The Find My iPhone feature is an important utility for locating a lost device and protecting the data within. Sometimes, you may want to disable it, though, such as when selling your phone, troubleshooting it, or, simply, for privacy purposes.
Here’s a simple guide on how to turn off Find My iPhone and why it is so necessary.
Steps to Turn Off Find My iPhone
Open Settings: Tap on the Settings icon on your iPhone to enter the menu.
Tap on Your Name: Your name appears on the top of the Settings menu; tap it to get to your Apple ID settings.
Select Find My: On the list, select Find My.
Disable Find My iPhone: Swipe the toggle switch next to Find My iPhone to Off.
Enter Apple ID Password: You will have to enter the password for your Apple ID to confirm the action.
Why Turn Off Find My iPhone?
Selling or Gifting Your Device: When transferring ownership of an iPhone, turning off Find My iPhone will prevent unlocking issues from arising regarding the new owner.
Troubleshooting Device Issues: There are times when turning off Find My iPhone may be a requirement on the way to getting your device repaired or troubleshot.
Privacy Concerns: Think of it as having the option of declining location-tracking features for more privacy.
Important Notes
You may want to back up any important data to avoid loss before turning off Find My iPhone. It is always advisable to keep a copy of backed files either in iCloud or some other media storage for the complete security of your files. Moreover, keep your Apple ID and password handy to disable this security feature. You cannot deactivate this option unless you have your Apple ID and password, thereby leading to possible undue hassles with transferring your device to the new owner or getting it repaired.
Finally, keep in mind that the security of your device is compromised when you disable this feature. It is thus advisable to weigh its consequences carefully.
