The fastest way to sign out depends on which device you use

On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap your name at the top, scroll down, and tap "Sign Out" at the bottom of the screen. You'll need to enter your Apple ID password to confirm. On a Mac, open the App Store app, click your account name in the top right corner, select "Account Settings", then click "Sign Out". The process takes less than a minute either way.

You might sign out to prevent someone else from buying apps on your account, to switch to a different Apple ID, or to troubleshoot app download problems. Signing out doesn't delete apps already installed on your device — it only disconnects your account from the App Store.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone and iPad, go to Settings, tap your name, scroll down, and tap "Sign Out" — you'll need your Apple ID password to confirm.
  • On Mac, open the App Store app, click your account name in the top right, select "Account Settings", then click "Sign Out".
  • Signing out removes your payment method from the App Store but does not delete any apps you've already installed.
  • If you forget your Apple ID password, you can reset it through iforgot.apple.com before signing out.

Signing out on iPhone and iPad

Start by opening the Settings app on your home screen. Tap your name at the very top of the screen — this is your Apple ID card. You'll see options like "iCloud", "Media & Purchases", and "Password & Security".

Scroll all the way to the bottom of this screen. You'll see a red "Sign Out" button. Tap it. The system will ask you to enter your Apple ID password to confirm the sign-out. Type it in and tap "Sign Out" again. Your account is now disconnected from the App Store on that device.

If you use Family Sharing, signing out removes you from the family group on that device. Other family members can still use their own accounts on the same device, and their apps and purchases remain unaffected by your sign-out.

Signing out on Mac

Open the App Store app from your Applications folder or Launchpad. In the top right corner of the window, you'll see your account name or a silhouette icon. Click it.

A dropdown menu appears. Select "Account Settings". A new window opens showing your Apple ID email and payment information. At the bottom of this window, click the "Sign Out" button. You'll be signed out immediately — no password confirmation is required on Mac.

After signing out on Mac, the App Store will show a "Sign In" button the next time you open it. You can browse free apps without signing in, but you'll need to sign back in to download anything or see your purchase history.

What happens after you sign out

Once you sign out, you can no longer download free apps or purchase paid apps on that device without signing back in. Any apps you've already installed stay on your device and continue to work normally. Updates to those apps may require you to sign back in with your Apple ID.

Your payment method is no longer stored on the device. If someone else picks up your phone or uses your computer, they cannot make purchases through the App Store without entering a different Apple ID or signing back in with yours.

Signing out does not affect other Apple services like iCloud, Apple Music, or Apple TV+. Those remain connected unless you sign out of them separately through their own settings.

If you can't remember your Apple ID password

The sign-out process requires your Apple ID password on iPhone and iPad. If you don't remember it, you'll need to reset it before you can sign out. Go to iforgot.apple.com on any web browser and follow the steps to reset your password using your email address or phone number.

Once you've reset your password, return to Settings on your device and try signing out again. On Mac, you don't need the password to sign out, so you can do that immediately if you're using a Mac. Keep your new password somewhere you can find it later, since you may need it to sign back in.

Signing back in later

To sign back in to the App Store, open Settings on iPhone or iPad and tap "Sign In with Your Apple ID" at the top. Enter your Apple ID email and password. On Mac, open the App Store app, click the account icon in the top right, and select "Sign In".

After you sign back in, the App Store remembers your payment method and download history. You can download apps you've purchased before at no additional cost. The sign-in process is the same whether you're returning to your original account or signing in with a different Apple ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will signing out delete my apps?

No. Signing out only disconnects your account from the App Store. All apps installed on your device remain and continue to work. You may need to sign back in to update them later.

Can I sign out of the App Store without signing out of iCloud?

Yes. Signing out of the App Store through Settings does not affect iCloud, Apple Music, or other Apple services. They stay connected to your Apple ID unless you sign out of them separately.

What if I share my device with family members?

Signing out removes your account from the device entirely. Other people can then sign in with their own Apple IDs. If you use Family Sharing, signing out removes you from the family group on that device.

Do I need to sign out before selling my iPhone?

Yes. Before selling or giving away your device, sign out of the App Store and also sign out of iCloud through Settings. This removes your personal data and prevents the new owner from accessing your accounts.

What if I'm stuck on the sign-out screen?

If the sign-out button doesn't respond, try restarting your device and opening Settings again. If the problem continues, check that you're using the correct Apple ID password — an incorrect password will cause the sign-out to fail.