Removing your iCloud account is quick and easy, and can be completed using your device or via the iCloud website. Just select your device to find out how to remove your iCloud account!
How to remove your iCloud Account on your Apple Watch
If you’re selling an Apple Watch to us, you’ll need to remove your iCloud account before sending it. If you don’t, your payment may be delayed.
How to remove your iCloud account from a paired iPhone
- Hold your Apple Watch and iPhone close together
- Open the Watch app on your phone
- Tap My Watch < All Watches
- Then tap the info icon next to your watch
- Tap Unpair Apple Watch
- Enter your Apple ID password when prompted to turn off Find My Watch and Activation Lock
When you unpair your Apple Watch from your iPhone, it will try to create a backup of your
watch. If you were to get a new Apple Watch, you can use the backup to pick up where you left off!
Please note: on watchOS 10–11 (paired with iOS 26), the wording is “Remove Apple Watch from Apple Account” instead of “Unpair Apple Watch,” but it performs the same action.
Removing your iCloud account remotely using your PC or laptop
- Switch off your Apple Watch
- Log into the iCloud website from a PC or laptop using your Apple ID
- Open 'Find My'
- Click on the 'All Devices' drop-down menu and select your Apple Watch
- Click 'Erase Apple Watch < Remove from Account
Please note: if you delete any data manually while signed into iCloud, this will remove the content from your iCloud account and any linked devices.
Troubleshooting
Why can’t I remove the iCloud account on my work Apple Watch?
If your Apple Watch is managed by your company (through MDM), only the system administrator can change/remove Apple ID settings and Activation Lock. You'll need to contact your IT admin for help.
What if I’ve forgotten my Apple ID password?
If you can’t sign out because you’ve forgotten your password, go to iforgot.apple.com to reset it. If you still can’t access your account, contact Apple Support and provide proof of purchase for your device.
Why is the ‘Erase’ option greyed out on my Apple Watch?
If the Erase button is greyed out, your Apple Watch is likely still connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth. To fix this, unpair your watch directly from your iPhone instead - this will automatically erase and disconnect it.
What should I do with my mobile plan when unpairing a cellular Apple Watch?
If you have a cellular model, you’ll be asked whether you want to keep or remove your mobile plan when unpairing. Choose Keep Plan if you’re pairing the watch again later, or Remove Plan if you're trading in or giving away your watch.
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