Reset a locked managed iPad using iTunes or Finder without removing ABM enrollmentSolved

Hello @pauel ,

Yes, a managed iPad can be reset using Recovery Mode with iTunes or Finder if it is locked, disabled, offline, or unable to receive MDM commands.

Before using Recovery Mode, try the remote options from Hexnode if the device is online:

1. Go to Manage > Devices.
2. Select the iPad.
3. Click Actions.
4. Use Clear Password to remove the passcode without wiping the device.
5. Use Wipe Device if you want to factory reset it remotely.

These actions require the iPad to have an active internet connection so it can receive the command.

If the device is offline or showing a disabled state such as “iPad Unavailable,” use Recovery Mode:

For iPads without a Home button:

1. Make sure the iPad is disconnected from the computer and powered off.
2. Press and quickly release Volume Up.
3. Press and quickly release Volume Down.
4. Connect the iPad to the computer while holding the Top button.
5. Keep holding the Top button until the Recovery Mode screen appears.

For iPads with a Home button:

1. Make sure the iPad is disconnected from the computer and powered off.
2. Hold the Home button and the Top or Side button together.
3. While holding both buttons, connect the iPad to the computer.
4. Keep holding until the Recovery Mode screen appears.

Then open iTunes on Windows or older macOS versions, or Finder on macOS Catalina and newer. When prompted, choose Restore, not Update. Restore erases the device and reinstalls iPadOS.

If the download takes more than 15 minutes and the iPad exits Recovery Mode, allow the download to finish, power off the iPad, and repeat the Recovery Mode steps before restoring.

Regards,
Simon Scott
Hexnode UEM

One thing that confused me before, restoring through Finder wiped the iPad, but during setup it still showed Remote Management. That’s expected if the device is in Apple Business Manager, right?

Yes, that is expected behavior.

Restoring an iPad with iTunes or Finder erases the local device data, but it does not remove the device from Apple Business or Apple School Manager. If the iPad was assigned to Hexnode UEM through Automated Device Enrollment, Apple checks the device assignment during setup.

Once the iPad reaches the setup assistant and connects to the internet, it will contact Apple’s activation servers and display the Remote Management screen again.

To completely remove management, an administrator must release or unassign the device from the MDM server in Apple Business or Apple School Manager. Otherwise, the iPad will continue to re-enroll after every factory reset.