How to remove old devices from Apple Account

We have several old ipads and iphones that are using up our Linked Devices slots.


When we try to remove them via the Account Settings in Music, the Remove button is grayed out.

When we try to remove the devices via the website account.apple.com , we get a message saying that we can't because Stolen Device Protection is turned on. We can't figure out how to turn this off.


Also, when we log into the Apple website, there are 16 devices listed. Two are Windows Desktops and there is one device that is listed 3 times.

How do we clean this up?


I tried to add some screenshots, but it wouldn't work.


MacBook Pro 14″, 15.5

Posted on Jun 19, 2025 12:39 PM

Reply
5 replies

Jun 20, 2025 02:45 PM in response to Limnos

Hello @Limnos,


I think maybe I was not clear when explaining the problem that we're having. My husband and I have several older Apple devices - iPhones and iPads. We're not using these devices anymore, and we would like to remove them from my husband's account. His account is the main account in the Family and that's the account used for Media and Purchases. When we look at Account Settings, it says there are 10 devices linked to the account. We want to remove at least 3 of these devices, because we don't use them at all.


For example, we started with our oldest iPad (Model A1395). There is no Face ID or Touch ID, just a passcode and it is turned off. I don't see "Stolen Device Protection" anywhere in the settings, but we cannot remove it from the account.


I hope that clarifies things better.

Jun 19, 2025 02:16 PM in response to krzoirure179

From this article:

Find your lost iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


”If you have Stolen Device Protection turned on for your missing iPhone, you might not be able to update some account information on the web (such as changing your Apple Account password or removing your device from your Apple Account). To make these account changes, you can use another trusted iPhone, iPad, or Mac.”


Your use of the word “we” is very concerning. An Apple Account should belong to exactly one unique person.


Make sure that each family member has a unique Apple Account - Apple Support



Jun 19, 2025 02:24 PM in response to krzoirure179

You're encountering a new security feature that prevents a thief from grabbing your phone while you are signed in and then changing settings before you can do anything about it.


How to turn Stolen Device Protection on or off, from About Stolen Device Protection for iPhone - Apple Support :


To turn on Stolen Device Protection, you must use two-factor authentication for your Apple ID and set up or enable the following on your iPhone: a device passcode; Face ID or Touch ID; and Significant Locations* (Location Services).


You also need to have Find My turned on, and you can't turn it off while Stolen Device Protection is enabled.


You can change Stolen Device Protection in Settings:

Go to Settings, then tap Face ID & Passcode.

Enter your device passcode.

Tap Stolen Device Protection, then turn Stolen Device Protection on or off.


If you'd like your iPhone to enforce the additional Stolen Device Protection security measures regardless of its location, choose "Always" under Require Security Delay. By default, the additional security measures are required only when your iPhone is away from familiar locations.


If you try to turn off Stolen Device Protection when you’re not in a familiar location, a security delay starts before you can turn it off. You should turn off Stolen Device Protection before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone.



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How to remove old devices from Apple Account

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