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How to Remove Remote Management from Mac: Easy Guide

This guide shows you how to remove Remote Management from Mac by erasing your Mac and removing the MDM profile. After completing these steps, you'll regain full control of your device. For secure remote access, consider using AnyViewer.

By @Ellie Last Updated January 28, 2026

How do I remove Remote Management from my Mac?

Remote Management is a macOS feature that enables administrators to remotely control and monitor Mac devices. It's commonly used by organizations to enforce security policies and offer IT support.

However, if you've purchased a second-hand Mac or left an organization, being stuck on the "Remote Management" setup screen can be incredibly frustrating.

In this guide, we will walk you through the professional method to bypass and remove Remote Management so you can regain full control of your Mac.

How to remove Remote Management from Mac

You can learn how to remove Mac from Remote Management with the following five steps. Here is the quick navigation:

Step 1. Prepare for a macOS installation USB

Before starting, you need a bootable drive (at least 16GB) to reinstall a clean version of macOS. This is essential because we need to perform a "clean install" to break the hardware-level MDM link during setup.

1. Download the macOS installer (e.g., Monterey or Ventura) from the App Store. Ensure the file is named "Install macOS [Version Name]" and is located in your Applications folder.

2. Connect your USB drive.

3. Open Terminal and use the following command (Replace MyVolume with your USB drive's name):

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Monterey.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume

4. Press Return, enter your admin password, and type Y to confirm erasing the drive.

5. Wait for Terminal to finish. Once complete, eject the USB safely—it is now ready for a clean installation.

Step 2. Erase the Mac and clear system data in Recovery Mode

To remove the remote management window from your MacBook, you'll need to erase the Ventura or Monterey installation through the macOS Recovery environment. Here's how to access Recovery mode based on your Mac type:

  • Apple Silicon Mac: Power off the Mac, then press and hold the Power button until the "Loading startup options" screen appears. Select Options to enter macOS Recovery.
  • Intel Mac: Press and hold the Command + R keys while powering on the Mac to boot into macOS Recovery.

Once in Recovery mode, choose Disk Utility from the menu and erase your Mac. Afterward, your Mac will restart and prompt you to activate it. Use Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot for activation, with the latter being easier to disconnect later if needed.

Step 3. Reinstall macOS without an internet connection

Insert the macOS Monterey bootable USB into your Mac and follow these steps to access the startup options:

Crucial Tip: This is the most critical stage of the bypass. You must not connect to Wi-Fi during the setup process. This prevents the Mac from reaching Apple’s DEP (Device Enrollment Program) servers.

1. Plug in your bootable USB drive and restart the Mac, holding the Option key (Intel) or Power button (Silicon) to select the USB as the boot disk.

2. Choose Install macOS and follow the prompts.

3. When the setup assistant asks to choose a network, click "Continue without Internet". This skips the MDM check.

Follow the prompts to complete the setup. In a few minutes, you'll be at the desktop, and the remote management screen will no longer show up, even if the Mac connects to a network.

Step 4. Disable System Integrity Protection (SIP) to modify profiles

To delete deep-seated system MDM profiles, you must briefly disable Mac's internal security lock, known as SIP.

1. Boot into Recovery Mode once more.

2. Go to the top menu, open Utilities > Terminal.

3. Type the following command and press Enter:

csrutil disable

4. Restart your Mac to enter the desktop.

Step 5. Execute Terminal commands to permanently delete MDM profiles

Now that you are back on your desktop, log in to your new user account. Open Terminal and run these commands one by one to clear the hidden activation records that trigger Remote Management:

  • sudo rm /var/db/ConfigurationProfiles/Settings/.cloudConfigHasActivationRecord
  • sudo rm /var/db/ConfigurationProfiles/Settings/.cloudConfigRecordFound
  • sudo touch /var/db/ConfigurationProfiles/Settings/.cloudConfigProfileInstalled
  • sudo touch /var/db/ConfigurationProfiles/Settings/.cloudConfigRecordNotFound

Next, enter this command to check the device MDM status:

  • sudo profiles show -type enrollment

Make sure it doesn't display your device's MDM status or show it as "unable to determine." If so, congratulations, you've successfully removed the MDM profile.

Beyond MDM: A better way to manage your Mac remotely

Once you have successfully removed the restrictive organization-level Remote Management, you might still need a way to access your Mac for personal work, IT support, or file transfers.

Instead of re-enabling the complex and often buggy Apple native MDM, AnyViewer provides a professional, "non-intrusive" remote control and management software alternative. It gives you the power of remote control without the risk of being locked out by a third-party administrator.

Why AnyViewer is the Ultimate Post-MDM Solution:

Feature Apple Native MDM AnyViewer (Recommended)
Setup Complexity High (Requires profiles & servers) Instant (One-click installation)
Control Controlled by the Organization Full Personal Ownership
Cross-Platform Limited mainly to Apple/Windows Mac, Windows, iOS, & Android
Performance Basic Screen Sharing 60FPS High-Speed Streaming
Security Centralized Admin Control End-to-End ECC Encryption

How to Set Up Personal Remote Access in 3 Minutes:

Step 1. Download and install AnyViewer on both Mac devices.

Download Freeware macOS 10.15 and later
Secure Download

Step 2. Create a free account and log in on both machines to automatically link them.

Step 3. Navigate to the Device tab, select your Mac, and click One-click control. You can now access your desktop from anywhere in the world—completely free from MDM restrictions.

Pro Tip for Power Users:

If you are managing multiple Macs, AnyViewer’s pricing plans allow you to manage unlimited devices, assign permissions, and enjoy high-speed file transfers—perfect for creative professionals and small teams.

Conclusion

If you're wondering how to remove Remote Management from Mac, following the detailed steps outlined above will help you regain full control of your device. From preparing a macOS installation USB to removing the MDM profile, each step ensures the process is thorough and effective. Once completed, you can enjoy using your Mac without interruptions. For enhanced remote control and management afterward, consider using AnyViewer, a reliable and secure solution designed to meet your remote control needs, even if you need to control Macs not on the same network.

FAQs

1. Does a factory reset or disk erase permanently remove Remote Management?
 
No. If your Mac is registered in Apple’s Device Enrollment Program (DEP), the serial number is linked to an organization's server in Apple's cloud. As soon as you reinstall macOS and connect to Wi-Fi, the Mac will check with Apple and re-trigger the Remote Management setup screen. To bypass this, you must follow the Offline Installation and Terminal Profile Removal steps outlined in this guide.
2. Is it legal to remove Remote Management from a Mac?
 
It depends on ownership. If you legally purchased a second-hand Mac and the previous owner/company forgot to unenroll it, you have the right to use the hardware you paid for. However, if the device is managed by your current employer, removing MDM may violate your company’s IT policy or employment agreement. Always ensure you have legitimate ownership before proceeding.
3. Can I update my macOS after bypassing the MDM screen?
 
Yes, but with caution. Minor security updates usually don't trigger the MDM lock. However, major macOS upgrades (e.g., moving from Monterey to Sonoma) might re-scan the hardware's enrollment status. If the Remote Management screen reappears after an update, you will need to repeat the Terminal command steps (Step 5) to clear the records again.
4. Will removing MDM affect my Mac’s performance or security?
 
Removing the MDM profile itself won't slow down your Mac; in fact, it often improves performance by stopping background monitoring scripts. Regarding security, ensure you re-enable SIP (System Integrity Protection) after running the Terminal commands. Leaving SIP disabled can make your Mac more vulnerable to malware.
5. What is the difference between Remote Management and iCloud Activation Lock?
 
These are two different security features:
  • Remote Management (MDM): Used by companies to manage settings and apps. It can usually be bypassed via Terminal.
  • iCloud Activation Lock: Linked to a personal Apple ID. This is much harder to bypass and usually requires the original owner’s password or proof of purchase for Apple to unlock it. This guide is specifically for MDM removal, not iCloud unlocking.