iPad still asks for Hexnode during setup after removing it from portalSolved

This usually happens when the iPad is still assigned to Hexnode as its MDM server in Apple Business Manager through Automated Device Enrollment.

Removing the device from the Hexnode portal does not automatically remove the Apple Business Manager assignment. If the device remains assigned to the Hexnode MDM server in Apple Business Manager, it will continue to contact Apple during setup and receive the Hexnode enrollment configuration after every wipe.

To stop the iPad from enrolling into Hexnode during setup:

1. Sign in to Apple Business Manager.
2. Go to Devices.
3. Search for the iPad, preferably using its serial number.
4. Select the device.
5. Choose the option to unassign device management or remove the assigned MDM server.
6. Confirm the unassignment.

After the device is unassigned from the Hexnode MDM server in Apple Business Manager, factory reset the iPad again. It should then proceed through setup as a regular unmanaged iPad without showing the Hexnode configuration profile.

So deleting the device from Hexnode is not enough if it was added through Apple Business Manager? I thought wiping it would clear everything.

Correct. For devices enrolled through Apple Business Manager or Automated Device Enrollment, the MDM assignment is controlled on Apple’s side. A factory reset removes the local management profile from the iPad, but during activation the device checks with Apple. If Apple Business Manager still says the device belongs to a specific MDM server, the iPad will be redirected back to that MDM enrollment flow. That is why the fix is to unassign the iPad from the MDM server in Apple Business Manager first, then erase and set up the device again.