iPad stuck on “Scanning in progress” during Hexnode enrollment after Activation LockSolved

Participant
Discussion
4 days ago Nov 01, 2026

An iPad that was being enrolled into Hexnode got locked because someone entered a personal Apple ID. After the Activation Lock was removed, the device started enrollment again but stayed on the Device Configuration screen showing “Scanning in progress” for around 20 minutes.

The device was originally prepared using Apple Configurator, then assigned through Apple Business so Hexnode could apply the usual configuration. APNs and the ADE token both looked valid, and the network connection seemed stable. Restarting the iPad did not move it past the configuration/scanning screen.

What is the right way to recover an iPad in this state without breaking ADE enrollment?

Replies (1)

Marked SolutionPending Review
Hexnode Expert
47 minutes ago Nov 05, 2026
Marked SolutionPending Review
The Device Configuration screen can take a few minutes while the iPad contacts Apple and Hexnode to complete Automated Device Enrollment. However, if it remains on “Scanning in progress” for 15–20 minutes or longer, the setup may have hung or the device may not be starting from a clean enrollment state.
For this scenario, the important point is the earlier Apple ID Activation Lock. If the lock was removed but the device was not fully erased afterward, residual setup state can prevent ADE enrollment from completing properly.
Recommended recovery steps:
  1. Confirm the APNs certificate is valid in Hexnode under Admin > APNs.
  2. Confirm the ADE token is valid under Admin > Apple Business > ADE > Accounts.
  3. In Apple Business, go to Devices and locate the affected iPad.
  4. Select Turn Off Activation Lock for the device.
  5. On the iPad, choose Erase and start over or perform a full erase.
  6. During setup, connect the iPad to a stable Wi-Fi network.
  7. Once the device contacts Apple, it should pull the assigned ADE configuration and continue enrollment into Hexnode.
Turning off Activation Lock before the erase is important because wiping the device while the current lock is still active can cause the Activation Lock screen to appear again during setup.
Regards,
Mary Romero
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