Erased

A device state where all user data and settings have been removed, returning the device to a clean state similar to when it was first unboxed.

What to Know

Erasing devices is critical for protecting organizational data when devices are lost, stolen, decommissioned, or reassigned to new users. Modern Apple devices use cryptographic erasure, which instantly renders data inaccessible by destroying encryption keys rather than overwriting storage sectors. This makes remote wipe capabilities essential for data breach prevention and regulatory compliance, especially for devices containing sensitive information that leave the organization’s physical control.

Organizations must balance erase capabilities with data preservation needs. While erasing protects against data exposure, it also permanently removes all user data, making it important to have clear policies about when erasure is appropriate versus other remediation options like remote lock. Supervised devices offer additional erase options, including the ability to preserve some settings during erasure for faster reprovisioning.

Common Scenarios

Enterprise IT: When an executive’s iPhone is reported lost at an airport, IT immediately issues a remote wipe command to protect confidential business communications and customer data. For device reassignments, IT erases devices between users to ensure clean handoffs with no residual data from previous owners.

MSP: When clients terminate employees with access to sensitive systems, MSPs execute remote wipes on corporate devices to ensure immediate data protection. During device lifecycle management, MSPs wipe devices before returning them to leasing companies or preparing them for resale, protecting client data from exposure.

Education: Schools erase student devices during summer break to prepare them for the next academic year, removing personal student data while preserving institutional configurations through supervised erase options. Lost or stolen devices containing student records are immediately erased to maintain FERPA compliance and protect student privacy.

In Addigy

Addigy provides remote erase commands for both iOS/iPadOS and Macs directly from the device action menu. For supervised iPhones, Addigy offers additional options to preserve data plans and eSIM configurations during erasure. Admins can view erase status in real-time, track which devices have been successfully erased, and receive confirmation when erase commands complete. Addigy’s audit logs record all erase commands for compliance documentation.