Clear passcode command delayed on iPhone after being powered off for monthsSolved

Hi @alice_grey. Yes, this is completely expected behavior and can happen on iOS devices that have been powered off or offline for an extended period.

When an iPhone starts up after a long downtime and reconnects to the network, iOS inherently prioritizes its own native system tasks first. These include system checks, background processing, update checks, and other high-priority Apple services. During this time, MDM commands such as Clear Passcode and Scan Device will remain queued or show as pending/in progress.

Because Scan Device gathers updated device information and waits for the device to report back, it can take longer than usual while iOS catches up with its background backlog.

As long as the device is showing as recently checked in, powered on, and connected to a stable cellular or Wi-Fi network, the MDM connection is active. The recommended approach is simply to wait a little longer before retrying commands. Repeatedly sending the same action is usually not necessary if the original command is already queued.

Please let me know if the command successfully goes through after giving the device some time.

Best regards,
Eden Pierce
Hexnode UEM

You were exactly right! After waiting about 20 more minutes, the Clear Passcode command finally went through and I was able to access the iPhone again. I was starting to think the command was completely broken, but it really just needed that extra time to catch up on its background processing. Thanks for the quick response!

Hi @alice_grey. I am glad the passcode cleared successfully and you were able to regain access to the device! 

Waking up dormant devices can definitely be nerve-wracking when commands don’t execute immediately, but as you saw, a little patience usually does the trick. 

Please feel free to reach out if you run into any other issues. 

Best regards, 
Eden Pierce 
Hexnode UEM