Preparing devices for return

Learn how to prepare devices for return to Apple Financial Services (AFS).

Ensure you back up and transfer data to your new device before preparing a device for return. Please consult your IT department to confirm if an enterprise backup solution is already in place. Additional resources are below.

Back up your data

Use Migration Assistant to transfer data

Back up your data

Use Quick Start to transfer data

Use iCloud to transfer data

Use the Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes to transfer data

Activation Lock/Find My must be turned off before returning devices. Apple Financial Services cannotassess devices that are enrolled in Activation Lock/Find My. It may be possible to complete this from your MDM directly depending on how devices were originally configured.

In Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager, users with Manage Device privileges can turn off Activation Lock/Find My for organisation-owned devices.

Turn off Activation Lock in Apple Business Manager

Activation Lock/Find My can also be turned off directly from devices through Settings.

Turn off Find My on your devices and items

If you need help removing Activation Lock on behalf of an employee and have proof of purchase documentation, please submit a request.

Request additional support for unlocking an individual device

Enrolled devices must be released from ABM or ASM, or they may automatically re-enroll after being erased. Apple Financial Services cannot assess devices that are enrolled. Devices may be able to be released from your MDM directly, depending on how it was initially configured.

Release devices in Apple Business Manager

Release devices in Apple School Manager

If you are unsure if you are enrolled or need assistance, please contact

Deployment Program Support

Devices must be unenrolled from MDM solutions and reset to factory default before returning to Apple. Apple Financial Services cannot assess devices that are enrolled. Devices may be able to be erased and reset to factory default from your MDM directly.

MDM lets you securely and wirelessly configure devices by sending profiles and commands to the device, whether they're owned by the user or your organisation. Please consult with your IT Department on your organisation's MDM strategy, because how you remove profiles depends on how they were installed. Devices may be able to be erased and reset to factory default from your MDM directly.

Intro to mobile device management profiles

Refer to the Apple support articles below for instructions on how to erase your devices without the use of an MDM.

How to factory reset your iPhone or iPad

Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac

Use Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple silicon

Devices and Mac power supplies must be returned. Original packaging, iPhone and iPad chargers, and other accessories (cases, Apple Pencil, adapters) are not required.

These best practices will help prevent charges and damage during transit.

• Remove any proprietary labels, stickers or tags.
• Use the box and material provided.
• When shipping multiple devices, place packaging material between each device. The packing material should form a dense buffer between the box's edge and the devices' edges.
• Close the box and ensure the contents are immobile in the box.
• Tape the box closed using the H-Tape Method.
• Attach your shipping label and ship.