Have you found yourself with a device previously managed by Verizon MDM, and now you need to reclaim full control? Whether it's an old company phone, a personal device mistakenly enrolled, or simply a change in your organization's mobile device strategy, unenrolling a device from Verizon's Mobile Device Management (MDM) can seem like a daunting task. But don't worry, we're here to guide you every step of the way!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of unenrolling a device from Verizon MDM, covering various scenarios and providing detailed instructions. We'll explore methods for both administrators and individual users, ensuring you have the knowledge to successfully liberate your device.
Unenrolling a Device from Verizon MDM: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of unenrolling a device largely depends on how the device was enrolled and your level of access to the Verizon MDM platform. It's crucial to understand that simply removing an app from your device might not fully unenroll it, especially if it was provisioned as a "company-owned device" or through programs like Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment (KME).
 |
| How To Unenroll A Device From Verizon Mdm |
Step 1: Identify Your Enrollment Scenario (Crucial First Step!)
Before diving into specific instructions, it's vital to determine how your device came under Verizon MDM's control. This will significantly impact the unenrollment method.
Scenario A: Company-Owned Device (Supervised/Automated Enrollment)
How to identify: These devices are typically provided by an organization and often have restrictions that prevent users from removing the MDM profile themselves. They might show a "Supervised" message in settings (iOS) or have a persistent MDM client that cannot be deactivated. These are often enrolled through Apple Business Manager (ABM), Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment (KME), or similar programs.
Implication for unenrollment: You will almost certainly need the IT administrator's intervention for these devices. Attempting to unenroll without proper administrative action may result in a forced factory reset or the device automatically re-enrolling.
Scenario B: Personally Owned Device (BYOD - Bring Your Own Device)
How to identify: You likely enrolled this device yourself, possibly by installing an MDM app or a configuration profile. You might have more direct control over removing the MDM profile from the device's settings.
Implication for unenrollment: While you might be able to unenroll from the device itself, the organization's IT admin still might need to remove the device from their MDM portal to fully clear its record.
Scenario C: Unknown Enrollment Method / Legacy Device
How to identify: You're unsure how the device was enrolled, or it's an older device that may have been set up differently.
Implication for unenrollment: It's best to start with administrative contact in this scenario to avoid unintended data loss or re-enrollment issues.
Step 2: Administrative Unenrollment (The Recommended & Most Effective Method)
For most Verizon MDM deployments, especially those involving company-owned devices, the most reliable way to unenroll is through the MDM administrator. This method ensures a clean removal and prevents future automatic re-enrollment.
Sub-heading: 2.1 Contacting Your IT Administrator or Verizon MDM Admin
If you're an employee, the first and most critical step is to contact your company's IT department or the person responsible for managing mobile devices. They have access to the Verizon MDM console and can perform the unenrollment remotely.
Provide the necessary information: When you contact them, be prepared to provide:
The device's serial number (for Apple devices) or IMEI (for Android devices).
The reason for unenrollment (e.g., employee leaving, device being repurposed).
Your contact information.
Administrator's Actions: The administrator will typically perform the following actions within the Verizon MDM platform (which is often a rebranded solution like Workspace One, MaaS360, or Miradore):
Locate the device: They will search for your device by its identifier.
Initiate Unenrollment/Retirement: They will select the option to "Unenroll Device" or "Retire Device." Retiring a device usually implies a more permanent removal from the MDM system, often including a remote wipe.
Remove from Device Enrollment Programs (if applicable): If the device was enrolled via Apple Business Manager (ABM), Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment (KME), or similar, the administrator will also need to unassign or release the device from these programs. This is crucial to prevent the device from automatically re-enrolling if it's factory reset.
Confirm Unenrollment: They should confirm that the device has been successfully unenrolled from the MDM console.
Sub-heading: 2.2 Understanding the "Wipe" vs. "Unenroll" Distinction
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
It's important to differentiate between an "unenroll" command and a "wipe" command.
Unenroll: This command removes the MDM profile and associated policies/apps from the device, leaving user data intact (unless configured otherwise). The device is no longer managed.
Wipe: This command performs a factory reset on the device, erasing all data and settings. For company-owned devices, a wipe often automatically triggers unenrollment. However, for devices enrolled via ABM/KME, if the device isn't also unassigned from those programs, it will re-enroll into MDM upon reactivation after the wipe.
Always clarify with your administrator whether a simple unenrollment or a full wipe is intended.
Step 3: Self-Service Unenrollment (If Permitted by Policy)
In some cases, especially for BYOD scenarios, users may be permitted to unenroll their devices directly from the device settings. This method is less common for company-owned, supervised devices, where the option to remove the MDM profile is often restricted.
Sub-heading: 3.1 Unenrolling an iOS Device
Open Settings: Tap the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
Navigate to Device Management: Go to General > VPN & Device Management (or Device Management).
Select the MDM Profile: You should see a profile related to Verizon MDM (or the underlying MDM solution like MaaS360). Tap on it.
Remove Management: Look for an option like "Remove Management" or "Remove Profile."
Confirm Removal: You may be prompted to enter your device passcode or confirm the removal. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Restart Device (Recommended): After removal, it's often a good idea to restart your device to ensure all associated configurations are cleared.
Sub-heading: 3.2 Unenrolling an Android Device
Android device unenrollment can vary slightly depending on the device manufacturer and Android version.
Open Settings: Tap the Settings app on your Android device.
Navigate to Security Settings: Look for sections like Security, Security & privacy, or Biometrics and security.
Find Device Admin Apps: Within the security settings, locate "Device admin apps" or "Device administrators."
Deactivate the MDM App: Find the Verizon MDM client or the associated MDM application (e.g., MaaS360 Agent, Miradore Client) in the list. Tap on it and select "Deactivate" or "Turn off." You might need to confirm this action.
Uninstall the MDM Application: Once deactivated, go back to your main Settings and navigate to Apps & notifications (or Applications, App manager).
Uninstall the App: Find the Verizon MDM application and tap "Uninstall."
Restart Device (Recommended): Restart your Android device to ensure a clean slate.
Sub-heading: 3.3 Unenrolling a macOS Device
If you have a Mac enrolled in Verizon MDM:
Open System Settings/Preferences: Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (macOS Ventura and later) or System Preferences (earlier macOS versions).
Go to Profiles: In System Settings, go to Privacy & Security > Profiles. In System Preferences, look for a Profiles icon.
Select the MDM Profile: You should see the Verizon MDM or associated MDM profile. Select it.
Remove the Profile: Click the "-" (minus) button at the bottom of the profiles list.
Confirm Removal: Enter your administrator password if prompted and confirm the removal.
Restart Device (Recommended): Restart your Mac.
Sub-heading: 3.4 Unenrolling a Windows Device
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
For Windows devices enrolled in Verizon MDM:
Open Settings: Click the Windows Start menu and select the Settings app.
Go to Accounts: Navigate to Accounts.
Access Work or School: Select "Access work or school."
Disconnect the Account: You will see your work account that is managing your device. Click on it and select "Disconnect."
Confirm Disconnection: Follow any on-screen prompts to confirm the removal of the device from management.
Restart Device (Recommended): Restart your Windows machine.
Step 4: Post-Unenrollment Verification & Best Practices
After attempting to unenroll, it's essential to verify that the device is truly free from MDM control.
Sub-heading: 4.1 Verification Steps
Check Device Settings: Re-visit the MDM profile/device administration sections in your device settings (as outlined in Step 3). The MDM profile or application should no longer be present or should indicate it's inactive.
Test Restrictions: Try to perform actions that were previously restricted by MDM policies (e.g., installing apps from unknown sources, changing certain system settings, accessing personal accounts). If you can now perform these actions, it's a good sign.
Observe App Behavior: Any apps that were pushed or managed by the MDM should no longer be present or should function independently of MDM control.
Administrator Confirmation: If your IT administrator performed the unenrollment, ask them for confirmation that the device has been removed from their MDM console.
Sub-heading: 4.2 Factory Reset as a Last Resort (with Caveats)
If all else fails and you still suspect MDM control (especially for company-owned devices that automatically re-enroll after a reset), a factory reset might be necessary. However, be aware of the following:
Data Loss: A factory reset will erase all data on the device. Back up all important data before proceeding!
Re-enrollment Risk: If the device was enrolled through Apple Business Manager (ABM), Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment (KME), or similar zero-touch enrollment programs and the administrator hasn't removed it from those programs, it will likely automatically re-enroll in MDM after the factory reset. This is why administrative removal from these programs is paramount.
Proceed with Caution: Only perform a factory reset if you understand the implications and have exhausted other options.
Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, unenrollment isn't as straightforward as expected. Here are some common issues and tips:
"Remove Management" Option is Greyed Out/Missing: This almost certainly means the device is "supervised" or "company-owned" and its unenrollment is restricted by policy. You must contact your IT administrator in this case.
Device Keeps Re-enrolling After Reset: This is a classic sign that the device is still assigned to the MDM in Apple Business Manager, Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment, or similar programs. Your administrator needs to unassign or release the device from these platforms.
MDM App Cannot Be Uninstalled: If the MDM application on an Android device cannot be uninstalled, ensure you have first deactivated it as a device administrator (Step 3.2). If it's still stuck, contact your IT administrator.
Connectivity Issues During Unenrollment: Ensure the device has a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) during the unenrollment process, especially if the command is being sent remotely from the MDM console.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How to Unenroll a Device from Verizon MDM
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
How to confirm if my device is enrolled in Verizon MDM?
You can confirm by checking your device's settings: on iOS, look under "Settings" > "General" > "VPN & Device Management"; on Android, check "Settings" > "Security" > "Device Admin Apps" or "Settings" > "Accounts" for work profiles. If you see a profile or app related to your organization or Verizon MDM, it's likely enrolled.
How to unenroll an iPhone from Verizon MDM if the option is greyed out?
If the "Remove Management" option is greyed out on your iPhone, it means the device is supervised and its unenrollment is restricted. You must contact your organization's IT administrator to have them unenroll the device from their MDM console.
How to remove Verizon MDM from an Android phone without admin access?
If your Android phone was enrolled as a "Fully Managed Device" or has significant restrictions, it's very difficult to remove Verizon MDM without admin access. You'll likely need to contact your IT administrator. For less restrictive enrollments (BYOD), you might be able to deactivate the MDM app as a device administrator and then uninstall it through your phone's settings.
How to factory reset a device to remove Verizon MDM?
A factory reset will wipe all data and settings, and typically remove the MDM profile from the device. However, if the device was enrolled via Apple Business Manager or Samsung Knox, it may automatically re-enroll into MDM after the reset unless it's first unassigned from those programs by an administrator. Always back up your data before a factory reset.
How to prevent a device from re-enrolling in Verizon MDM after being wiped?
To prevent a device from re-enrolling after a wipe, the IT administrator must unassign or release the device from any associated device enrollment programs (like Apple Business Manager or Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment) in addition to removing it from the MDM console itself.
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
How to find the serial number or IMEI for unenrollment?
For iPhones, go to "Settings" > "General" > "About" to find the serial number. For Android devices, go to "Settings" > "About phone" > "Status" or "IMEI information" to find the IMEI. This information is crucial for your IT administrator to locate the device in their MDM system.
How to handle personal data before unenrolling from Verizon MDM?
Before unenrolling, especially if a wipe is involved, always back up all your personal data. This includes photos, videos, contacts, documents, and any app-specific data. Use cloud services (Google Drive, iCloud), computer backups, or external storage.
How to know if a device is "supervised" by Verizon MDM?
On iOS devices, you will often see a message at the top of the "Settings" > "General" > "About" screen stating "This iPhone is supervised by [Organization Name]" or similar. This indicates a higher level of management and restricted user control.
How to deal with persistent MDM profiles after attempted unenrollment?
If MDM profiles or applications persist after your attempts, it likely means the device is still recognized by the MDM server or device enrollment program. Your IT administrator's intervention is essential to fully remove the device's record from the management system.
How to reach Verizon MDM support if I'm an administrator?
As an administrator, you should have access to a specific Verizon Business support portal or direct contact information for their MDM support team. Refer to your Verizon Business contract or initial setup documentation for the appropriate contact channels.
 |
