If your iPad is showing a message like “This iPad is managed by your organization”, it means the device is under Mobile Device Management (MDM). In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what MDM is, why it matters, and how to remove MDM from iPad safely—whether you have the password or not.
This iPad MDM removal guide covers every possible scenario, from school and work devices to second-hand iPads.
What Is MDM on iPad and Why Remove It?
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a system used by schools, businesses, or organizations to control iPads remotely. It allows administrators to install or remove apps, limit features like AirDrop or camera use, and even track the device.
While MDM is useful for companies and schools, it can be restrictive for personal users. You might want mdm removal on iPad if you:
- Bought a second-hand iPad still linked to an old MDM account.
- Left a company or school but your device is still restricted.
- Want to restore full control and privacy over your iPad.
Removing MDM from iPad ensures you can freely install apps, update iPadOS, and use your device without external management.
Check if Your iPad Is Under MDM or Supervised
Before taking any action, confirm whether your iPad is under management.
Step 1. Go to Settings > General > About.
If you see a line saying “This iPad is supervised and managed by [Organization Name]”, your device is enrolled in MDM.
Step 2. Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
Here you can see installed profiles. If an MDM profile is listed, the device is managed.
Step 3. Determine if MDM was installed through Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager (DEP). DEP-enrolled devices automatically reconnect to MDM after reset, making removal more complex.
Only proceed with iPad MDM removal if you are the legitimate owner of the device. Removing MDM from a company- or school-owned iPad without permission may violate policy or law.
Things You Must Do Before Removing MDM from iPad
Before proceeding with the removal of MDM from your iPad, there are a few important steps you should take to ensure a smooth process:
1. Backup Your Data: It’s crucial to back up all your important data before removing the MDM profile from your iPad. This will ensure that you don’t lose any valuable information during the process.
See the procedures to backup iPad data below:
Step 1. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone and tap on your Apple ID name banner.
Step 2. Select “iCloud.”
Step 3. Turn on the toggle next to “Backup This iPhone”. Then, tap on “Backup Now” to begin the backup process.
2. Contact the Administrator: If your iPad is managed by an organization, it’s a good idea to reach out to the administrator and inform them of your intention to remove the MDM profile. They may have specific instructions or requirements that you need to follow.
3. Check for Restrictions: Also, make sure to check if there are any restrictions in place that might prevent you from removing it. Some MDM profiles have specific settings that can prevent removal without authorization.
4. Ensure Stable Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is essential for the removal process. Make sure your iPad is connected to a reliable network before proceeding.
Method 1: Remove MDM from iPad via Settings (with Password)
If you have the MDM admin password, this is the safest and most direct method.
Step 1. Open Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
Step 2. Tap the MDM profile and select Remove Management.
Step 3. Enter the password when prompted.
This method works perfectly for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) setups or personal devices previously managed by your organization.
Method 2: Remove MDM from iPad via Apple Configurator (Admin Only)
If you are an IT administrator or have access to an Apple Configurator account, you can use this tool to remove or re-enroll devices.
Steps:
Step 1. Connect the iPad to a Mac using a USB cable.
Step 2. Launch Apple Configurator 2.
Step 3. Choose the device, click Actions > Remove > Profiles.
Step 4. Reconfigure or restore the device afterward.
This method is suitable for organizations handling multiple supervised iPads or DEP-enrolled devices.
Method 3: Bypass or Remove MDM from iPad without Password
If you don’t have the MDM credentials—for example, you purchased a second-hand iPad—you can try specialized MDM removal tools—Passixer iPhone Unlocker.
1. All content on your iPhone/iPad will be wiped. Please back up your device in advance.
2. iTunes backups do not include MDM files, so you don’t need to worry about MDM being backed up.
3. Your iTunes backup password will be temporarily changed to “1234”, which you can modify later.
Open Passixer and select “Remove MDM” on the main page. Click “Start Removing” in the Disabled section, confirm by typing 0000, and then click “Remove MDM”.
Use a USB cable to connect your iOS device to the computer running Passixer. Follow the on-screen instructions to put your device into Recovery Mode.
Set the device information for your connected iPhone/iPad and click “Start” to download the relevant firmware file. Once downloaded, the firmware will be installed automatically on your device.
After installation, click “Device Activated > Got it” on the software interface. When the “Hello” screen appears on your iPhone/iPad, follow the on-screen instructions to activate the device. The device will restart, indicating successful MDM removal.
These tools perform temporary bypasses in some cases; if the iPad is re-enrolled via DEP, MDM may return after factory reset.
Method 4: Factory Reset iPad to Remove MDM (Not Always Effective)
If other methods fail, you can try a factory reset to erase management data.
Steps:
Step 1. Back up your iPad using iCloud or Finder.
Step 2. Connect the iPad to your computer and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina+).
Step 3. Choose Restore iPad to reset the device.
If MDM was installed through Apple’s Device Enrollment Program (DEP), the iPad will automatically re-enroll in MDM when you set it up again.
Method Comparison Table: Which iPad MDM Removal Works Best?
Common Issues After Removing MDM from iPad
Even after a successful MDM removal iPad process, some users still encounter problems that make their iPad behave as if it’s still managed. Below are the most common issues and how to fix them effectively.
1. iPad still displays “This device is managed by your organization.”
If this message still appears in Settings > General > About, it means part of the MDM profile data remains cached.
Fix: Reboot your iPad, then go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management to confirm the profile is completely deleted. If it still shows up, repeat the removing MDM from iPad process using a professional MDM removal tool to clear residual configuration.
2. The device re-enrolls automatically after a factory reset
Some iPads are registered under Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager, which means they will automatically re-enroll into MDM after every reset.
Fix: Contact the organization or previous owner to unassign the iPad from their DEP (Device Enrollment Program) account. Once released, you can safely set it up as a personal device without being managed again.
3. Activation Lock or Setup Assistant reappears
When bypassing MDM, some users face Activation Lock or a recurring Setup Assistant screen during startup. This happens if the device is still linked to an Apple ID under supervision.
Fix: Sign in with the original Apple ID or use the official support page at iforgot.apple.com to remove the lock. Avoid third-party “activation unlock” services, as they may violate Apple’s security policy.
4. Certain iCloud or App Store features remain restricted
In some cases, iCloud, FaceTime, or App Store settings are still limited because configuration profiles remain active.
Fix: Go to Settings > General > Profiles (if available) and remove any leftover configuration files. Then sign out and back into iCloud to refresh permissions.
Pro Tip:
After removing MDM, always check if your iPad is still listed under Device Management or supervised in Settings > About. To fully release the device, ensure it’s not connected to any school, business, or MDM server account.
Bonus: How to Avoid MDM-Locked iPads (Before Buying Used Device)
Before buying a second-hand iPad, take this quick MDM lock check to make sure you’re not getting a managed device.
The iPad is safe to buy. It’s likely not enrolled in any MDM system. You can proceed with confidence.
Be cautious — the device may still be tied to an organization’s MDM account. Ask the seller to unassign it before you pay.
High risk! The iPad is probably MDM-locked or supervised. Avoid the deal unless the seller provides official release documentation from Apple School/Business Manager.
To double-check, connect the iPad to iTunes or Finder — if a setup or activation screen appears mentioning management or supervision, it’s still under MDM control.
FAQs
Final Thoughts
MDM is a powerful feature for organizational control but can be restrictive for personal users.
If you legitimately own your device, you can remove MDM from iPad using the safe methods above.