Disable/Remove Passcode from Public iPad without MDM

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Level 1

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Disable/Remove Passcode from Public iPad without MDM

I purchased six iPad Airs (running iOS 9.2.1) for a high school library’s “iPad Reference Bar.” These iPads are in a public space in an enclosure kiosk. While I have placed many restrictions on these iPads, a few students keep on enabling a passcode. Then other students walk up to the iPads and try to guess the passcode. As you know, after 10 attempts the iPad becomes disabled and I have to restore it back to factory settings. This is very time-consuming because I have to re-download all of the apps purchased for these six iPads.

There seems to be no way to restrict access to the passcode setting, unless I purchase a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution. I also considered using Guided Access, but that limits me to one app. I want students to be able to access many apps (e.g., Google Drive, Safari, Edmodo, etc.)

Short of finding which students are doing this, I am at a loss for a solution. Please help!

iPad Air Wi-Fi, iOS 9.2.1

Posted on Mar 18, 2016 10:54 AM

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Answer 1

rccharles

Level 6

13,037 points

Mar 29, 2016 8:01 AM in response to Shariamys

To control the setting of the passcode, you need to step up to an mdm. [ I'm 95% sure that an mdm can control the password setting. ]

You either to have your devices bought with dep enabled or use apple's configurator 2. Both approaches let you supervise the ipad. meraki is a free mdm.

Alternatively, you can can setup a master ipad. Make a copy of it. Then download the copy to another ipad. This is called cloning. Ask around perhaps someone is already supervising and cloning ipads you could tack onto. Apple configurator 2 supports cloning. See the last paragraph.

I'd see if you can find a student aid to help you out. As for a cheap experimental device, the iphone 4s runs the latest ios software. The iphone and ipad are functionally equivalent with the exception of the built in phone app on the iphone.

"This document offers guidance on some important considerations for getting the most out of your iOS deployment." Covers: Prepare your infrastructure. Set up devices. Configure and manage devices. Deploy apps and content. Plan for support.

https://www.apple.com/business/docs/iOS_Enterprise_Deployment_Overview.pdf

Quick overview of zero touch deplayment

http://www.apple.com/education/it/dep/

Consider DEP, Device Enrollment Program. Use VPP, Volume Purchase Program. Select an MDM, Mobile Device Management. Read the Google doc below and nsdjoey write up.

Overview of ipad & iphone deployment.

It's education focused.

http://www.apple.com/education/it/

Writing you own app for your business:

https://developer.apple.com/enterprise/

MDM -- Mobile Device Management

https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2015-301/

For a comparison see this page:

http://www.enterpriseios.com/wiki/Comparison_MDM_Providers

VPP -- Volume Purchase Program

http://www.apple.com/business/vpp/

http://www.apple.com/education/it/vpp/