Remove Mac with T2 Security Chip or Apple Silicon from iCloud - How To

By Sadaghian Team

Need to sign out your Mac from iCloud? Whether preparing for sale, before a repair, or for a lost device - the right approach depends on your Mac model and situation. This comprehensive guide shows you all methods for safely signing out of iCloud for Intel Macs with T2 chip and Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, M4).

Important: Signing out of iCloud also removes Activation Lock and allows use by other people or repair shops.

Remove Mac from iCloud - Security illustration
Safely sign out of iCloud for T2 chip and Apple Silicon Macs

Overview: Mac Models and T2 Chip Identification

Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, M4)

All Macs from late 2020 onwards have Apple Silicon chips:

  • MacBook Air - from 2020 (M1, M2, M3)
  • MacBook Pro - from 2020 (M1, M2, M3, M4)
  • iMac - from 2021 (M1, M3, M4)
  • Mac mini - from 2020 (M1, M2, M4)
  • Mac Studio - from 2022 (M1, M2)
  • Mac Pro - from 2023 (M2)

Intel Macs with T2 Security Chip

These Intel models have a T2 chip:

Device Models with T2 Chip Year
MacBook Pro 13" Four Thunderbolt 3 ports 2018-2020
MacBook Pro 15" All models 2018-2019
MacBook Pro 16" All models 2019
MacBook Air 13" Retina Display 2018-2020
iMac 27" Retina 5K 2020
iMac Pro All models 2017
Mac mini All models 2018
Mac Pro All models 2019

How to Identify Your Mac Type

  1. Click Apple menu → About This Mac
  2. Check chip type:
    • Apple M1/M2/M3/M4 = Apple Silicon
    • Intel Core i5/i7/i9 = Intel Mac

Method 1: iCloud Sign-Out via iPhone/iPad (Find My App)

Ideal for: Broken Macs that won't start, or when you don't have access to the Mac

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Unlock iPhone/iPad and open Find My app
  2. Select Devices tab - Tap "Devices" at bottom of app
  3. Select Mac - Choose the Mac to remove from list
  4. Scroll down - To device info page
  5. Remove - Tap "Remove This Device"
  6. Confirm - Confirm with Apple ID password
Find My app - Steps 1-3 to remove a Mac
Steps 1-3: Open Find My app, select Devices, find Mac
Find My app - Steps 4-6 to remove a Mac
Steps 4-6: Select Mac, scroll, remove

Advantages of This Method

  • Works remotely - Even for broken Macs
  • Quick and easy - Only a few steps required
  • Immediate effect - Activation Lock removed instantly
  • Ideal for repairs - Repair shop can work immediately

Method 2: iCloud Sign-Out Directly on Mac

Ideal for: Working Macs that will be sold or given away

macOS Sequoia (15.0) and Sonoma (14.0)

  1. Open Apple menu → System Settings
  2. Select Your Name (Apple ID) in sidebar
  3. Click Sign Out button at bottom right
  4. Choose data options - What should remain on Mac
  5. Confirm sign-out - Enter Apple ID password

macOS Ventura (13.0)

  1. Apple menu → System Settings
  2. Your Name (Apple ID) in sidebar
  3. Click Sign Out
  4. Confirm and choose data options

macOS Monterey (12.0)

  1. Apple menu → System Preferences
  2. Open Apple ID section
  3. Overview in sidebar
  4. Select Sign Out

macOS Big Sur (11.0) and Catalina (10.15)

  1. Apple menu → System Preferences
  2. Click Apple ID
  3. Overview tab
  4. Click Sign Out

Method 3: Complete Mac Reset (Erase All Content and Settings)

Available from macOS Monterey (12.0) on T2 and Apple Silicon Macs

Steps for Complete Reset

  1. Apple menu → System Settings/Preferences
  2. Select General in sidebar
  3. Click Transfer or Reset
  4. Select Erase All Content and Settings
  5. Enter Admin password
  6. Confirm - Mac will restart and reset

💡 Important Notes

  • This method deletes ALL data on the Mac
  • Creates a backup first if needed
  • Perfect for selling or giving away Mac
  • Automatically removes from iCloud and Find My

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Mac Won't Sign Out of iCloud

  • Check internet connection - Stable connection required
  • Update macOS - Install latest updates
  • Use Find My app - Remove via iPhone/iPad instead

Activation Lock Still Active

  • Wait a few minutes - Changes may take time
  • Check on icloud.com - Verify device removal
  • Contact Apple Support - For persistent issues

Important for Repairs

⚠️ Before Sending for Repair

Always remove your Mac from iCloud before sending it for repair. This prevents delays and allows technicians to properly test your device.

  • Removes Activation Lock
  • Enables diagnostic tests
  • Speeds up repair process
  • Protects your privacy

Summary

Removing your Mac from iCloud is essential before selling, giving away, or repairing your device. The method you choose depends on your Mac's condition and your access to it. For broken Macs, use the Find My app on iPhone/iPad. For working Macs, sign out directly or use the complete reset option for a fresh start.

Need help with your Mac? Our expert technicians in Hamburg can assist with all Mac models, including those with T2 chips and Apple Silicon.