Review of AirWatch MDM Agent iPhone: Features, Restrictions & Removal

Penny Warren Published on August 06, 2025Unlock iOS3-min reading

When a company issues you an iPhone, it often comes with something extra under the hood, mobile device management, or MDM. This system helps IT teams protect data and track device usage. One of the most common tools for this is the AirWatch MDM agent iPhone setup. Even though it has a designated usage in the corporate world, it can act as a block when the phone is swapped or is no longer paired with work. In this tutorial, we are going to teach you simple and efficient methods to remove AirWatch from your iPhone and regain complete control.

How to Remove AirWatch MDM from iPhone/iPad

In this article:

Part 1: Basic Introduction to AirWatch MDM
Part 2: Delete AirWatch MDM from Settings
Part 3: Remove the MDM file with the AirWatch Console
Part 4: Remove MDM from iPhone and iPad with Professional Software
Part 5: Restore iPhone or iPad Factory Settings to Remove MDM

Part 1: Basic Introduction to AirWatch MDM

AirWatch Mobile Device Management is now part of VMware Workspace ONE. It lets companies manage, track, and protect devices from one place. IT teams use it to set rules, install apps, block features, and keep devices secure. With the AirWatch console, they can also update settings, lock lost phones, or erase data if needed.

One common setup is the AirWatch MDM agent for the iPhone, which gives a company full control of how the phone is used. While it helps protect data, it also adds limits. This can be a problem for people who bought a used phone with MDM still on it or kept a work phone after leaving a job.

Knowing how AirWatch works and how to remove it can help you take full control of your iPhone.

Part 2: Delete AirWatch MDM from Settings

For users with admin-level access or the required passcode, it is possible to delete AirWatch from an iPhone through the system settings manually. This approach is based on the fact that the MDM profile is visible and can be removed without new limitations.

Step 1

Open the Settings app, go to General, and scroll to VPN & Device Management. If the device is newly set up, this option might only appear after the MDM profile has been installed.

Step 2

Under Mobile Device Management, locate the AirWatch profile associated with your organization and tap it.

Step 3

Select Remove Management. This action initiates the removal process.

Step 4

When prompted, enter the MDM configuration passcode. Afterward, the device can be verified and will move off the AirWatch MDM System, giving local settings and use control again.

Part 3: Remove the MDM file with the AirWatch Console

When the device is managed in the AirWatch Console, one should have administrative privileges to revoke MDM profiles remotely. The given approach is suitable in cases when a gadget becomes out of compliance, is reassigned, or requires the release of corporate control. Here is how to remove AirWatch from an iPhone using the console interface:

Step 1

Step 2

Navigate to Devices > List View. The search option has a bar that can be used to search the registered iPhone through username, serial number, or device ID.

Step 3

Click the device name to open its detail page. From here, verify the device status, ensure it is online and actively syncing, as some actions may fail on offline devices.

Step 4

Under More Actions, select Delete Device. This shall trigger a command to unenroll the iPhone, remove its MDM configuration profile and deauthorise management.

A profile removal process, depending on the status in the network, may only take a matter of a couple of minutes. Confirm the success by checking the list of compliance logs and status updates of the devices in the console.

Part 4: Remove MDM from iPhone and iPad with Professional Software

In the event that you cannot get access to device settings and the AirWatch Console, imyPass iPassGo is an effective option that takes the form of a special tool. It is a software to assist users in deleting AirWatch from iPhone and iPad without the MDM passcode. It does so by acting to side-step the remote management profile of the device, thus enabling the accessing of the entire profile without affecting any of the security controls.

Technically, iPassGo does a selective removal of the MDM on the iPhone where the MDM-enforcing protocol is singled out and disabled. The procedure maintains the user information but removes the control of management, which is best in case you intend to retain your files. Its interface is simple, but under the hood, it handles complex removal tasks that typical users cannot perform manually. For those locked out of key settings or dealing with supervised profiles, iPassGo offers a reliable way to regain full device ownership.

Step 1

To download the software on your PC, you need to click the button that we have below. Then, follow the instructions to install the package and launch the app to start using it.

Free Download Free Download

Step 2

Now that the app is running in your system, click the Remove MDM mode from the selection available, link the device, and click Start.

Step 3

The software will automatically remove the MDM on the connected device, so you need to ensure that there is no interruption. Once it is done, your device will automatically restart, and it will be freed from the MDM restriction.

Part 5: Restore iPhone or iPad Factory Settings to Remove MDM

If all other options fail or the device is heavily restricted, restoring your iPhone without iTunes to its factory settings may be the final method for removing the AirWatch from the iPhone. This process erases all data and settings, including the MDM profile, but only if the device is not enrolled in Apple's Device Enrollment Program. If it is, the MDM may reappear after the reset.

Step 1

Back up your data using iCloud or iTunes if you want to keep personal files. Open Settings, tap General and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Step 2

Tick on Erase All Content and Settings and ensure to confirm. Enter the passcode of your device or Apple ID if asked.

Step 3

Wait for the device to reset. During setup, avoid connecting to Wi-Fi if you suspect automatic MDM re-enrollment. This method is only effective if the device is not bound to a corporate DEP configuration. Otherwise, the MDM profile will reinstall during the activation process.

Conclusion

Dealing with mobile device management can be frustrating, especially when you want full control over your own iPhone or iPad. Fortunately, there are several reliable solutions for how to remove AirWatch from iPhone, by means of manual settings or with the use of the AirWatch Console, professional tools, or a thorough factory reset.

Every tool has its access and technicalities, but a correct method can help you achieve full ownership of your gadget once again. Choose the method that fits your situation best and take back the freedom to use your device without restrictions.

Penny Warren

Penny is a senior editor from imyPass. She has focused on discovering perfect GPS location solutions in all scenarios, and also has experience in fixing computers.