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Betreuter Modus (Supervised Mode)
In brief
Supervised mode is a management state for iPhones, iPads and Macs in which a company can control the device through its MDM solution far more extensively than with personal devices. A device becomes supervised when it is set up via Apple Business Manager or Apple Configurator. When decommissioning, it must be released from this management so that a new owner can use it.
What supervised mode enables
From the system’s perspective, a supervised device belongs to the company. IT can use mobile device management set additional restrictions, such as blocking app installations, disabling certain functions or limiting devices to a single app. In addition, the Activation Lock can be managed through MDM on supervised devices and can often be removed using a bypass code. A notice appears on the device stating that it is managed by an organization.
What to do when decommissioning
- Sign the device out of the MDM console and erase it.
- Release the device from the organization in Apple Business Manager so that it does not automatically re-enroll after being reset.
- Remove the activation lock, if active.
- Erase the device with certification and file the certificate together with the serial number.
If a step is skipped, the device is barely usable for buyers and loses value. The individual steps are explained in the guide Selling tablets without an MDM lock. Second IT erases mobile devices with a certified erasure solution from Blancco and supplies an erasure certificate for each device.
Frequently asked questions about supervised mode
How do I tell whether an iPhone or iPad is supervised?
In Settings, a notice appears at the top stating that the device belongs to an organization and is managed by it.
Does a reset remove supervised mode?
A reset erases the settings. However, if the device is registered in Apple Business Manager, it will be supervised again during setup. Only releasing it from Apple Business Manager removes the binding.
Who can release a supervised device?
Only the organization the device is registered with, which is usually the IT department with access to MDM and Apple Business Manager.
What is the difference between supervised mode and MDM?
MDM is the company’s management solution. Supervised mode is a device state that gives this solution far more extensive control than with personal devices. A device becomes supervised when it is set up via Apple Business Manager or Apple Configurator.
Can the activation lock be removed on supervised devices?
Yes. On supervised devices, the activation lock can be managed through MDM and can often be removed using a bypass code. Remove it before decommissioning, otherwise the device is barely usable for buyers and loses value.
Erase and remarket corporate iPads and iPhones with certification.
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