Turn off Find My and sign out of Apple ID to Prep Mac or iPad return to ITS
Get your Mac or iPad ready for replacement or return
When getting a replacement computer or iPad, prepare your device for return to ITS. Check the Find My and Apple ID settings to see if you are logged in. Turn off Find My and sign out of Apple ID. Next, get the charger that came with your device. Both need to be returned to ITS.
At the end of employment, prepare your Apple devices for return to ITS. Back up your data and transfer any files needed by your department or replacement. Gather up the charger and any other peripherals that came with the device. Turn off Find My and sign out of Apple ID.
Turn off Find My on Mac or iPad
To disable Activation Lock, turn off Find My. Can't turn off Find My?
iPad
To prepare an iPad for return to ITS: 1) back up your data, 2) turn off Find My and sign out of iCloud, and 3) Reset and erase the device. For instructions and follow the steps in Apple's guide What to do before you sell give away, or trade in your iPad or iPhone.
macOS Ventura or later
- Go to Apple menu > System Settings.
- Click your name (Apple ID) in the sidebar.
- Click iCloud on the right.
- Scroll down and turn off Find My Mac, then enter your Apple ID password when prompted.
- Click the Show More Apps button (or Show All button) on the right, then click Find My Mac and turn it off. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted.
Earlier versions of macOS
- Go to Apple menu > System Preferences.
- Click Apple ID.
- Click iCloud in the sidebar.
- Deselect the Find My Mac checkbox on the right, then enter your Apple ID password when prompted
For more information, go to Activation Lock for Mac
Sign out of Apple ID and iCloud
Double check your Apple ID settings. Apple devices prompt people to login to their Apple ID, so you may be logged in on your device and not realize it.
macOS Ventura or later
- Go to Apple menu > System Settings.
-
Click your name.
- Click Sign Out.
- (Optional, for data transfer as part of the replacement process) If you want to a keep a copy of your iCloud data on your Mac before you sign out, make sure that you select the appropriate checkboxes. Then click Keep a Copy.
- (Optional, for data transfer as part of the replacement process) If you want to keep a copy of your Safari passwords on your Mac, click Keep on This Mac.
In Earlier version of macOS (Monterey or earlier)
- Choose Apple menu > System Preferences.
- Click Apple ID, then click Overview.
- Click Sign Out.
- (Optional, for data transfer as part of the replacement process) If you want to a keep a copy of your iCloud data on your Mac before you sign out, make sure that you select the appropriate checkboxes. Then click Keep a Copy.
- I(Optional, for data transfer as part of the replacement process) f you want to keep a copy of your Safari passwords on your Mac, click Keep on This Mac.
Why are these steps necessary?
The Apple OS has an Activation Lock tied to Apple ID. If your device gets locked by your Apple ID, ITS may not be able to access it for a data transfer. You will need to come into ITS to sign into the device with your Apple ID.