Have you ever connected your iPhone or iPad to your computer or to charge and been met with a message saying “Supervised By Another Computer”? This can be a confusing message and leave you wondering if there is a problem with your device. However, this message is actually a feature of Apple’s mobile device management (MDM) system, aimed at providing greater security and control to businesses and organizations that use Apple devices. In this article, we will take a closer look at what this message means and explore the reasons behind it.
What Does “Supervised By Another Computer” Mean?
When you see the message “Supervised By Another Computer”, it means that your iPhone or iPad is being remotely managed by an organization, such as a business or school. This remote management is possible through Apple’s MDM system, which allows organizations to monitor, control, and configure Apple devices. When an iPhone or iPad is enrolled in an MDM program, it becomes “supervised”, meaning that it can be controlled remotely by the MDM server.
Why Would My iPhone/iPad Be Supervised?
There are several reasons why an organization might choose to supervise an iPhone or iPad. One of the primary reasons is for security purposes. By supervising devices, organizations can ensure that all devices adhere to security policies, such as requiring a passcode or disabling certain features. This can help protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access to corporate networks.
Another reason why an organization might choose to supervise iPhones or iPads is for educational purposes. In a school setting, for example, teachers can use MDM to lock devices during a test or to restrict access to certain apps or websites.
How Does MDM Work?
MDM works by connecting an iPhone or iPad to an MDM server, which can then remotely manage the device. When a device is enrolled in an MDM program, certain restrictions and configurations can be applied, such as:
- Enforcing a passcode on the device
- Disabling certain features, such as Siri or AirDrop
- Restricting access to certain apps or websites
- Configuring VPN settings
How Do I Remove The “Supervised By Another Computer” Message?
If you see the “Supervised By Another Computer” message on your iPhone or iPad and the device does not belong to an organization that you are part of, it is possible that the device has been enrolled in an MDM program without your knowledge. In this case, you will need to contact the organization that is managing the device and ask them to remove it from their MDM program.
If the device belongs to an organization that you are part of, you will need to follow their policies and procedures for removing the device from their MDM program.
Conclusion
The “Supervised By Another Computer” message on iPhones and iPads can initially be a confusing message, but it is an important one for businesses, schools, and other organizations that utilize Apple’s MDM system. By supervising devices, organizations can easily maintain and control device settings, ensuring that they adhere to security policies and protecting sensitive data. For individual users who see this message on their device, it may indicate that their device has been enrolled in an MDM program without their knowledge or belongs to an organization that requires Apple devices to be supervised.
FAQs About “Supervised By Another Computer”
Can I remove the “Supervised By Another Computer” message myself?
No, the “Supervised By Another Computer” message cannot be removed manually. The device must be removed from the MDM program by the organization that is managing it.
Why is my personal device supervised?
It is possible that your personal device has been enrolled in an MDM program without your knowledge. Contact the organization that is managing the device to find out more information.
What is mobile device management?
Mobile device management (MDM) is a system that allows organizations to remotely manage and control mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. This can include applying security policies, restricting access to certain apps or websites, and monitoring device usage.
