Endpoint Management Service - Removing Activation Lock from Apple Devices

Activation Lock is a security feature that can be enabled on Apple devices to prevent unauthorized use after a device is wiped, required a code or password to unlock the device. This document describes methods that device owners can use to remove Activation Lock.

Removing Activation lock in Apple School Manager

If the device was added to Apple School Manager prior to becoming activation locked, see information on turning off activation lock in Apple School Manager: https://support.apple.com/guide/apple-school-manager/turn-off-activation-lock-axm812df1dd8/web 

Note: This is the quickest and easiest option, however, devices that were not added to the ASM portal prior to becoming activation locked will need to be referred to Apple. 

Devices Managed via Workspace ONE

If the device was enrolled in Workspace ONE prior to becoming activation locked, see information here about generating a bypass code: https://docs.omnissa.com/bundle/ios-device-mgmtVSaaS/page/ActivationLock.html

Note that Workspace ONE cannot disable activation lock or generate a bypass code for devices that have been wiped or are otherwise no longer communicating with Workspace ONE.

Devices Managed via Another MDM Solution

The customer will need to contact the administrator of the alternate MDM solution to determine whether the equivalent of the Workspace ONE procedure above is possible.

Devices Not Managed via an MDM Solution or added to Apple School Manager

If the device was not managed by an MDM solution or added to Apple School Manager prior to becoming activation locked, the holder of the Apple ID associated with the activation lock can remove the lock by following the onscreen prompts or removing the device from their iCloud account. If that's not possible, the customer will need to contact AppleCare Account Security for Education customers, 800-800-2775 (Option 3,1,1). The AppleCare agent you speak with will ask you to provide the following information via a secure portal they will generate for you on a case by case basis:

  1. Institution name
  2. Device serial number(s)/IMEI(s)/MEID(s)
  3. Proof of Purchase
    1. Proof of Purchase is not required if purchased through Apple Education Sales directly. (https://secure.store.apple.com/us/order/list)
  4. Completed Statement of Ownership and Authority (supplied by Apple)

If the devices were purchased from Apple Education, make sure you let the agent know because they should be able to validate the ownership of the devices by your school without having to provide Proof of Purchase. If they were bought from a different source, such as a retail chain like Best Buy, they would require Proof of Purchase to show ownership.

More Information



Keywords:
activation lock device enrollment blocked apple ios macos mac iphone ipad locked apple id 
Doc ID:
122373
Owned by:
Tanya D. in Endpoint Management
Created:
2022-11-08
Updated:
2024-08-05
Sites:
DoIT Help Desk, Endpoint Management