Mobile Device Management (MDM) is essential for businesses to control their devices, but when a user purchases a second-hand iPhone or leaves a company, the MDM lock can become a major obstacle. This guide provides a comprehensive, up-to-date review of the best Apple MDM removal tools available in 2025—both paid and free—so you can regain full control over your device.
Part 1: What Is MDM and Why Remove It from iPhone or iPad?
MDM (Mobile Device Management) is a feature used by schools, corporations, and other organizations to manage Apple devices remotely. It allows administrators to restrict settings, install apps, monitor usage, and lock devices. However, when a device is no longer under management or was bought second-hand, the presence of an MDM lock can prevent full usage.
Common reasons for MDM removal:
- The iPhone was purchased second-hand and still has an active MDM profile.
- The organization that previously managed the device no longer oversees it.
- Full access is needed to features currently restricted by MDM settings.
- You’re restoring a device and find MDM blocking setup.
Part 2: Top Paid MDM Removal Tools in 2025 – Reliable & Fast
Paid MDM bypass tools are ideal if you seek a reliable, user-friendly solution without complex configuration. These professional-grade tools typically support the latest iOS versions, offer one-click removal, and ensure minimal risk.
Tool 1: iMyFone LockWiper MDM Removal Tool
iMyFone LockWiper is a user-friendly MDM removal tool known for its stable performance and wide compatibility with iOS 12 through iOS 17. It helps users quickly bypass MDM restrictions without needing a username or password. Whether you’re stuck on the Remote Management screen or unable to access key settings, iDelock offers a smooth way to regain full control of your iPhone or iPad.
Step 1: Download and install LockWiper on your computer.
Step 2: Launch the tool and select “Bypass MDM“.
Step 3: Connect your iPhone/iPad via USB, then click “Start” to remove the MDM profile.
Step 4: Wait for the process to complete—your device will restart without MDM.
Tool 2. Tenorshare 4uKey – MDM Unlock Without Data Loss
Tenorshare 4uKey is widely used by iOS users to bypass various locks including MDM, Apple ID, and screen passcodes. It is particularly well known for bypassing MDM restrictions without erasing data. The software supports devices locked after reset, managed by schools, or enrolled via DEP.
Step 1: Install 4uKey on your computer and launch the program.
Step 2: Select “Bypass MDM” from the welcome screen.
Step 3: Connect the MDM-locked iPhone or iPad via USB, then click on “Start” to allow the tool to begin the bypass.
Step 4: The software will complete the MDM removal in just a few minutes. After that, your device will reboot without the MDM lock.
Part 3: Best Free MDM Bypass Tools You Can Try (No Cost)
If you’re tech-savvy or don’t want to spend money, several free Apple MDM bypass tools are available. They may require more manual steps and might not support the latest iOS versions, but they’re effective for older devices or learning purposes.
Tool 1. 3uTools – Comprehensive Device Management Tool
3uTools is a feature-rich suite of iOS tools that offers flashing, backup, jailbreak, device information lookup, and more. Although it’s not specifically designed for removing MDM, its “Easy Flash” mode allows you to bypass the MDM settings page in certain versions. This tool has a friendly interface and is suitable for beginners to try.
Step 1: Download and install the latest version of 3uTools on your Windows computer.
Step 2: Connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer with a data cable.
Step 3: Click Toolbox in 3uTools and select Skip MDM Lock option.
Step 4: Tap “Skip Now” on the confirmation interface
Step 5: Next, when prompted with a confirmation message, select “Deactivate” to proceed and disable the MDM on the device.
Note: 3uTools has limited support for the latest iOS system version and cannot remove the background configuration file, so it is only suitable for mild bypass scenarios.
Tool 2. Sliver (Mac Only) – MDM Bypass Tool for Advanced Users
Sliver is an open source macOS tool from Apple Tech 752 with advanced features such as MDM bypass, Hello mode skipping, SSH enablement and more. It is suitable for MDM unlock attempts on educational/institutional devices, especially those stuck in the settings page (Hello screen). It requires some technical background, such as experience with macOS and basic terminal commands.
Step 1: Download and install the latest version of Sliver on macOS.
Step 2: Put your device in recovery mode (or DFU mode) and connect it to your Mac.
Step 3: Launch the Sliver application and wait for the device recognition to complete.
Step 4: Select MDM Bypass function in the main interface and follow the instructions.
Step 5: Wait for the program to finish processing, and the device will skip the MDM lock interface after success.
Note: Sliver’s MDM bypass functionality is not prominently featured or officially documented, its support for MDM bypass is limited and not explicitly outlined in the tool’s menu.
Tool 3. Fiddler – For Technical Users
Fiddler is a powerful HTTP packet capturing and debugging tool originally designed for developers to analyze network requests. Some users have configured Fiddler to intercept MDM configuration responses from Apple’s activation servers in order to skip remote management during device initialization. This approach requires a high level of network knowledge and proxy configuration experience, and carries a high risk of failure.
Step 1: Download and install Fiddler Classic on your Windows PC.
Step 2: Open Fiddler, go to Tools > Options > HTTPS and enable HTTPS decryption.
Step 3: Configure your phone’s network proxy to your computer’s IP and Fiddler port (default 8888).
Step 4: Start the device and connect to Wi-Fi to begin the device initialization process.
Step 5: Observe the requests communicating with the Apple Activation Server in Fiddler and try to intercept and block the return packets containing the MDM URL.
Step 6: If successful, the device will continue to initialize and skip the MDM page.
Reminder: This method is not officially permitted by Apple and is intended for experimental and research purposes, and is not recommended for non-professionals.
Tool 4: Apple Configurator 2 – Official Management Tool
Apple Configurator 2 is an official Apple device configuration and management tool used primarily for bulk deployment of enterprise or school devices. In some cases, original administrators can use Configurator 2 to remove or reset MDM profiles, provided the devices are still under the control of the organization. This is the most legal and secure way for enterprise users or IT administrators with privileges.
Step 1: Download and install Apple Configurator 2 from the App Store on macOS.
Step 2: Connect your iOS device to your Mac using USB.
Step 3: Select the device in Configurator, right click on it and select Remove Profile or Restore.
Step 4: If the device allows you to remove the profile, you will be prompted to confirm the operation, click to confirm.
Step 5: After removing the profile, reactivate the device to remove the MDM configuration process.
Note: If the device has been set to “Supervisory Mode” by the organization and the removal privilege is locked, Configurator will not be able to remove the MDM, and can only work with the original MDM management background.
Part 5: FAQs About Apple MDM Removal
Q1: Is it legal to remove MDM from a device?
MDM removal is legal if you own the device or have permission from the rightful owner. However, removing MDM from stolen or company-owned devices without consent may violate laws.
Q2: Will removing MDM affect iOS features or updates?
Generally, no. Once MDM is removed properly, the device functions like a regular iPhone or iPad with full access to iCloud, App Store, and iOS updates.
Q3: Can I remove MDM without third-party software?
Yes, if you have access to the admin account linked to the MDM, it can be removed directly through Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager. Otherwise, third-party tools are necessary.
Conclusion
Removing MDM from an Apple device can help restore full access to its features. Whether you’re considering a paid solution or a free tool, this 2025 guide provides practical insights for every type of user. Before proceeding, make sure you are the legitimate owner of the device, and select a method that aligns with your iOS version and your level of technical experience.