How to Bypass MDM Lock on iPad [2026 Guide]

Finding yourself locked out of an iPad due to MDM or Remote Management can be incredibly frustrating. You want full access to your second-hand iPad, but the MDM protocol stands in the way. Don't worry. In this guide, we'll explore 5 various methods available to bypass or remove it, including free options. Let's dive in!

What Is MDM on an iPad?

MDM stands for Mobile Device Management. It's a system used primarily by organizations (like businesses, schools, and government agencies) to remotely manage and secure devices issued to employees, students, or members. This includes iPhones, Macs, and, of course, iPads. "Remote Management" is essentially the user-facing term for Apple's MDM framework in action during device setup or within settings.

Why Might You Need to Bypass iPad MDM?

While MDM serves legitimate purposes, individuals may seek to bypass it for several reasons:

• Purchased Used Device: The most common scenario. You buy a second-hand iPad online or from a reseller, only to discover during setup that it's still managed by the previous owner's school or company. The seller failed to remove it from their MDM system.
• Outdated Restrictions: You legitimately own the iPad (e.g., left the school or company that managed it), but the MDM profile and its restrictions were never removed.
• Forgotten Credentials: In rare cases, a personally owned device might have had an MDM profile installed (e.g., for accessing work email) with credentials you no longer remember.

How to Bypass MDM on iPad [5 Methods]

Here are 5 common methods, ranging from the official way to specialized tools and riskier alternative.

Method	Requires Password?	Data Loss?	Success Rate	Ease of Use	Best For
1️⃣ Settings	Yes	No	99%	Easy	Users who have the password.
2️⃣ TunesKit	No	No	99%	Very Easy	Users who want to fix it fast without password.
3️⃣ Contact Administrator	Yes	No	50%	Difficult	Uses who want permanent removal.
4️⃣ 3uTools	No	Yes	60%	Medium	Uses who want to bypass iPad MDM for free.
5️⃣ Jailbreak	No	Yes	80%	Difficult	Uses who have tech knowledage background.

Method 1: Remove MDM Profile via Settings (Requires Password)

This is the simplest and safest method, but it only works if you have the necessary credentials (passcode set by the admin or if it's unprotected) and the administrator hasn't disabled profile removal.

Step 1. Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.

Step 2. Tap on the MDM Profile listed.

Step 3. Tap Remove Management.

Step 4. You'll likely be prompted to enter the device passcode or a specific management passcode. If you enter it correctly, the MDM profile and its restrictions will be removed.

Method 2: Use TunesKit MDM Removal Tool (No Password)

When you don't have the credentials, specialized third-party software is often the most effective approach. These tools are designed to interact with your iPad and remove the MDM lock screen during setup or bypass the profile.

One popular and often recommended tool is TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. It allows you to easily remove MDM from iPad without passcode when you're stuck on the remote management screen. All you need to do is to click several buttons, then you can get rid of MDM restrictions successfully. Besides, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker also enables you to unlock iPad without Apple ID, bypass Screen Time passcode, reset Apple ID, factory reset your iOS devices, etc.

Let's take a look at how to use TunesKit iPhone Unlocker to bypass iPad MDM with ease. First, we can watch a short video.

Step 1 Click the Try It Free button above to download TunesKit iPhone Unlocker on your personal computer. Then open the software and connect your iPad to the computer with a workable USB cable.

Step 2 After your device is detected by TunesKit, you can choose the Remove MDM section on the main interface. Then click the Start button, and TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will start to bypass MDM on iPad for you. Wait a few seconds, and the MDM restrictions will be removed.

Method 3: Contact the Administrator

If the iPad belongs to a school or company you're associated with, or if you bought it used and can contact the seller (who might be the original organization), the most legitimate approach is to request they remove the device from their MDM system.

An IT administrator can log into their MDM console (or ABM/ASM) and disown or release the device, permanently removing the management profile. This is the cleanest and most risk-free method if feasible.

Method 4: MDM Bypass on iPad with 3uTools (Free)

If you have old iPads, you may try 3uTools to bypass MDM for free. However, the effectiveness can be inconsistent and it might cause data loss as well.

• Step 1. Download and install 3uTools on your computer.
• Step 2. Connect your locked iPad to your computer via a USB cable.
• Step 3. Once it's detected by the tool, go to Toolbox > Skip MDM Lock. Then click Skip now > Deactivate to confirm.
• Step 4. Finally, the tool will start to bypass MDM on your iPad.

Method 5: Jailbreak Your iPad to Bypass MDM

The last resort to remove MDM is to jailbreak your iPad. By jailbreaking, you have unauthorized access to the device, and thus unlock any restricted settings. However, jailbreaking compromises your device's security, voids the warranty, can cause instability, and is often incompatible with the latest iOS updates.

• Step 1. Choose a reliable jailbreak tool such as Checkra1n, and install it on your computer.
• Step 2. Connect your locked iPad to the computer.
• Step 3. Follow the this guide to jailbreak it and remove MDM.

Crucial Considerations: Risks and Legality

Before attempting any bypass method, especially using third-party tools, understand the potential downsides:

• Legality & Ethics: Bypassing MDM on a device you don't own or without permission is unethical and potentially illegal. You could be violating company/school policy or laws regarding unauthorized access. Always ensure you have the right to modify the device. Use bypass methods responsibly.
• Data Loss: As mentioned, some bypass tools like 3uTools will erase everything on your iPad. If the device isn't already wiped, back up your data before attempting a bypass if possible.
• Bypass Permanence: Be realistic. Many tool-based bypasses for DEP/ABM enrolled devices are temporary. The lock can return after updates or resets, requiring repeated bypass efforts. The only truly permanent removal is by the managing organization releasing the device.
• Security Risks: Downloading tools from unofficial sources can infect your computer or iPad with malware. Even reputable tools interact deeply with your device; ensure you trust the vendor. Wse with caution while jailbreaking your device, because it significantly increases security vulnerabilities.
• Bricking: While uncommon with reputable tools, incorrect procedures or interruptions during flashing/jailbreaking carry a small risk of rendering your iPad unusable (bricking it).
• Warranty: Unauthorized software modifications might void any remaining Apple warranty.

FAQs About iPad MDM Bypass

In this part, we'll answer some questions you might be interested in related to MDM bypass on iPad.

The Closing Words

Facing an MDM lock on your iPad can be a significant roadblock. While the official method of removal requires administrator credentials or intervention, situations like acquiring a used, locked device necessitate exploring bypass options.

If you lack credentials, specialized tools like TunesKit iPhone Unlocker offer an effective solution. It can help you bypass iPad MDM without data loss quickly and efficiently. It offers a free trial, so please download it free and give it a try today!