Apple ID Sign Out Greyed Out? How to Fix

Many users complain that the sign out button of Apple ID in settings is greyed out. This means that even how many times you tap the Sign Out button, nothing happens.

You might wonder why this happens or how this issue can be fixed. Fortunately, there are various methods you can try to fix this issue, and we will share some of those through this article.

Interested? Read on to learn more.

Turn Off Screen Time

If the sign out option is greyed out with a message saying, "sign out is unavailable due to restrictions", one of the common reasons is because the device's Screen Time feature is activated. Screen Time is a built-in feature found in iPhones with iOS 12 onwards.

This feature is created to monitor the time spent using the device and various apps. You can even set limits and restrictions on the use of specific apps.

Though Screen Time benefits its users, it may also restrict you from signing out of your Apple ID. Follow the instructions below to turn off your device's Screen Time setup.

1. The first step is to go to Settings > Screen Time. Then, select the Turn Off Screen Time option.
2. Next is to enter your four-digit Screen Time passcode. If you can't remember your screen time passcode, follow the steps below:
3. Tap Settings > Screen Time> Change Screen Time Passcode
4. Tap Forgot Password
5. Follow the instructions throughout the recovery process
6. After successfully entering your passcode, tap the Turn Off Screen Time button.
7. Once done, head back to Settings > Apple ID name, and you will notice that the Sign Out option is no longer greyed out.

Forgot your screen time password? Check this tutorial to turn it off without passcode.

Remove Mobile Device Management If There Is One

Another possible reason you can't sign out of your Apple ID might be the MDM (Mobile Device Management) installed in your device by the school or company you are employed at.

To check if MDM is activated on your device, go to Settings > General > Profile. There you can see the profile that manages your device.

Before removing MDM from your device, it's important to ask the staff in your school or workplace first, as removing so may affect your access to certain apps.

Reboot Your Device

Let's admit it, one of the first things we do whenever we face an issue on our device is reboot it. To do this:

1. Turn off your phone.
2. Once turned off, start your iPhone/iPad.
3. Next, go to Settings, click your Apple ID profile, and see if the sign out button is no longer greyed out.

Note: If this method didn't work for you. Don't fuss because there are other methods you can try, which we will discuss further in this article.

Turn On Mobile Data for Settings App

We often look hard for a solution somewhere when in fact, the answer is as simple as turning on your mobile data.

Signing out your Apple ID requires an internet connection. Thus if mobile data is disabled, Apple may not allow you to sign out.

To enable your mobile data:

1. Simply go to Settings > Mobile Data.
2. On the next screen, check if mobile data is enabled for the settings app. If not, simply enable it by turning on the toggle switch.
3. Now go back to Settings > Apple ID profile and check if the sign out button is no longer greyed out.

Software Bug: Needs System Update

Sometimes, we encounter glitches and bugs in our devices, especially if the system is outdated or the latest update isn't successful.

The greyed-out sign-out button might be part of a software bug. You simply need to update your device's system software to fix this issue.

Follow the instructions below to do this.

1. Go to Settings.
2. In the Settings menu, select General > Software Updates.
3. The next screen will show you if there are available updates.
4. Click the Install Update or Download Update button. Ensure you are connected to a strong internet connection during this process.
5. Your phone will reboot once the update is successfully installed.
6. To check if this method worked. Go to Settings > Apple ID profile and see if the sign out button is no longer greyed out.

Backup and Restore Your Device

If the earlier methods still don't work for you, restoring your device would be the last probable solution. Follow the process below to back up and restore your device.

1. The first step is to back up your data into a spare iPhone device.
2. Once the backup is complete, put your device on recovery mode and connect it to a PC or Mac book using  USB.
3. On your PC, tap the Restore iPhone option. Make sure to keep the connection during this process.
4. After your iPhone is successfully restored, you will receive a Lock to iCloud notification.
5. On the next screen, tap the Transfer From Old Device option. Wait for the download to finish.
6. Once done, go to Settings> Apple ID profile, and you will notice that the signout button is no longer greyed out.

Conclusion

Greyed out sign out button can be due to a variety of reasons. One of the most common would be because the Screen Time or the MDM feature is activated.

It can also be because of outdated software that needs to be updated or disabled mobile data that needs to be enabled. However, if these solutions have yet to work, backing up and restoring your device could be the last resort to fix the problem.

We hope this article helped you fix the greyed sign out button issue. Have any questions? Feel free to jot it down in the comments section below.