Can’t sign out from your iPhone or iPad? If you’re seeing a grayed out Sign Out option in your Apple ID settings, often with the message ‘Unable to sign out due to restrictions’, you need to fix this issue quickly, especially if you intend to part ways with your device. .
The most obvious reason for this to happen is restrictions. If there are any restrictions imposed on your iPhone or iPad by yourself or your workplace, it is impossible to sign out of the device without first removing them.
Let’s check out what you can do to fix your Apple ID Sign Out issue on iPhone and iPad. You’ll also learn about fixes for similar situations not caused by restrictions, so keep reading.
1. Turn Off Screen Time
Starting with iOS 12, Apple introduced Screen Time. It combines Legacy Restrictions with a number of additional options and helps you implement various controls on iPhone and iPad. For example, you can restrict key system functions, set time limits, block apps, and more.
But if you have Screen Time set, you will find the Sign Out option grayed out on the Apple ID settings screen. To resolve this, you should turn off Screen Time.
Stage 1: Go to the Settings app and tap on Screen Time. Then scroll down and tap Turn Off Screen Time.
Step 2: Enter your Screen Time passcode, then tap Turn Off Screen Time.
Can’t remember your Screen Time passcode? Check out the guides below for ways to reset or recover:
- Recover Screen Time Passcode — iOS 13.3/iPadOS 13.3 and earlier.
- Reset Screen Time Passcode — iOS 13.4/iPadOS 13.4 and later.
Stage 3: Go back to the main Settings app area and tap on your Apple ID.
Scroll down and voila! The Sign Out option is no longer greyed out.
2. Applied Screen Time
Screen Time doubles as a parental control measure and helps you limit the time your child spends on the iPhone or iPad. Since the functionality is part of Family Sharing, you can also set limitations on your iOS or iPadOS device.
If you want to sign out of your child’s iPhone or iPad, but have set Screen Time remotely, you must disable the functionality yourself. Otherwise, you will see the Logout option greyed out.
Stage 1: Go to the Settings app and tap on Screen Time. Under the Family section, tap your child’s name.
Step 2: Tap Turn off Screen Time. Track by entering your child’s device’s Screen Time passcode when prompted.
Stage 3: Tap Turn Off Screen Time to confirm.
Go to the Apple ID section of your child’s iPhone or iPad; The Logout option should not be greyed out.
3. Mobile Device Management
If your iPhone or iPad was given to you by your school or workplace, it most likely has an MDM (Mobile Device Management) profile installed on the device. These profiles impose various controls and restrictions; this means that they also prevent you from logging out of the device. To verify this, go to Settings > General > Profiles.
Removing MDM profiles on your own may prevent certain apps and services from running on your iPhone or iPad. Therefore, it is best to discuss this matter with the IT department at your school or workplace.
Other Apple ID Sign Out Greyed Out Issue Fixes
If you see a grayed out Sign Out option in your iPhone or iPad’s Apple ID settings but no ‘Can’t sign out due to restrictions’ message, here are a few quick fixes you can try.
Enable Cellular Data for Settings App
Have you disabled cellular data for the Settings app? If so, you will see that the Sign Out option of your Apple ID is greyed out. To fix this, connect to Wi-Fi or turn on cellular data for the Settings app (go to Settings > Cellular and turn on the switch next to Settings).
Check Apple System Status
Server-side issues can also prevent you from signing out of your Apple ID. To determine if this is the case, start by loading the Apple System Status page in Safari. Next, check the status next to the Apple ID; If it shows any problem, wait a few hours and try again.
Restart iPhone/iPad
Restarting your iPhone or iPad can help fix bugs and other anomalies. On devices with Face ID, press the Volume Up > Volume Down buttons repeatedly, press and hold the Side button, then slide to turn it off. Then press and hold the Side button again to reboot the device.
On iPhones and iPads with Touch ID, press and hold the Side button to turn it off. Then press and hold again to reboot the device.
update iOS/ipados
Have you recently updated your iPhone or iPad? If not, go to Settings > General > Software Update to search for and install the latest updates for your device.
Network Settings Reset
Persistent network-related issues can also cause a grayed out Apple ID Sign Out option. So, consider resetting the network settings on your device. Go to Settings > General > Reset and then select Reset Network Settings.
After doing that, connect to a Wi-Fi network or enable cellular data and then try to sign out.
Warning: Resetting the network settings will remove all saved Wi-Fi networks (including passwords).
Signed out
Did you manage to sign out of your iPhone or iPad? But what’s next? If your plan is to deliver or sell it, you may want to factory reset (back up important data first!) and then remove the device from your Apple ID. This should prevent privacy and security issues down the road.
Next: Sign in with Apple ID helps you securely sign in to apps and websites. Click the link below to learn how it works.
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