Resolve This Device is Already Associated with An Apple ID Easily

Kristine DawsonPosted by Kristine Dawson / May 09, 2025 16:30

Hello! What should I do when the This Device is Already Associated with An Apple ID Transfer or Cancel error emerges? I purchased a second-hand Apple device, but this note appeared when I attempted to sign into a new Apple ID. Thus, I can't enjoy the device and all its functions and services fully, as this error restricts me every time. Please suggest what I can do. Thanks!

The error message saying your device is already associated with another Apple ID usually emerges when you're trying to sign into an Apple account. That's because your or the previous user's Apple ID is still active, and you must remove it first to register the new account you'd like to use on your iPhone, iPad, and more. If not, it will prevent you from using various services.

Resolve This Device is Already Associated with An Apple ID Easily

Fortunately, this post contains the best methods to remove the associated Apple ID from your device. Once you understand and complete them correctly, you can finally feel free to log into the new Apple ID you want to use. Besides, you won't have to face problems with the processes, as step-by-step guidance is available in each portion, so kindly rely on them.

Guide

Guide List

Part 1. Resolve This Device is Already Associated with An Apple ID Issue on An iPhone or iPad

You can encounter the error saying your device is associated with an Apple ID on an iPhone or iPad. It usually appears on second-hand devices, as the original owner forgets to remove or log out of their Apple ID or account. Thankfully, Apple offers an official process to eliminate it from your device through the Settings app. It’s possible to complete it within a few minutes if you can provide the requirements and perform the steps correctly. Hence, ensure you navigate every direction carefully to finish the associated Apple ID removal procedure smoothly. The Settings app will only ask for the password of the Apple ID currently logged in on the iPhone or iPad.

Go along with the secure instructions below to resolve the This Device is Already Associated with An Apple ID issue on an iPhone or iPad:

Step 1Display the Settings interface on your iPhone and select your name or profile at the top. Next, head to the Media & Purchases section.

Step 2Choose View Account when it appears, then hit the Remove This Device selection at the bottom of the following display. Once prompted, input the password to finish.

hit remove this device

As you can see, the primary requirement for this process is the current Apple account’s password. Thus, what if you are a second-hand user and can’t ask the previous owner to provide their details? No worries. Kindly skip to this article’s Part 3, as the program we prepared can handle such cases as forgetting or failing to input the password or other credentials.

FoneLab iOS Unlocker
FoneLab iOS Unlocker

FoneLab Helps you unlock iPhone screen, Removes Apple ID or its password, Remove screen time or restriction passcode in seconds.

  • Helps you unlock iPhone screen.
  • Removes Apple ID or its password.
  • Remove screen time or restriction passcode in seconds.

Part 2. Resolve This Device is Already Associated with An Apple ID Issue Using A Mac

Aside from iPhones and iPads, you may also use your Mac to resolve your mobile device associated with an Apple ID concern, which prevents you from using certain features and services. Since an official process is available, you won’t have problems removing it like the previous method. However, you will perform it on the Apple Music or TV program instead of Settings. Don’t worry, though. Since it is an official process, you can expect a painless Apple ID removal procedure that efficiently resolves the associated Apple ID issue on your iPhone, iPad, or other Apple device. Another advantage is that you can perform the process remotely.

Take to heart the suitable guide below to fix the This Device is Already Associated with An Apple ID Transfer or Cancel issue using a Mac:

Step 1Launch your Mac’s Apple Music or TV program, then click Account > Account Settings on the upper left menu bar. If prompted, you must sign in the associated Apple ID.

Step 2Next, opt for the Manage Linked Devices to view the Apple devices to which the Apple ID is connected. Then, select the Remove tab aligned with the iPhone or iPad you will unlink.

choose remove tab

Unfortunately, you will still need the credentials of the Apple ID associated with your device in this method. The good news is that you may contact the previous owner to do the process on their computer, but if you are the account owner and have only forgotten the details, that would be impossible. Instead, we suggest the competent unlocking program in the following portion.

Part 3. Resolve This Device is Already Associated with An Apple ID Issue without A Password

You need a professional, like the FoneLab iOS Unlocker program, if things go wrong and you can’t provide the required password. Its Bypass iCloud Activation Lock feature is the perfect solution to free your iPhone, iPad, or other Apple device from the associated Apple ID. That is right. This program can remove the activation lock from your device, freeing it from the iCloud or Apple ID that’s keeping your iPhone or iPad locked to the original or previous owner’s account.

FoneLab iOS Unlocker
FoneLab iOS Unlocker

FoneLab Helps you unlock iPhone screen, Removes Apple ID or its password, Remove screen time or restriction passcode in seconds.

  • Helps you unlock iPhone screen.
  • Removes Apple ID or its password.
  • Remove screen time or restriction passcode in seconds.

On the other hand, you can count on FoneLab iOS Unlocker’s beginner-friendly interface to make the procedure more painless for you. With its intuitive functions, descriptions, labels, etc., you will understand and perform everything more smoothly. That’s not all. The other features are also available when you need them in different situations. For instance, the Wipe Passcode can help if you forget your screen password. You can also use Screen Time, Remove MDM, etc.

Comprehend the detailed procedure underneath as a model to resolve the This Device is Already Associated with An Apple ID problem with FoneLab iOS Unlocker:

Step 1Examine FoneLab iOS Unlocker’s site to save the unlocker’s installer by ticking the Free Download tab. When the file proceeds and is ready on your Downloads, open it for the installation and stand by for the Start tab. Once it appears, click it to begin.

click free download

Step 2Choose Bypass iCloud Activation Lock when the program’s main interface launches. Then, attach your Apple device as the on-screen display instructs. Simply use a lightning cable, and you may click Device connected but not recognized for more guidelines.

choose bypass icloud activation lock

Step 3Afterward, it’s time to use the following prompts on the succeeding interface. Ensure you will do them correctly, and when done, the unlocker program will resolve your issue regarding the device’s associated Apple ID.

FoneLab iOS Unlocker
FoneLab iOS Unlocker

FoneLab Helps you unlock iPhone screen, Removes Apple ID or its password, Remove screen time or restriction passcode in seconds.

  • Helps you unlock iPhone screen.
  • Removes Apple ID or its password.
  • Remove screen time or restriction passcode in seconds.

Part 4. FAQs about This Device is Already Associated with An Apple ID

Is it necessary to disassociate the Apple ID if I sell my iPhone?

Yes, it is. The next owner might still access your information with it even if you rarely use your Apple ID or account. Also, it is so that they can freely use the device without limitations.

Can Apple fix the device with an associated Apple ID for me?

Yes, they can. Apple can help you resolve this device problem by going to one of its authorized service centers and presenting proof of purchase.

FoneLab iOS Unlocker
FoneLab iOS Unlocker

FoneLab Helps you unlock iPhone screen, Removes Apple ID or its password, Remove screen time or restriction passcode in seconds.

  • Helps you unlock iPhone screen.
  • Removes Apple ID or its password.
  • Remove screen time or restriction passcode in seconds.

It's painless to handle the problem with your Apple device with an associated Apple ID with the official methods. But if you can't input the requirements, rely on this article's Part 3 instead.

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