more about Stolen Device Protection at Apple Support.
Confirmation: You’ll see all three toggles turn grey:
- Find My iPhone
- Find My network
- Send Last Location
For Older iOS Versions (iOS 12-16)
The path differs slightly on older systems:
iOS 12-15:
- Settings → [Your Name] → “iCloud”
- Scroll to “Find My iPhone”
- Toggle off → Enter password
iOS 10-11:
- Settings → “iCloud”
- Scroll to “Find My iPhone”
- Toggle off both “Find My iPhone” and “Send Last Location”
iOS 7-9:
- Settings → “iCloud” → “Find My iPhone”
- Toggle to OFF → Enter Apple ID password
Internet Connection Required: Your iPhone must be connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data. The device communicates with Apple’s servers to remove the Activation Lock registration. Without internet, the toggle won’t respond.
Method 2: Turn Off Find My iPhone from iCloud.com
Use this method when you don’t have your iPhone physically available but still want to remove it from your account.
When to Use This Approach
- You’ve already sold/given away your iPhone and forgot to disable Find My
- Your iPhone is broken and won’t power on
- You’re preparing to mail your device for trade-in
- You need to remove a device from your iCloud account remotely
Complete iCloud Deactivation Process
Step 1: Visit iCloud.com/find on any computer or tablet browser
Step 2: Sign in with your Apple ID and password
Step 3: Click “All Devices” at the top center of the map interface
![Screenshot placeholder: iCloud Find My interface showing device list]
Alt-Text: iCloud Find My web interface displaying all devices linked to Apple ID for remote management
Step 4: Select the iPhone you want to remove from the dropdown list
Step 5: Click “Remove from Account” in the device info window
Step 6: Confirm by clicking “Remove” again in the popup
Critical Distinction:
“Remove from Account” is different from “Erase iPhone.” The former disconnects the device from your iCloud without deleting data. The latter wipes everything remotely—only use this for stolen devices.
Limitations of This Method
⚠️ Important: Removing a device from iCloud.com does NOT fully turn off Find My iPhone if the device is still powered on with internet access. The iPhone will automatically re-register with iCloud.
This method works best when:
- The device is offline/powered off
- You’ve already transferred physical possession
- You’re cleaning up old devices from your account
For active devices you still possess, use Method 1 instead.
Method 3: Turn Off Find My iPhone Remotely
This advanced method uses the Find My app on another Apple device you own.
Using the Find My App on iPad or Mac
Step 1: Open the Find My app on another iPhone, iPad, or Mac logged into the same Apple ID
Step 2: Tap the “Devices” tab at the bottom
Step 3: Select the iPhone you want to deactivate
Step 4: Scroll down and tap “Remove This Device”
Step 5: Confirm removal
The Erase Option for Lost/Stolen Devices
If your iPhone is lost or stolen and you want to wipe it completely:
Step 1: In Find My app, select the device
Step 2: Tap “Erase This Device” (not Remove)
Step 3: Follow prompts to confirm erasure
What happens next:
- Your iPhone receives a remote wipe command
- All data deletes when it connects to internet
- Activation Lock remains active (protects against resale)
- You can still see the device’s last known location
According to Apple’s Activation Lock documentation, even after erasing, the device cannot be reactivated without your Apple ID password.
🛡️ Security Note: Never erase your iPhone before turning off Find My if you plan to sell it. The buyer won’t be able to set up the device. Always disable Find My first, THEN factory reset.
Troubleshooting: Find My iPhone Won’t Turn Off
Facing the dreaded greyed-out toggle? You’re not alone. Here are the five most common issues and their fixes.
Issue 1: Find My iPhone Greyed Out / Can’t Turn Off Find My iPhone
Symptoms: The toggle appears faded and won’t respond to taps.
Causes & Solutions:
A) Screen Time Restrictions Enabled
Parents often restrict this setting to prevent kids from disabling tracking.
Fix:
- Settings → “Screen Time”
- Tap “Content & Privacy Restrictions”
- Enter Screen Time passcode
- Tap “Location Services”
- Ensure “Allow Changes” is selected
- Go back to Find My and try again
B) MDM Profile (Company/School Device)
Corporate or educational iPhones have Mobile Device Management restrictions.
Fix:
- Settings → “General” → “VPN & Device Management”
- Check for any configuration profiles
- Contact your IT administrator—they must remove the restriction
C) Parental Controls via Family Sharing
If you’re under 18 and part of Family Sharing, your parent may have locked this setting.
Fix:
- Ask the family organizer to temporarily allow changes
- They can do this in Settings → [Child’s Name] → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions
Issue 2: Stolen Device Protection Blocking Access
iOS 17.3 introduced Stolen Device Protection, which adds security delays when disabling Find My iPhone outside familiar locations.
How it works:
If your iPhone doesn’t recognize your current location (not home or work), it requires:
- Face ID/Touch ID authentication
- A one-hour security delay
- Second Face ID/Touch ID verification after the delay
Fix:
- Return to a familiar location (home, work, frequently visited places)
- Wait 24 hours for the location to be recognized
- Or temporarily disable Stolen Device Protection:
- Settings → “Face ID & Passcode”
- Scroll to “Stolen Device Protection”
- Toggle OFF (requires passcode)
Issue 3: Apple ID Password Not Working / Forgot Password
Can’t remember your password? You’ll need to reset it.
Quick Reset Method:
- Settings → [Your Name] → “Password & Security”
- Tap “Change Password”
- Enter your iPhone’s passcode
- Create a new Apple ID password
- Return to Find My and disable with the new password
Alternative via iforgot.apple.com:
- Visit Apple’s password reset page
- Enter your Apple ID email
- Follow recovery instructions (email/SMS/account recovery)
Issue 4: “Verification Failed” Error When Entering Password
Causes:
- Poor internet connection
- Apple server outage
- Incorrect password (even if it looks right)
Fix:
- Switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data
- Toggle Airplane Mode on/off to refresh connection
- Check Apple System Status page for iCloud outages
- Try logging out and back into iCloud (Settings → [Name] → Sign Out → Sign back in)
Issue 5: Find My iPhone Not Turning Off After Following Steps
Sometimes the toggle appears off but Activation Lock remains active.
Verification Check:
- Go to Settings → “General” → “About”
- Scroll to “Activation Lock”
- If it says “On,” the feature is still active
Nuclear Option – Sign Out of iCloud:
- Settings → [Your Name]
- Scroll to bottom → “Sign Out”
- Enter password
- Choose to keep or delete iCloud data from device
- Sign back in
This forces a complete iCloud deregistration and typically resolves stubborn issues.
What Happens After You Disable Find My iPhone?
Understanding the consequences helps you make informed decisions.
Immediate Changes to Your iPhone
| Feature | Before (On) | After (Off) |
|---|---|---|
| Activation Lock | Protected – can’t be erased/reactivated without password | Removed – anyone can set up the device |
| Location Tracking | Real-time location visible in Find My | No location tracking whatsoever |
| Lost Mode | Can remotely lock with message | Feature unavailable |
| Remote Erase | Can wipe device from iCloud.com | Cannot erase remotely |
| Find My Network | Offline finding via Bluetooth | Completely disabled |
| Repairs | Blocked by most technicians | Permitted by Apple Store and third parties |
Security Implications You Must Know
What You Lose:
- Theft protection: If someone steals your iPhone, you cannot track or lock it
- Data recovery safety net: Can’t remotely erase sensitive information
- Device registration: Apple’s servers no longer link the device to your account
What You Gain:
- Repair accessibility: Technicians can now service hardware without account verification
- Trade-in eligibility: Buyback services accept the device without Activation Lock errors
- Faster troubleshooting: Some iOS restore procedures work more smoothly
🔒 Expert Insight: Apple designed Activation Lock as an anti-theft deterrent so effective that iPhone theft rates dropped 38% in major US cities after its introduction in iOS 7. Disabling it should be temporary and purposeful.
Best Practice: When to Re-Enable
Turn Find My iPhone back on immediately after:
- Completing authorized repairs
- Finishing iOS troubleshooting
- Changing your mind about selling
How to re-enable:
- Settings → [Your Name] → Find My
- Toggle “Find My iPhone” to ON
- Confirm with your Apple ID password
The green toggle indicates full protection is restored.
Complete Checklist: Before Selling Your iPhone
Selling or trading your iPhone? Follow this exact sequence to avoid disasters.
The Correct Order (Matters!)
✅ Step 1: Back Up Your Data
- iCloud Backup: Settings → [Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now
- Or iTunes/Finder backup on computer
- Verify backup completed successfully
✅ Step 2: Unpair Apple Watch
- Open Watch app → Tap your watch → “i” icon → Unpair Apple Watch
- This automatically backs up your watch data
✅ Step 3: Sign Out of iMessage and FaceTime
- Settings → Messages → Send & Receive → Tap Apple ID → Sign Out
- Settings → FaceTime → Tap Apple ID → Sign Out
- (Prevents text messages from going to the new owner)
✅ Step 4: Disable Find My iPhone
- Use Method 1 detailed above
- Verify all three toggles are grey
✅ Step 5: Erase All Content and Settings
- Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap “Erase All Content and Settings”
- Enter passcode → Confirm
✅ Step 6: Remove SIM Card
- Use SIM ejector tool or paperclip
- Keep for your next device
✅ Step 7: Verify Activation Lock is Removed
- The new owner should see “Hello” setup screen
- They should NOT see “iPhone is linked to an Apple ID”
Common Selling Mistakes
❌ Wrong Order #1: Erasing BEFORE disabling Find My
Result: Buyer gets Activation Lock screen and can’t set up the iPhone
❌ Wrong Order #2: Forgetting to sign out of iMessage
Result: Your texts go to the new owner’s device
❌ Wrong Order #3: Skipping the backup
Result: You lose photos, contacts, and app data forever
Trade-In Specific Requirements
Major buyback programs (Apple Trade-In, Gazelle, BestBuy) automatically check for Activation Lock. Your device will be rejected and returned if Find My iPhone remains enabled.
Comparison Tables
Method Comparison: Which Approach to Choose?
| Method | Speed | Requirements | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-Device Toggle | 2 min | Physical access + password | Daily use, repairs, troubleshooting | Requires working iPhone with internet |
| iCloud.com Removal | 3 min | Computer + Apple ID | Remote cleanup, old devices | Doesn’t fully disable if device is online |
| Find My App | 3 min | Another Apple device + same Apple ID | Managing multiple devices | Need secondary device logged in |
| Sign Out of iCloud | 5 min | Device access + password | Stubborn glitches, last resort | Removes all iCloud data options |
iOS Version Differences
| iOS Version | Find My Location | Steps to Disable | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS 18 | Settings → [Name] → Find My → Find My iPhone | 3 taps + password | Stolen Device Protection may add delays |
| iOS 17 | Settings → [Name] → Find My → Find My iPhone | 3 taps + password | First version with Stolen Device Protection |
| iOS 13-16 | Settings → [Name] → Find My → Find My iPhone | 3 taps + password | Consistent interface |
| iOS 12 | Settings → [Name] → iCloud → Find My iPhone | 4 taps + password | Different menu structure |
| iOS 7-11 | Settings → iCloud → Find My iPhone | 3 taps + password | Original implementation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I turn off Find My iPhone?
The most common reason is Screen Time restrictions or parental controls preventing changes to Location Services. Go to Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → Location Services and ensure changes are allowed. Corporate devices may have MDM profiles that administrators must remove.
How do I turn off Find My iPhone without password?
You cannot disable Find My iPhone without your Apple ID password—this is a core security feature. If you’ve forgotten your password, reset it through Settings → [Your Name] → Password & Security → Change Password using your device passcode. Alternatively, visit iforgot.apple.com for account recovery.
Can I turn off Find My iPhone from computer?
Yes, but only partially. Visit iCloud.com/find, sign in, select your device, and click “Remove from Account.” However, this doesn’t fully disable the feature if your iPhone is online and powered on—it will re-register automatically. For complete deactivation, you must use the device itself.
What happens if I erase my iPhone without turning off Find My?
The device will still have Activation Lock enabled after erasing. Anyone who tries to set it up will see “This iPhone is linked to an Apple ID” and cannot proceed without your password. This protects against theft but prevents legitimate transfers. Always disable Find My BEFORE erasing when selling or trading your device.
Does turning off Find My iPhone delete anything?
No. Disabling Find My iPhone does not delete any data, photos, apps, or settings from your device. It only removes the location tracking and Activation Lock features. Your content remains completely intact. You must separately perform a factory reset (Erase All Content and Settings) to remove personal data.
How long does it take to turn off Find My iPhone?
The actual process takes 2-3 minutes with a stable internet connection. However, if you have Stolen Device Protection enabled (iOS 17.3+) and you’re outside your usual locations, the system enforces a one-hour security delay before allowing deactivation. Return to a familiar location or temporarily disable Stolen Device Protection to bypass the wait.
Can Apple Store turn off Find My iPhone for me?
No. Apple policy strictly prohibits employees from disabling Find My iPhone on customer devices, even with proof of ownership. This security policy prevents fraud and protects stolen devices. You must know your Apple ID password and disable it yourself before requesting service.
Will turning off Find My iPhone stop location sharing?
Yes, completely. Disabling Find My iPhone stops all location sharing features, including:
-Real-time location tracking in the Find My app
-Location sharing with friends and family
-Find My network offline finding
-Automatic location updates to iCloud
If you only want to stop sharing location with specific people, use Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → Share My Location instead.
Why won’t my iPhone turn off?
If your entire iPhone won’t power down (different from Find My issues), you may have a hardware or software problem. Try force restarting: press Volume Up, release, press Volume Down, release, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. This forces a reboot without affecting data. For more detailed solutions, check our guide on how to turn off iPhone when facing power button or software issues.
Can I turn off my iPhone without the power button?
Yes. Go to Settings → General → Shut Down, then slide to power off. You can also enable AssistiveTouch (Settings → Accessibility → Touch → AssistiveTouch) to create an on-screen power button. For complete instructions on alternative shutdown methods, see our article on how to turn off iPhone without using physical buttons.
Next Steps and Related Guides
Recommended Actions After Reading
If you successfully disabled Find My iPhone:
- Complete your intended task (repair, sale, or troubleshooting)
- Re-enable the feature immediately after if keeping the device
- Verify Activation Lock status in Settings → General → About
If you’re still having issues:
- Document the exact error messages you’re seeing
- Check Apple System Status for iCloud outages
- Contact Apple Support with your device serial number
- Consider visiting an Apple Store Genius Bar
Essential iPhone Guides for You
Your iPhone has many interconnected features. Here are related topics that might help:
- How to Schedule a Text on iPhone – Automate message sending without third-party apps
- How to Connect AirPods to iPhone – Complete Bluetooth pairing and troubleshooting guide
- How to Screen Record on iPhone – Capture your screen for tutorials or troubleshooting
- Best Places to Buy a Refurbished iPhone – Buying guide if you’re selling your current device to upgrade
Additional Resources
- Apple Support Community: Real solutions from millions of iPhone users
- Apple Trade-In Program: Official device assessment and trade-in values
- Our iPhone Troubleshooting Hub: 150+ guides for every iOS problem
Stay Protected
Find My iPhone is your best defense against device theft. According to Consumer Reports, iPhones with Activation Lock enabled are 70% less likely to be resold on black markets because thieves can’t bypass the security.
Only disable this feature when absolutely necessary, and always re-enable it immediately after completing legitimate tasks like authorized repairs or iOS troubleshooting. Your data security depends on it.
Final Takeaway:
You now know three methods to turn off Find My iPhone, how to troubleshoot every common issue, and when disabling is appropriate. The process takes under 5 minutes when done correctly. Remember: disable only for repairs, sales, or necessary troubleshooting—then re-enable immediately to maintain your iPhone’s security protection.
Need more help? Drop your specific situation in the comments below, and our iOS specialists will respond within 24 hours.
Last Updated: January 2026 | Compatible with iOS 18, iOS 17, and earlier versions | Verified with Apple Support documentation
