Offboarding: Apple Devices

Owned by Margaret Winward
Jun 13, 2023
3 min read

Question

What do I need to check if I use Apple products (desktop, laptop, tablets) when offboarding?

Answer

If you have ever used your Apple ID when logging into an Apple device, it is very important that you make sure you have signed out of all software that uses your Apple ID when offboarding.

Sign out of iTunes

If using macOS Catalina or later, skip this step.

From the menu bar in iTunes, choose Account > Authorizations > Deauthorize This Computer. Enter your Apple ID and password and click Deauthorize. Learn more about deauthorizing.

Sign out of iCloud

macOS Ventura or later: Choose Apple menu  > System Settings, then click your name (Apple ID) in the sidebar. On the right, scroll down and click Sign Out.

macOS Monterey, macOS Big Sur, or macOS Catalina: Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Apple ID. Select Overview in the sidebar, then click Sign Out.

Earlier versions of macOS: Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, click iCloud, then click Sign Out.

When asked whether to keep a copy of your iCloud data on this Mac, you can keep a copy, because you will erase your Mac later. Your iCloud data remains in iCloud and on other devices that are signed in to iCloud with your Apple ID. 

Sign out of iMessage

From the menu bar in Messages, choose Messages > Settings (or Preferences). Click iMessage, then click Sign Out.

Optional: Unpair Bluetooth devices

If your Mac is paired with a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, or other device that you plan to keep, you can unpair it. This optional step prevents accidental input when the Mac and device have separate owners but remain in Bluetooth range. If you do this on a Mac that doesn't have a built-in keyboard or trackpad, you will need to plug in a USB keyboard and mouse to complete the remaining steps.

To unpair a Bluetooth device, choose Apple menu  > System Settings (or System Preferences), then click Bluetooth. Move your pointer over the device that you want to unpair, then click the Disconnect button or remove button (x) next to the device name.

From the menu bar in iTunes, choose Account > Authorizations > Deauthorize This Computer. Enter your Apple ID and password and click Deauthorize. Learn more about deauthorizing.

Use another device to verify the device is no longer associated with your account.

  1. Choose Apple menu  > System Settings. In macOS Monterey or earlier, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences.

  2. Click your name. In macOS Montery or earlier, click Apple ID.

  3. Click any device name to view that device's information, such as the device model, serial number, and OS version. The information might vary depending on the device type. You might need to answer your security questions to view device details. 

 

If your Apple ID is still associated with your devices when you leave, it will be necessary to contact you to have them removed so that we can repurpose the devices. This becomes more complicated long distance. If you need additional help, please get in touch with LIT before your last day.

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Verified: Jun 13, 2023