How to clear device media remotely?

The Clear Media remote action enables IT administrators to securely clear device media remotely, deleting all photos and videos stored on managed iOS devices directly from the Hexnode UEM console, reclaiming storage and maintaining data privacy.

Clear Media Remote Action Overview

The Clear Media action is a Hexnode UEM management tool designed to remotely remove visual content (photos and videos) from the Photos app on managed iOS devices.

• Objective: To free up storage space and ensure devices are devoid of unnecessary or sensitive media before reassignment.
• Benefits:
  • Storage Optimization: Prevents performance issues caused by accumulated media files.
  • Security: Mitigates privacy risks by ensuring corporate devices do not retain personal or outdated visual data.
  • Efficiency: Eliminates the need for physical device access to perform media cleanup.

Prerequisites and Constraints

Step-by-Step Guide: Executing Clear Media action

To initiate the deletion of photos and videos from managed iOS devices:

1. Log in to your Hexnode UEM portal.
2. Navigate to Manage > Devices.
3. Select the required device(s) from the list.
4. Click the Actions button located on the top-right part of the device details page.
5. From the dropdown menu, go to Others and select Clear Media.
6. In the pop-up window, click Clear Data.
7. Enter your password to authenticate and confirm the action.

What happens on the device end?

Upon execution of the Clear Media action, the following sequence occurs on the target iOS device:

• User Prompt: The device receives a prompt via the Hexnode UEM app requesting user confirmation to delete media.

  Note: This ensures transparency and prevents data erasure without consent.

• Deletion Process: Once approved by the user, all photos and videos in the Photos app are removed from the main library.
• Retention: The deleted media is moved to the Recently Deleted folder.

  Note: Files remain in this folder for 30 days or until manually permanently deleted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does the Clear Media action permanently delete photos immediately?

   No. On iOS devices, the deleted photos and videos are moved to the Recently Deleted folder, where they remain for 30 days unless manually deleted sooner.

2. Can clear media remote action be executed on a device locked in Kiosk Mode?

   Yes, but you must ensure that the Hexnode UEM app is included in the Kiosk policy’s allowed apps list to enable the necessary user approval prompt.

3. Does the user need to be involved in the process?

   Yes. The action triggers a prompt in the Hexnode UEM app that requires user approval before the media is actually deleted.

4. Does the “Clear Media” action delete documents or files outside the Photos app?

   No. This action specifically targets photos and videos stored within the device’s native Photos app and does not affect documents, enterprise app data, or files stored elsewhere (like in the Files app or cloud storage).

5. Can admin stop the deletion once the Clear Media action is initiated?

   The deletion requires explicit confirmation from the user on the device. If the user has not yet approved the action, they can decline the prompt. Once approved, the deletion process cannot be stopped by the Hexnode console.

6. Does the Clear Media action remove media from iCloud?

   This action deletes media from the local device storage. If the device is using iCloud Photos and Optimize Storage is enabled, media may only be partially deleted or may resync from the cloud later. For complete data sanitization, a Corporate Wipe or Device Wipe is generally recommended.