Q: How can I completely delete an iCloud account?
A: Once you create an iCloud account, this account cannot be removed or merged with a different iCloud account. What you can do is to abandon this account. You can erase the data in the account, but the account will remain. When you go to Settings > iCloud you will see the red “Delete Account” button. This option will only delete the iCloud account from your iPhone/iPad/iPod. This mean that iCloud will no longer back up your iOS data.
Related:
Obsessed with tech since the early arrival of A/UX on Apple, Sudz (SK) is responsible for the editorial direction of AppleToolBox. He is based out of Los Angeles, CA.
Sudz specializes in covering all things macOS, having reviewed dozens of OS X and macOS developments over the years.
In a former life, Sudz worked helping Fortune 100 companies with their technology and business transformation aspirations.
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I bought an iPhone 7 second-hand, only to find out there after it had activation lock on it. Can & how can it be completely erased?
Hi Mallorie,
You’ll need the previous owner to remove the iPhone 7 from their Apple ID and disable Find My iPhone and iCloud Activation. There’s no way around this. See this article for details on purchasing and setting up a used iPhone
The previous owner can remove iCloud Activation Lock remotely with the following steps:
Sign in to iCloud’s website with their Apple ID
Open Find My iPhone
Click All Devices
Select your iPhone 7 to remove from their iCloud account
Tap Erase iPhone 7
Select Remove from Account
Once the previous owner removes the iPhone 7 from their account, restart the phone to begin your own setup
Sam
ICLOUD LOGIN ERROR FROM MAC AIR
When attempting to login to iCloud from my MacBook Air I am asked to supply a password for my computer name . The message claims the password is encrypted and Apple cannot open it.
My admin account password does not work.
Also, before the above message, I am asked to supply the password to my user account. It references an account that I have since removed. However my current account password works fine there.
Please note: I enabled two-factor authentication for my Apple ID JUST before this occurred and I do not have file vault on OR Root account enabled or hardware password on.
El Capitan 10-11-6