Unauthorized MDM takeover of personal Apple devices

Question

Level 1

12 points

Unauthorized MDM takeover of personal Apple devices

I’ve discovered that all of my devices were fraudulently enrolled in MDM management programs (utilizing various MDM software including Apple Business Manager) and enrolled as “corporate owned test devices). I do not work for or belong to any corporation, and I purchased my devices directly from the Apple Store near me. The perpetrators have scrubbed corporate identification, and have elevated privileges and authority over my devices that exceed my own. I believe my ex and the financial managers (who hold POA over me and colluded with my ex during divorce proceedings) perpetrated these federal crimes (I’m also being wiretapped via FaceTime). Being that they are fraudulently listed as “corporate owned”, I lack the ability to identify the perpetrators, or remove their complete takeover of my devices/accounts/finances. I reported my findings to law enforcement, but mention the word “divorce” and eyes glaze over - zero investigation followed. This has been ongoing since at least 2020, if not earlier. Any ideas on how I can get out from under this aggravated identity theft? (Also involves my young children’s devices as well as my former partner). I welcome any referrals to shark-like legal representation in the Los Angeles area, or anywhere in the US since these are federal crimes. Anyone got an appetite to offer assistance? This violation of my privacy has already cost me millions in my divorce, and an abuser isn’t going to remove themselves…they’ll continue indefinitely unless they are legally held accountable. It’s been a maddening experience to say the least.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Unauthorized MDM device takeover

Posted on Oct 17, 2025 4:51 PM

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Answer 1

celliott147

Level 6

12,570 points

Oct 20, 2025 9:38 AM in response to stanza147

There is no such thing as an unauthorized MDM. To install MDM, you either

Must purchase the device from Apple or an authorized reseller and have it added to Apple Business/School Manager and have an MDM connected for automated device enrollment
Someone must have physical access to your device and must have your passcode/password.
Someone must have physical access to your device, your iCloud password (assuming you've set that up), and be in a trusted location (or wait for an hour, again, assuming you set iCloud up), then they have to wipe your device and add it to Apple Business/School Manager manually.

Option 1 cannot be removed by you because you don't own the device.

Option 2 can be removed in Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.

Option 3 can also be removed in Settings > General > VPN & Device Management if it has been less than 30 days since the device was enrolled. You would likely notice if this one was the case as again, at a minimum, it requires the device to be wiped.

These are the only options.

You should visit If you think your Apple Account has been compromised if you think you Apple Account has been compromised. You should also contact your local police department about this.

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Answer 2

muguy

Level 10

90,812 points

Oct 17, 2025 6:17 PM in response to stanza147

It's unlikely that you have a MDM on your device unless you installed it yourself, or your device cam from your organization. Go to settings > general > vpn & device management. That's where you'll see and MDM or profile installed on your device.

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