How people permanently deleted their Apple ID after being stuck in the “View terms and conditions” loop – WP Reset

Over the past few years, Apple users have occasionally encountered a frustrating problem: getting caught in a perpetual loop of “View terms and conditions” when logging into their Apple ID. This issue has made Apple IDs unusable for some, leaving them in authentication limbo. In extreme scenarios, users have resorted to permanently deleting their Apple ID just to regain control of their devices.

TLDR (too long, not read)

Many users have been stuck in an endless loop of trying to accept Apple’s updated terms and conditions, with no progress allowed. This issue has disabled access to iCloud, the App Store, and other essential Apple services. Some users have shared their success stories of permanently deleting their Apple ID in an attempt to escape this loop. The solutions ranged from updating software to completely deregistering their Apple ID through Apple Support or Apple’s data privacy site.

The problem: the ‘View terms and conditions’ loop

The problem usually starts after a user updates iOS or changes settings related to their Apple ID. Upon logging in, the system asks the user to agree to the updated terms and conditions. But even after agreeing several times, the same message reappears indefinitely. The loop prevents access to critical functions such as:

• iCloud backups and sync
• App Store purchases
• Apple Music or subscriptions
• iMessage and FaceTime authentication

This loop has left many users feeling left out of the entire Apple ecosystem, despite owning legitimate devices and having active accounts.

Common solutions that failed

Before resorting to drastic measures, most users tried a series of recommended steps, including:

1. To restart the device: A simple restart worked occasionally, but not consistently.
2. Log out and log in again: This sometimes led to another error or brought the user right back into the loop.
3. Update iOS to the latest version: It was advised to keep iOS up to date, but the problem was rarely resolved.
4. Change Apple ID password: Some suspected that a security update could reset the conditions, but again the results were mixed.

When these efforts failed to resolve the issue, some Apple users were advised to wait, leaving them without their usual services for weeks.

How users deleted or replaced their Apple ID

After exhausting conventional solutions, some users looked for ways to delete or completely remove their Apple ID. Here are some of the most effective approaches:

1. Contact Apple Support

Many of the people who stayed informed ended up calling or talking to Apple Support. Different outcomes were reported:

• Apple engineers were able to reset something on the backend, which caused the prerequisites prompt to disappear.
• In more severe cases, support helped users verify their identity and completely remove the affected Apple ID from the device, indicating the need to create a new one.
• Some users reported being told to backup their device, erase it completely using iTunes or Finder, and then reinstall iOS.

2. Use Apple’s data and privacy site

Apple offers a self-service portal for users who want to remove their Apple ID:

• Visit privacy.apple.com
• Sign in with your Apple ID
• Select “Delete your account”
• Follow the instructions, including backup prompts and verification steps

Users reported successfully removing their Apple ID within seven days of starting this process. Once removed, they set up a new Apple ID and were able to use their devices without falling into the approval loop.

3. Factory reset and setup with new Apple ID

Specifically for iPhones and iPads, completely resetting the device allowed users to start over. Here’s how they did it:

1. Photos and important data are backed up using iCloud (if accessible) or third-party apps.
2. Went to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings
3. After the reset, I skipped the Apple ID setup on the first boot and then created a new Apple ID.

This method separated the device from the old Apple ID and effectively bypassed the loop, although users lost app data, iMessage history, and other personal settings associated with their previous account.

Why the loop happens in the first place

Although Apple has not made an official statement, there are some possible causes:

• Account differences: Multiple Apple IDs signed in on one device can cause authentication issues.
• Corrupted authentication tokens: If the system fails to update the account status after you agree to new terms, the loop may be triggered.
• Region specific updates: Terms and conditions may vary by country, which may cause conflicts if users move between regions.

Prevent the problem in the future

To reduce the chance of getting into this loop again, users recommend the following:

• Log in to one Apple ID per device at a time
• Always update the device before agreeing to new terms
• If the loop appears, use Apple support immediately
• Document recovery information, such as trusted devices and contact email

Conclusion

The ‘Review Terms and Conditions’ loop is more than just an inconvenience. It can effectively cripple essential device functions and impact daily productivity. While Apple continues to improve its software experience, this issue highlights how closely the Apple ID is integrated into its ecosystem. For those unable to break the cycle, permanently deleting the Apple ID proved to be an extreme but effective last resort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question 1: Why does my iPhone keep asking me to read Apple’s terms and conditions?

This often happens after an iOS update or changes to your Apple ID settings. A sync error between your account and Apple’s servers can cause the system to think you haven’t accepted the latest policy.

Question 2: Is it safe to delete my Apple ID through Apple’s data and privacy page?

Yes, Apple offers a legitimate way to permanently delete your Apple ID through their privacy portal. Make sure you backup your photos, contacts and other important data before you start deleting.

Question 3: What happens to my purchases after I delete my Apple ID?

Any purchased apps, music, and subscriptions associated with your original Apple ID will not be accessible. Without the original account, you cannot restore previous purchases.

Question 4: Can Apple Support help resolve the loop without removing my ID?

In many cases yes. Apple Support can refresh your account status on their end, help you log out remotely, or reset certain settings that might be causing the problem.

Question 5: Do I need to create a new Apple ID if this happens again?

Creating a new Apple ID is a last resort. It is always better to try troubleshooting with Apple support first to keep data and purchases on your current ID.