Turn Off Find My iPhone Without Password (iOS 10)

If you’re stuck with Find My iPhone still active on an iOS 10 device and you don’t have the Apple ID password, this guide walks through the only legitimate ways to disable it. You’ll need access to the device itself, and in most cases, either the original proof of purchase or a computer with the latest iTunes version. This process is often needed when buying a used iPhone or after forgetting an old Apple ID password.

What You’ll Need

• The iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 10.
• A computer with iTunes installed (Windows or Mac).
• The original proof of purchase (receipt, invoice, or contract) if you need to contact Apple Support.
• Your Apple ID and password if you remember them – this is the easiest route.

Step-by-Step

Method 1: If You Know the Apple ID Password (The Normal Way)

1. Open the Settings app on your iOS 10 device.
2. Tap on your name at the top (or iCloud if you’re not signed in with an Apple ID).
3. Tap iCloud.
4. Scroll down and tap Find My iPhone.
5. Toggle the switch to Off. You’ll be asked to enter your Apple ID password.
6. Type the password and tap Turn Off. This disables Find My iPhone and removes Activation Lock.

Method 2: If You Forgot the Password – Use iTunes (Requires the Device to Be in Recovery Mode)

Warning: This method erases all data on the device. Only use it if you have a backup or don’t need the data.

1. On your computer, open iTunes. Make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
2. Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.
3. Force restart your iPhone to enter Recovery Mode:
   • On iPhone 7 or later: Press and hold the Side (power) button and the Volume Down button together until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
   • On iPhone 6s and earlier, iPad, or iPod touch: Press and hold the Home button and the Top (or Side) button together until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
4. iTunes will show a dialog saying your device has a problem and needs to be restored or updated.
5. Click Restore. iTunes will download the iOS software and erase the device.
6. After the restore finishes, the device will restart and show the “Hello” setup screen. You can now set it up as new, but Activation Lock will still be active if Find My iPhone was on.
7. If you see the Activation Lock screen asking for the previous owner’s Apple ID, you cannot bypass it with this method. You’ll need to use Method 3.

Method 3: Contact Apple Support (Requires Proof of Purchase)

1. Go to Apple Support and select iPhone.
2. Choose Activation Lock or Forgot Apple ID Password as the topic.
3. Click Chat or Call to talk to an Apple Support representative.
4. Explain that you need Activation Lock removed from your device because you forgot the Apple ID password.
5. Provide the device’s serial number (found in Settings > General > About) and the original proof of purchase (receipt showing the serial number or a signed contract).
6. If they can verify ownership, Apple will remove Activation Lock remotely. You’ll then be able to set up the device and use it with a new Apple ID.

Common Mistakes

• Trying to guess the password repeatedly: This locks the Apple ID and makes the situation worse.
• Using a third-party “bypass” service: These are scams, often require payment, and don’t actually work for Activation Lock on iOS 10. They may also compromise your device’s security.
• Restoring without checking Activation Lock status: If you restore a device with Find My iPhone still on, you’ll be stuck at the Activation Lock screen. Always check if Find My iPhone is off before restoring.
• Forgetting to back up before using iTunes: The iTunes restore method erases everything. If you don’t have a backup, you’ll lose all photos, messages, and apps.

Tips

• Try to reset your Apple ID password first: Go to iforgot.apple.com and follow the prompts. If you have access to the trusted email or phone number, you can reset it and then turn off Find My iPhone normally.
• Check if the device is already signed out of iCloud: Sometimes the previous owner removed it, but Find My iPhone remains on. Go to Settings > iCloud and see if you can sign in with your own Apple ID. If you can, you’re good.
• Keep your proof of purchase safe: If you buy a used iPhone, get a signed receipt with the serial number. It’s your only key to unlock Activation Lock if the seller forgets to turn off Find My iPhone.
• Use “Find My iPhone” in the cloud: If you have another Apple device, you can go to iCloud.com/find and remove the device from your account – but this still requires your Apple ID password.

Troubleshooting

• iTunes doesn’t recognize the device: Try a different USB port, restart the computer, and make sure you have the latest iTunes version. If the device is in Recovery Mode, iTunes should detect it.
• Restore fails halfway through: This can happen with a poor internet connection. Try again, or use a different computer. Make sure you have enough free space on your computer for the iOS download.
• Apple Support refuses to remove Activation Lock: They will only do it with valid proof of purchase. If you don’t have it, they won’t help. In that case, the device is permanently locked – there’s no legal workaround.
• The device is stuck on the Activation Lock screen after restore: This means Find My iPhone was still on. You cannot bypass it without the Apple ID password or Apple Support. Try Method 3.
• You get a “Cannot connect to iTunes” error: Restart both the computer and the device, then try again. If the device is in Recovery Mode, you may need to force restart it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove Find My iPhone without a computer?

Only if you know the Apple ID password. If you don’t, you’ll need a computer with iTunes or contact Apple Support.

Will erasing the iPhone turn off Find My iPhone?

No. Erasing the device does not disable Activation Lock. It actually makes it more obvious – the device will ask for the previous Apple ID during setup.

Is there any free way to bypass Activation Lock?

No. The only free methods are resetting your Apple ID password or contacting Apple Support with proof of purchase. Paid services claiming to bypass Activation Lock are scams.

What if I bought the iPhone second-hand and the seller won’t help?

You need the original proof of purchase with the serial number. If you don’t have it, the device is likely unusable. Always check that Find My iPhone is off before buying a used iPhone.

Does this work on iOS 10 only?

Yes, this guide is specific to iOS 10. Newer versions of iOS have similar steps, but the menus may look slightly different.

Can I turn off Find My iPhone from iCloud.com?

Yes, if you know the Apple ID password. Go to iCloud.com/find, sign in, select the device, and click “Erase” then “Remove from Account.” This also disables Activation Lock.

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