Apple Business Manager is a powerful platform designed to streamline the deployment, configuration, and management of Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac) within businesses, schools, and other organizations. Enrolling devices in ABM provides benefits like:
- Automated Setup: New devices can be pre-configured with essential settings, apps, and restrictions.
- Managed Distribution: Apps purchased through ABM can be silently deployed to devices.
- Security Controls: Enforcement of passcodes, remote lock/wipe lost devices, and other protective measures.
- Inventory Tracking: Keeps an organized list of enrolled devices with their relevant details.
apple business manager release from organization
Why Release a Device from ABM?
There are several reasons an organization might need to release a device from Apple Business Manager:
- Employee Departure: When an employee leaves, their company-issued device often needs to be released for reassignment. This revokes corporate control and settings.
- Device Reselling: If an organization sells or donates older devices, removing them from ABM is necessary to allow the new owner to freely set it up.
- Troubleshooting: In rare cases, releasing and re-enrolling a device might help resolve persistent software or management issues.
- Ending ABM Use: An organization fully ceasing the use of ABM would release all enrolled devices to remove them from the platform.
Important Considerations Before Releasing
- Data Backup: Ensure any critical data on the device is backed up. Releasing may trigger a remote wipe depending on your ABM settings.
- Apple ID Disassociation: If the device used a Managed Apple ID created within ABM, remove it from the device before the release process.
- Future Management: If the device remains within your organization, consider alternative management methods (standard user accounts, less restrictive MDM solutions) if ABM is no longer suitable.
The Release Process: Step-by-Step
The exact steps might have slight variations depending on your ABM setup:
- Locate the Device in ABM: Within your Apple Business Manager portal, navigate to the “Devices” section and locate the device you wish to release.
- Initiate Release: There’s usually a dedicated “Release” button or option associated with each device on the list.
- Confirmation: ABM will often prompt you to confirm the release action. This is to prevent accidental removals.
- Follow On-Device Prompts: The device itself may display instructions upon release. Usually, this involves resetting or erasing all content and settings.
- Verification: Once the process is complete, double-check within ABM that the device no longer appears in your device inventory.
Troubleshooting Release Difficulties
- Device Unavailable: If the device is lost, stolen, or offline, you might have options within ABM to remotely initiate the release process.
- Activation Lock: If the device was associated with a Managed Apple ID that’s still present, you’ll need to remove it before the factory reset can complete.
- MDM Persistence: Some Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions integrated with ABM might have additional locks preventing a clean release. Check your MDM settings or consult with your IT admin.
Special Case: 30-Day Provisional Release
Apple Business Manager offers a temporary release option:
- Intent: Designed for situations like device repairs or loaner scenarios where you intend to re-enroll the device eventually.
- Limitations: Provisionally released devices may have limited functionality and some ABM restrictions could persist.
- Automatic Re-Enrollment: After the 30-day period, the device will automatically attempt to re-enroll into your ABM account.
Beyond the Release: Alternative Management
If you’re releasing a device but it remains within your ownership, consider these options:
- Standard User Accounts: A basic setup for personal use with less organizational control.
- Lightweight MDM: Some less restrictive Mobile Device Management solutions offer device tracking and basic security features.
- Device-Specific Settings: Explore the built-in settings on iPhones, iPads, and Macs that provide granular controls over certain aspects even without full MDM.
The Significance of Responsible Release
Properly releasing devices from Apple Business Manager has benefits:
- Privacy Protection: Ensures an employee’s personal data is fully removed from a previously company-issued device.
- New Owner Experience: Provides a “clean slate” setup for subsequent users, free of old organizational restrictions.
- Security Best Practices: Reduces the number of actively managed devices within your ABM, minimizing potential vulnerabilities.
