If you’re trying to sign out of your Apple ID but find the “Sign Out” button in Settings is greyed out, you’re not alone. This issue can be frustrating—especially if you’re preparing to sell or reset your iPhone. Fortunately, there are clear reasons behind this problem, and even better, simple ways to fix it.
In this guide, we’ll explain the most common causes behind a greyed-out Apple ID and walk you through four effective methods to solve it quickly.
Part 1: Why Is My Apple ID Sign Out Greyed Out
When the “Sign Out” option under your Apple ID settings is unavailable or disabled, it usually means one of the following is at play:
- Screen Time restrictions are enabled
- Family Sharing controls are active
- Ongoing iCloud sync or backups
- The Device is managed or locked via MDM
Related Reading: Best MDM Removal Tools for iPhone & iPad [2025 Guide]
In most cases, the issue is tied to Apple’s Screen Time feature, which can block access to Apple ID functions—even if you’re the owner of the device.
How to Fix Apple ID Sign Out Greyed Out
Now that you understand why the Apple ID sign-out button may be greyed out on your iPhone, it’s time to move on to fixing the issue. Here are some proven ways to quickly regain control of your Apple ID.
Option 1: Turn Off Screen Time on iPhone
In iOS 12 and later, Apple introduced Screen Time, a feature designed to give you greater control over device usage by monitoring and limiting app activity on your iPhone. When Screen Time is enabled, it can prevent you from signing out of your Apple ID. If the sign-out button is greyed out, your first step should be to disable Screen Time.
Step 1: Open Settings and scroll down to find Screen Time.
Step 2: Tap on Screen Time, then scroll to the bottom and select Turn Off Screen Time. You will be asked to enter your Screen Time passcode.
Step 3: After disabling Screen Time, go back to the Apple ID section in Settings and check if the “Sign Out” button is now active.
Option 2: Turn Off Screen Time on a Family Member’s Device
If your device is under Family Sharing, and the Screen Time is set by a parent or organizer, you’ll need their help – the family organizer must disable Screen Time from their device.
Step 1: Open Settings on the family organizer’s device.
Step 2: Tap on Screen Time, then select Family.
Step 3: Find your name in the list and tap on it.
Step 4: Tap Turn Off Screen Time and enter the Screen Time passcode for your device.
Step 5: Once Screen Time is disabled, return to your device and check if the “Sign Out” button is now clickable.
Option 3: Disable iCloud Backup or iCloud Drive Syncing
Sometimes, active iCloud services can interfere with logging out of your Apple ID. If your iPhone is currently syncing data with iCloud or performing a backup, it might prevent the sign-out option from being available.
Step 1: Open Settings on your device.
Step 2: Tap on your Apple ID at the top, then select iCloud.
Step 3: Scroll down and toggle off iCloud Backup and iCloud Drive.
Step 4: After disabling iCloud services, try signing out of your Apple ID again.
Option 4: Reset Your Device with iTunes or Finder
If the above methods haven’t worked, and you’re still unable to sign out of your Apple ID, you can try resetting your device using iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later). This method will erase all content and settings from your device, so it’s important to back up any data you need before proceeding.
Step 1: Make sure to back up the data on your iPhone first, then use a USB cable to connect your device to your computer.
Step 2: Open iTunes (or Finder), and select your iPhone from the list of devices.
Step 3: Click Restore iPhone to erase all content, which will remove the Apple ID. After the restore process, you can set up your iPhone as new.
Conclusion
When your Apple ID sign-out is greyed out, the cause is often tied to device-level restrictions. Whether it’s Screen Time or cloud syncing, the fixes are simple once you know where to look. Start by disabling Screen Time, and work your way through the other methods if needed.
Just don’t forget to back up your data before making any major changes!