Ah, that persistent "This iPad is supervised and managed by..." message can be quite frustrating, especially if you're unsure why it's there or how to get rid of it. Let's tackle this together! To start, can you tell me how you acquired this iPad? Was it a gift, purchased second-hand, or issued by an organization like a school or workplace? Knowing the origin will give us crucial clues!
Now, let's dive into the steps you can take to try and remove this supervision. Keep in mind that depending on how the iPad was set up, complete removal might not always be possible without the administrator's direct involvement.
Step 1: Initial Checks and Simple Solutions
1.1 Understanding the Supervision Profile
The "supervised and managed" message usually indicates that a Mobile Device Management (MDM) profile has been installed on the iPad. This profile allows an administrator to control various aspects of the device, including settings, apps, and security policies.
- Go to Settings on your iPad.
- Tap on General.
- Look for a section called VPN & Device Management or just Device Management. If you see this section, it means an MDM profile is likely installed. Tap on it.
1.2 Checking for Configuration Profiles
Within the VPN & Device Management section, you might see one or more profiles listed. These are configuration profiles that can manage various settings.
- Tap on each profile to see its details. Look for any that seem related to an organization or have restrictions listed.
1.3 Attempting to Remove the Profile
If you see an MDM profile, you might have the option to remove it.
- Tap on the MDM profile.
- You might see a button that says Remove Profile.
- If prompted, you'll likely need a passcode to remove the profile. This passcode is usually known only by the administrator who set up the supervision. If you don't have this passcode, you'll need to contact the administrator.
Important Note: If the Remove Profile option is greyed out or you don't know the passcode, you won't be able to remove the supervision this way. Proceed to the next steps for other potential solutions.
Step 2: Exploring Reset Options (Use with Caution!)
If you can't directly remove the profile, you might consider resetting your iPad. However, it's crucial to understand that a standard reset might not remove the MDM profile if it's configured to reinstall automatically.
2.1 Backing Up Your Data (Highly Recommended)
Before attempting any reset, always back up your iPad. This will prevent data loss. You can back up to iCloud or your computer using iTunes or Finder.
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now.
- Alternatively, connect your iPad to your computer and use Finder (on macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (on older macOS or Windows) to create a backup.
2.2 Trying a "Reset All Settings"
This option resets all your settings to their defaults but does not erase your data. It might, in some less restrictive setups, remove certain configurations.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings.
- You'll be asked to enter your passcode.
- After the reset, check if the "supervised and managed" message is still present in Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
2.3 Considering an "Erase All Content and Settings" (Use as a Last Resort and Understand the Implications)
This is a more drastic step that will completely wipe your iPad clean, returning it to its factory settings.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content and Settings.
- You'll be asked to confirm this action and enter your passcode.
- After the erase, the iPad will restart, and you'll need to go through the initial setup process.
Crucial Point: Even after an "Erase All Content and Settings," if the iPad was enrolled in MDM at a deeper level (e.g., through Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager with device enrollment), it might automatically re-enroll during the setup process and the supervision will return.
Step 3: When You Can't Remove It Yourself
If the above steps don't work, it strongly suggests that the iPad is intentionally managed by an organization, and you likely won't be able to remove the supervision without their direct assistance.
3.1 Identifying the Organization
Try to recall where you got the iPad. If it was from a school or workplace, they are the administrators. If you bought it second-hand, try to contact the seller and inquire about its previous management.
3.2 Contacting the Administrator
The most straightforward way to remove the supervision in such cases is to contact the IT department or the administrator of the organization that manages the iPad.
- Explain that you need the supervision removed.
- They might need to unenroll the device from their MDM system.
3.3 Understanding the Implications of Unauthorized Removal
Attempting to bypass or remove the MDM profile through unauthorized means can have negative consequences, potentially rendering the iPad unusable or even leading to legal issues if the device belongs to an organization. It's always best to go through the proper channels.
Step 4: Alternative Scenarios and Considerations
4.1 Second-hand Purchases
If you bought the iPad second-hand and it's still supervised by a previous owner's organization, you might be in a difficult situation if you can't contact them. The seller should have ideally removed the device from their MDM before selling it.
4.2 Loaner Devices
If the iPad was a loaner from an organization, it's expected to be supervised, and you should return it when required. Attempting to remove the supervision on a loaner device is generally not permitted.
4.3 Jailbreaking (Not Recommended)
While jailbreaking can technically allow you to bypass certain restrictions, it's strongly not recommended. Jailbreaking:
- Voids your iPad's warranty.
- Can make your device unstable and prone to security vulnerabilities.
- May not even fully remove the underlying MDM enrollment in some cases.
How to... Frequently Asked Questions
How to check if my iPad is supervised?
Go to Settings > General. If you see a section called VPN & Device Management, your iPad is likely supervised. The "This iPad is supervised and managed by..." message on the "About" page (Settings > General > About) also indicates supervision.
How to remove a configuration profile on my iPad?
Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. Tap on the profile you want to remove and then tap Remove Profile. You might need a passcode.
How to find out who is supervising my iPad?
Check the details of the MDM profile in Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. It might list the organization's name or contact information. If not, and you know where the iPad came from (e.g., a specific school), that's your point of contact.
How to bypass MDM supervision without the passcode?
Generally, you cannot directly bypass MDM supervision without the administrator's passcode. Resetting the device might not remove it if the device is enrolled at a deeper level. Contacting the administrator is usually the only legitimate way.
How to unlock a supervised iPad I bought second-hand?
Try contacting the seller to have them remove the iPad from their MDM. If you can't reach them, you might be limited in what you can do. Apple support might not be able to help directly with removing third-party supervision.
How to prevent my iPad from being supervised in the future?
Only accept iPads from trusted sources. If purchasing second-hand, ensure the seller has removed any MDM profiles before the transaction.
How to know if a reset will remove the supervision?
A standard "Reset All Settings" might remove some configurations but is unlikely to remove a properly enrolled MDM profile. "Erase All Content and Settings" will wipe the device, but the MDM can re-enroll during setup if the device is still linked to an organization's account.
How to contact Apple for help with supervised iPads?
Apple can provide general support for iPad functionality but typically cannot bypass or remove third-party MDM supervision. You'll need to contact the organization that manages the device.
How to tell if my iPad is permanently supervised?
If after an "Erase All Content and Settings," the supervision returns during the setup process, it's likely the device is permanently enrolled in MDM by an organization.
How to ask the administrator to remove supervision from my iPad?
Be polite and explain why you need the supervision removed. Provide them with any identifying information about the device they might need (e.g., serial number). They will have their own procedures for unenrolling devices.
I hope this comprehensive guide helps you understand the situation better and guides you towards a solution! Let me know if you have any more questions.
