Openai/6785dcf0-cf50-8003-99dc-d79fb91530c6

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User: how to remove mdm on mac os

how to remove mdm on mac os

Assistant: Removing Mobile Device Management MDM from macOS devices typically involves several steps, depending on how the MDM was…

Removing Mobile Device Management (MDM) from macOS devices typically involves several steps, depending on how the MDM was installed. Here’s a guide:

1. Check MDM Profile in System Settings

• Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
• Navigate to Privacy & Security > Profiles (or just Profiles on older versions).
• Look for the MDM profile listed. It will typically mention the organization managing the device.

2. Attempt Manual Removal

• Select the MDM profile in Profiles.
• Click the Remove (-) button or Remove Profile option.
• Enter the admin password, if prompted.

Note: If the MDM profile has a management restriction that disables profile removal, you'll need to use more advanced methods.

3. Erase Device and Reinstall macOS

• Back up your data using Time Machine or another backup tool.
• Reboot your Mac into macOS Recovery: - For Intel Macs: Hold Command (⌘) + R during boot. - For Apple Silicon Macs: Hold the Power button until you see "Options" and select Options > Continue.
• Use Disk Utility to erase the disk: - Select Disk Utility > Choose the startup disk > Click Erase.
• Reinstall macOS from the recovery menu.

Warning: This method removes all data on your Mac and returns it to factory settings. However, if the MDM is tied to a corporate or educational enrollment (e.g., Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager), it may reappear upon reinstallation.

4. Contact IT or MDM Admin

• If the device is part of an organization, contact the IT admin to request removal. Only they might have the necessary credentials or tools to disassociate the Mac from MDM.

5. Use Third-Party Tools (Last Resort)

• Some tools can remove MDM restrictions, but their use may violate terms of service or local laws. Ensure you have permission to remove MDM from the device before using such tools.
• Tools like iMobie AnyUnlock or Tenorshare 4uKey are commonly used for MDM bypass but may not work in all cases.

6. Check DEP Enrollment (Device Enrollment Program)

• If the Mac is enrolled in Apple’s DEP and supervised, it may automatically re-enroll in MDM after being wiped. To remove it completely, the organization must remove the device from DEP.

7. Verify MDM Removal

• After removing MDM or resetting the device: - Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Profiles to confirm the profile is gone. - Check that no restrictions remain on the device.

If you're the rightful owner and still cannot remove the MDM, contact Apple Support for assistance. They may require proof of ownership to help you.

User: ok this startup shutdown and they let us keep all these macbooks, so i just need to remove it.

ok this startup shutdown and they let us keep all these macbooks, so i just need to remove it. can i do it in terminal in recovery screen?

Assistant: Yes, you can attempt to remove the MDM profile using the Terminal in macOS Recovery mode.

Yes, you can attempt to remove the MDM profile using the Terminal in macOS Recovery mode. Here’s how to do it:

Steps to Remove MDM Using Terminal in Recovery Mode

1. Boot into Recovery Mode - For Intel Macs: Restart the Mac and hold Command (⌘) + R until the Apple logo or spinning globe appears. - For Apple Silicon Macs: Shut down the Mac. Then hold the Power button until you see "Options." Click Options and select Continue.
2. Open Terminal - Once in the recovery environment, click on Utilities in the menu bar and select Terminal.
3. Mount the Disk - Run the following command to list the available volumes: ``bash diskutil list ` - Identify your main macOS volume (e.g., usually called "Macintosh HD"). - Mount the volume if it’s not already mounted: `bash diskutil mount /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD

   4. Remove the MDM Profile - Navigate to the directory where profiles are stored:

   bash cd /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/var/db/ConfigurationProfiles ` - Remove the MDM-related configuration profiles: `bash rm -rf ` - Next, clear the MDM cache: `bash cd /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Library/Managed\ Preferences rm -rf

   5. Reset MDM Enrollment Status - To remove any MDM enrollment, you can reset the system state:

   bash cd /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/private/var/db/ rm -rf mdm rm -rf RemoteManagement

   6. Reboot the Mac - Exit Terminal and restart the Mac:

   bash reboot ``

After Removal

Once the Mac boots back up:

• Check if the MDM profile is gone: - Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Profiles.
• Ensure no restrictions remain.

Important Notes

• DEP Enrollment: If the device is part of Apple’s Device Enrollment Program (DEP), it might automatically re-enroll in MDM upon connecting to the internet after a reset. The organization needs to remove the device from their DEP account.
• Admin Rights: If Terminal commands fail due to lack of permissions, ensure you're in Recovery mode and working with mounted disks.

If the steps above don't work, you might need a third-party tool or assistance from Apple Support with proof of ownership.