Sign out on your TV device

To sign out of Apple TV on the device itself, go to Settings on your Apple TV home screen, then select Users and Accounts (or Accounts on older models). Choose the account you want to sign out of, then select Sign Out. You will be asked to confirm — select Sign Out again.

After you sign out, the Apple TV will return to the home screen. Anyone using that device will need to sign in with their own Apple ID if they want to watch shows, movies, or use other services that require an account. The device itself continues to work; only your personal account is removed.

If you have multiple accounts on the same Apple TV, you can sign out of just one without affecting the others. Each account signs out independently.

Key Takeaways

  • Sign out by opening Settings, selecting Users and Accounts, choosing your account, and tapping Sign Out twice.
  • Signing out removes your account from that specific device but does not delete the device or affect other accounts on it.
  • On iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you sign out through the Apple TV app itself rather than through device settings.
  • If you forget your Apple ID password, you will need to reset it through Apple's account recovery before you can sign back in.
  • Signing out on one device does not automatically sign you out on other devices where you use Apple TV.

Sign out on iPhone, iPad, or Mac

On an iPhone or iPad, open the Apple TV app, then tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and select Sign Out. On a Mac, open the Apple TV app, click Account in the menu bar at the top, then select Sign Out.

After you sign out, you will be returned to the sign-in screen. The app remains on your device, but you will need to sign in again to watch anything. Your watch history, saved shows, and other data tied to your account will not be visible until you sign back in.

Sign out on a web browser

If you watch Apple TV through a web browser at tv.apple.com, look for your account menu — usually a profile picture or initials in the top right corner of the page. Click it and select Sign Out. You will be logged out of that browser session when ready.

Signing out in a web browser only affects that browser and that device. If you are signed in on a different browser or a different computer, you will remain signed in there. Each browser session is separate.

What happens after you sign out

Once you sign out, your account is no longer active on that device or browser. Anyone who picks up the device will see the sign-in screen instead of your account. They cannot access your watch history, recommendations, or saved shows without signing in with their own Apple ID.

Your account data — your library, watch history, and preferences — stays on Apple's servers. When you sign back in with the same Apple ID on any device, all of that information will be there. Signing out does not erase anything; it just disconnects your account from that particular device.

Sign out remotely from another device

You can sign out of your Apple TV account on one device while using a different device. Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in with your Apple ID, select Devices, find the Apple TV or device you want to sign out of, and select Remove or Sign Out. The exact wording depends on your device type.

This method is useful if you have lost access to a device or want to remove your account from a device you no longer use. The device will be signed out the next time it tries to connect to the internet. If the device is offline, it will sign out once it reconnects.

Troubleshooting sign-out problems

If the Sign Out option is grayed out or not appearing, restart your device. On an Apple TV, unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. On a phone or tablet, hold down the power button, slide to power off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. After the restart, go back to Settings or your account menu and try signing out again.

If you are still unable to sign out, check that you have an internet connection. Apple TV needs to be online to complete the sign-out process. If your connection is working and the option still will not appear, try signing in with a different account first, then sign that account out. If nothing works, you can factory reset the device, though this will erase all settings and accounts on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will signing out delete my watch history and saved shows?

No. Your watch history, library, and saved shows remain on your Apple account. When you sign back in with the same Apple ID on any device, everything will be there. Signing out only disconnects your account from that device.

Do I need to sign out before selling or giving away my Apple TV?

Yes. Before you hand over the device, sign out of your account and perform a factory reset. This removes all your personal data, accounts, and settings. The new owner can then set up the device with their own Apple ID.

If I sign out on one Apple TV, will I be signed out on my other devices?

No. Each device is separate. Signing out on your living room Apple TV does not affect your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or any other Apple TV you own. You must sign out on each device individually.

What if I forgot my Apple ID password and cannot sign out?

You can still sign out without the password on most devices. If you are stuck, restart the device and try again. If that does not work, you can remove the account through your Apple ID account page at appleid.apple.com by selecting the device and choosing Remove.

Can someone else sign out of my account if they have access to my device?

Yes, if they can reach the Settings menu or account menu, they can sign out. To prevent this, you can set up a PIN code in your Apple TV settings under Users and Accounts to require a code before anyone can make account changes.