iCloud & FMI
Removal Instructions
To sell your Apple device to FoneBucks, iCloud and Find My iPhone (FMI) must be turned off. This removes the Activation Lock so we can test, securely wipe, and resell or recycle your phone.
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Before you start
Before you remove iCloud and FMI, please:
Back up anything important – photos, contacts and WhatsApp chats you want to keep.
Have your Apple ID email and password ready. You’ll be asked for these when you turn off Find My iPhone.
Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data so your changes sync with Apple.
If iCloud or Find My iPhone is still active when your device reaches us, we can’t complete your order or pay you until it’s removed.
Option 1 – Remove iCloud & FMI Directly On Your iPhone
Use this if you still have the phone in your hand.
Open Settings on your iPhone.
Tap your name / Apple ID at the top.
Tap Find My → Find My iPhone.
Toggle Find My iPhone off.
Enter your Apple ID password and tap Turn Off.
Go back, scroll to the bottom and tap Sign Out.
Confirm you want to sign out of iCloud, then tap Sign Out again.
Your iPhone is now removed from iCloud and Activation Lock is switched off. You can safely erase it or post it to us.
Option 2 – Turn off Find My iPhone remotely (using iCloud.com)
Use this if you’ve already posted the phone, traded it in, or don’t have it with you.
On a computer or another phone, go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
Tap Find My iPhone (or Find Devices).
At the top, choose All Devices, then select the iPhone you are selling.
If the device is still showing as online, click Erase iPhone, then follow the steps to erase it.
When the erase is complete, click Remove from Account.
Once removed from your iCloud account, the phone is no longer Activation Locked, and we can finish processing your order.
Option 3 – You’ve already erased your iPhone, but FMI is still on
Sometimes a phone is reset before iCloud is switched off. If, when turning it on, you see a screen asking for the previous owner’s Apple ID, Find My iPhone is still active.
To fix this:
Do not enter your details or set the phone up again.
Follow Option 2 above and remove the device from your iCloud account using iCloud.com.
Once done, restart the iPhone – the Activation Lock screen should disappear.
If we receive a phone stuck on this screen, we’ll pause your order and contact you to complete these steps.
What if I’ve forgotten my Apple ID or password?
For security reasons, FoneBucks cannot remove Activation Lock for you.
If you don’t remember your password:
Go to iforgot.apple.com.
Enter your Apple ID email and follow the instructions to reset your password.
Once you have access again, use Option 1 or Option 2 above to remove your device from iCloud.
If you no longer have access to the email or phone number linked to your Apple ID, you’ll need to complete Apple’s account recovery process. We’re unable to accept devices that remain locked.
How To Check That iCloud & FMI Are Fully Removed
After following the steps:
Turn the iPhone on.
If it goes straight to the Hello/setup screen without asking for someone else’s Apple ID, Activation Lock is off.
If you can see, add your Apple ID instead of someone else’s details, you’re good to go.
Now you can pack your iPhone and send it to us using your chosen postage option.
Need help?
If you’re stuck at any point:
Double-check each step above slowly.
Make sure you’re signed in with the same Apple ID originally used on the phone.
Contact our support team with your order number and device model – we’ll guide you through what to try next.
Right-hand sidebar content Other useful guides
Android & Google account removal
How to remove your Google account and turn off Find My Device on Android phones.
Factory reset instructions
Step-by-step instructions for safely erasing your phone or tablet before posting.
Packaging instructions
Tips on how to protect your device in the post using either our free pack or your own box.
Data & privacy at FoneBucks
Find out how we securely wipe every device we receive and protect your personal information.
What happens after we receive your phone
From delivery checks to same-day payment – a full walkthrough of our process.
