SellUsediPhoneFast · Safe · Simple
Release company iPhones from Apple Business Manager before resale, because a phone still assigned there shows a Remote Management screen after every erase and enrolls back into the company's mobile device management (MDM), which makes it unusable for a buyer. An administrator releases devices in Apple Business Manager by selecting them in the Devices list and choosing the release option. Apple states that a release cannot be undone; the device can be added back only through Apple Configurator or an authorized reseller. Remove each device from the MDM server and clear Activation Lock as part of the same process. Released, erased phones can be sold together on Sell iPhones in Bulk.
- Why: unreleased phones re-enroll in company MDM after an erase.
- Who: an Apple Business Manager administrator or device manager.
- Where: Apple Business Manager > Devices > select devices > release.
- Warning: a release is permanent.
Why must devices be released before resale?
Devices must be released before resale for 3 reasons:
- Automated Device Enrollment: Apple's servers tell an assigned device to enroll with the company's MDM server during setup, even after an erase.
- Remote control: an enrolled device can be locked, erased or restricted by the company at any time.
- Buyer setup: a buyer sees a Remote Management screen naming the company and cannot set the phone up normally.
Buybacks check for the Remote Management screen during testing, and unreleased phones cannot be bought. How to Check an iPhone for an MDM Profile explains how to confirm management status.
How do admins release devices?
Admins release devices in Apple Business Manager in 6 steps:
- Sign in to business.apple.com with an Administrator or Device Manager role.
- Open Devices and search for each device by serial number, or filter by order or MDM server.
- Select the devices to release.
- Choose the release option from the device actions, such as Release Devices.
- Confirm the warning that the release is permanent.
- Record the serial numbers and the release date in the ITAD records.
Apple's Apple Business Manager User Guide describes the current menu names, which can change between updates. Apple School Manager uses the same process for school devices.
What is the full order of steps?
The full order of steps for retiring a company iPhone has 6 parts:
| Order | Step | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Back up required business data | MDM or backup system |
| 2 | Get the Activation Lock bypass code if the device is locked | MDM server |
| 3 | Erase the device | MDM remote command or on the device |
| 4 | Remove the device from the MDM server | MDM console |
| 5 | Release the device | Apple Business Manager |
| 6 | Confirm setup shows no Remote Management screen | On the device |
Retrieve Activation Lock bypass codes before removing devices from MDM, because the MDM server stores them only while the device is managed.
What if the MDM vendor is gone?
When the MDM vendor is gone, such as after a contract ended or the vendor shut down, the device can still be released in Apple Business Manager, because the assignment lives there. Three cases apply:
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Apple Business Manager access exists | Release the devices directly; MDM access is not needed for the release |
| No one has Apple Business Manager access | Recover the administrator account through Apple, using the organization's verification |
| Devices are Activation Locked and bypass codes are lost | Contact Apple support with proof of organizational ownership |
Keep purchase records that show the organization bought the devices, because Apple may ask for them.
How do I confirm the release worked?
Confirm the release in 3 checks:
- The device no longer appears in Apple Business Manager's Devices list.
- After an erase, setup moves from the Wi-Fi step to the normal setup screens without a Remote Management screen.
- Settings > General shows no VPN & Device Management entry after setup.
Stop at the Hello screen after the check, so the device stays ready for a buyer.
What if a device was added through a carrier or reseller?
Devices bought from Apple, an authorized reseller or a participating carrier with the organization's Apple Business Manager ID are added to Apple Business Manager automatically at purchase. They are released the same way. Devices added manually with Apple Configurator also appear in the Devices list and can be released by the organization.
Does releasing remove Activation Lock?
Releasing a device from Apple Business Manager does not remove Activation Lock. Activation Lock is tied to the Apple Account that enabled Find My, which may be an employee's account or a managed account. Clear it with the MDM bypass code, by signing out of the account on the device or by removing the device from the account at icloud.com/find. Activation Lock vs Carrier Lock vs Blacklist: The Differences explains the locks.
Can a buyer release a device?
A buyer cannot release a device, because only the organization's administrators can access its Apple Business Manager account. A used iPhone that shows a Remote Management screen must go back to the seller, who contacts the organization. Bought a Used iPhone That Is Locked? What to Do covers that case.
Can a release be undone?
A release cannot be undone in Apple Business Manager. To bring a released device back under management, the organization adds it again with Apple Configurator or through an authorized reseller. Release only devices that are leaving the organization.
How do schools release iPads and iPhones?
Schools release iPads and iPhones from Apple School Manager with the same steps, using an Administrator or Device Manager role. Districts often retire large numbers of iPads at once, so filtering by order or MDM server speeds the selection. Selling School iPhones and iPads in Bulk covers school sales.
What should be in the release record?
The release record should list 5 items for each device: serial number, model, the date it was released, the administrator who released it and the planned disposition, such as resale or recycling. Attach the record to the ITAD batch file with the erasure and sale records. iPhone IT Asset Disposition (ITAD): A Guide for Companies covers the full record set.
Which Apple Business Manager roles can release devices?
Apple Business Manager uses several roles, and only some can release devices. The table summarizes the common roles.
| Role | Can release devices? | Typical user |
|---|---|---|
| Administrator | Yes | IT lead |
| Site Manager | Yes, within the assigned location | Regional IT |
| Device Manager | Yes | Device or asset team |
| People Manager | No | HR or account administration |
| Content Manager | No | App and book purchasing |
Role names and permissions follow Apple's Apple Business Manager User Guide and can change between updates.
How do I release many devices at once?
Release many devices at once by filtering the Devices list, for example by MDM server, order number or device type, then selecting all matching devices before choosing the release option. Export the device list first so the serial numbers are recorded. For very large batches, release in groups that match the shipping boxes, so each box has a matching release record.
What happens if I erase before releasing?
Erasing before releasing is normal, but the device re-enrolls in MDM during setup until it is released. Do not set the device up again after the erase. Release it in Apple Business Manager, then erase again or simply restart setup to confirm the Remote Management screen no longer appears. Leave the device at the Hello screen.
Do personal Apple Accounts block resale of company phones?
A personal Apple Account signed in on a company phone keeps Activation Lock on even after the phone is released from Apple Business Manager. Ask the employee to sign out before returning the phone, or to remove it from their account at icloud.com/find. On supervised devices, the MDM bypass code clears the lock without the employee's password. Selling Employee iPhones When Staff Leave or Upgrade covers collection from staff.
How long does a release take to apply?
A release usually applies within minutes in Apple Business Manager, and the device stops receiving the enrollment instruction at its next setup. When a Remote Management screen still appears right after release, wait a short time and restart setup.
What are common release mistakes?
Five release mistakes cause most problems in company phone sales:
- Removing devices from MDM before retrieving Activation Lock bypass codes.
- Releasing the wrong devices, such as phones still in use, which cannot be undone.
- Shipping devices before the release is confirmed on the device.
- Leaving employees' personal Apple Accounts signed in.
- Losing the administrator account when IT staff leave, which blocks future releases.
Keep at least 2 administrators in Apple Business Manager, and check each serial number against the asset list before releasing.
Does releasing affect Apple Business Manager purchases?
Releasing a device does not affect app licenses or other purchases in Apple Business Manager. App licenses assigned through the MDM return to the organization's pool when the device is removed from MDM, so they can be reassigned to other devices.
Is releasing the same as unassigning from an MDM server?
Releasing and unassigning are different. Unassigning removes the device from a specific MDM server but keeps it in Apple Business Manager, so it can be assigned to another server. Releasing removes it from the organization's Apple Business Manager account entirely. Resale requires a full release.
What should be included with a bulk shipment?
Include a packing sheet with each box that lists the serial number, IMEI and model of every device, matching the release record. The sheet lets the buyer match each device to the offer and confirms that every listed device was released.
Do Macs and iPads in Apple Business Manager need release too?
Macs and iPads assigned in Apple Business Manager need release before resale for the same reason as iPhones: they re-enroll in company management during setup. Macs show a Remote Management screen in Setup Assistant when still assigned. Release them in the same Devices list, then erase and confirm setup completes without the screen.
Who should keep the release records?
IT asset management usually keeps release records with the ITAD batch file, alongside erasure records and the sale report.
Can I release a device that is lost?
A lost company device should be marked lost in the MDM and reported to the carrier, not released, so it stays locked and traceable.
Frequently asked questions about releasing iPhones from Apple Business Manager
Why do I need to release iPhones from Apple Business Manager before selling?
An iPhone still assigned in Apple Business Manager shows a Remote Management screen after every erase and enrolls back into the company's MDM, so a buyer cannot set it up and the company can still lock or erase it. Releasing removes the assignment, and buybacks require it before purchase. Keep the related records with the batch file, so each device can be traced later.
How do I release a device in Apple Business Manager?
Sign in to business.apple.com with an Administrator or Device Manager role, open Devices, select the devices by serial number and choose the release option, then confirm the permanent release warning. Record the serial numbers and date. Apple's Apple Business Manager User Guide lists the current menu names. A bulk request with an inventory list usually receives a reply within 1 business day.
Can I release devices if our MDM provider is gone?
Devices can be released in Apple Business Manager without MDM access, because the assignment is stored in Apple Business Manager itself. If no one can sign in to Apple Business Manager, recover the administrator account through Apple. Activation Locked devices without bypass codes need Apple support with proof of ownership.
Does releasing a device from Apple Business Manager erase it?
Releasing a device does not erase it or remove Activation Lock. Erase the device through MDM or on the device, clear Activation Lock with the MDM bypass code or by signing out, and remove it from the MDM server. Then release it in Apple Business Manager and confirm setup shows no Remote Management screen.
Can a released device be added back to Apple Business Manager?
A released device can be added back only with Apple Configurator or through an authorized reseller, because Apple states that a release cannot be undone in Apple Business Manager. Release only devices that are leaving the organization, such as those being sold, donated or recycled. A report per device follows testing, and payment is made against the agreed offer.
Sources and references
- Apple: Apple Business Manager User Guide, release devices.
- Apple Platform Deployment Guide: Automated Device Enrollment and Activation Lock on managed devices.
- Apple: Apple School Manager User Guide.