Remove a recycled device from Apple account

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Level 1

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Remove a recycled device from Apple account

How can I remove a recycled iPhone from the Apple account devices page (https://account.apple.com/account/manage/section/devices)? This iPhone (model XR, iOS 17.6.1) was reset to factory settings and returned for recycling. The "Stolen Device Protection" should therefore reset to default. However, my account still indicates "Stolen Device Protection" turned on. The "Find My iPhone" is turned off. One explanation could be that this device was registered multiple times, as is the case for other current devices.

Earlier iPhone models

Posted on Dec 21, 2025 1:16 AM

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Answer 1

Limnos

Level 10

427,253 points

Dec 21, 2025 2:51 AM in response to cflorin

Ask Apple about this. My devices do not have Stolen Device Protection but I would think that if you had factory reset your iPhone that that too would be reset.

Refer to this page for Apple Support features ➔ Contact - Official Apple Support

Select from the presented options until you find a solution for your issue, or see if there is a chat or phone call contact method offered lower on the page under “Get more help” (you sometimes have to narrow down the options multiple times before this is shown). If you do not see your issue, keep experimenting with any series of selections until you reach one that offers a chat session or a telephone call and get the representative to redirect you.

This support article has various country telephone numbers for contacting Apple for support and service ➔ Contact Apple Support - Apple Support For some countries look under “Other” listing at the end of the list. Not every country has telephone support, and phone numbers may only work when calling from the same country.

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