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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 December 17, 2024

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, there are situations where you might want to remove it. For example, if you buy a Mac and get stuck on the Remote Management screen with no option to close it, it can be incredibly frustrating. If you're looking to bypass the Remote Management screen and use your Mac normally, you'll need to remove this feature.

So, do you know how to remove RemoteManagement from Mac? Let’s explore the process in detail.

How to remove Remote Management from Mac

You can learn how to remove Mac from Remote Management with the following six steps.

Step 1. Prepare for a macOS installation USB

To prepare a bootable USB drive for installing macOS, follow these steps:

What you'll need:

  • A USB drive with at least 16GB of storage.
  • The macOS installer (e.g., macOS Monterey) downloaded on your Mac.

Downloading macOS:

  • Get the macOS installer directly from the App Store or Apple's website.
  • Use a Mac that works with the macOS version you're downloading.
  • For Enterprise users, download from Apple, not a local server.

Preparing the installer:

  • Make sure the installer is in the Applications folder. If not, move it there.
  • The file should be named Install macOS [Version Name], not a .dmg or .pkg file.

Setting up the USB drive:

  • Plug in a USB drive with at least 16GB of storage (32GB recommended). Note: This process will erase all data on the drive.

Creating the bootable USB:

  • Launch Terminal from Applications > Utilities.
  • Paste this command into Terminal, replacing MyVolume with your USB drive's name:

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

  • Enter your Mac's password and press Return.
  • Type Y when asked to erase the USB drive and press Return.
  • Terminal will erase and copy the installer to the USB drive. If it fails, format the drive as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) using Disk Utility, then try again.
  • Once Terminal says it's done, the USB drive will be ready.
  • Eject it safely, and you can now use it to install macOS.

Step 2. Erase your Mac in macOS Recovery

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. Install macOS Monterey on your Mac

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

  • Apple Silicon Mac: Hold the Power button.
  • Intel Mac: Hold Power + Option keys.

Once the bootable devices appear, select Install macOS Monterey to proceed.

Accept the agreement and select Macintosh HD as the target drive. A progress bar will show how much time is left. If the screen goes black, press any key to bring it back. When one minute is left, turn off your modem or mobile hotspot to disconnect the Mac.

When asked to choose a network, don't select one. Just click Continue to install macOS Monterey without the Internet. This is important.

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 SIP in macOS Recovery

Unplug the USB from your Mac and boot it back into macOS Recovery. Once in Recovery mode, open Terminal from the Utilities menu and enter the following command to disable SIP:

  • csrutil disable

Enter your login password to grant permission, then reboot your Mac by typing:

  • reboot

This will apply the change.

Step 5. Remove MDM Profile from Mac

Restart your Mac and log in to the newly created user account. Open Terminal and enter the following commands one by one. If you see a "directory not found" message, don't worry—it's normal:

  • 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.

Step 6. Upgrade to macOS to latest version

Open System Preferences > Software Update and download the latest compatible macOS version for your Mac. For me, it's macOS Sonoma.

After the download is complete, proceed with the installation. Once the upgrade is finished, you'll be able to use macOS Sonoma without the remote management screen. Furthermore, the Remote Management Enroll option will no longer appear in the left sidebar of the Settings app, signaling the successful removal of MDM.

Bonus tip: Best remote control & management software for Mac

If you're looking for reliable remote control and management software for your Mac after the Mac Remote Management removal, AnyViewer is an excellent choice. Designed with user-friendly features and robust performance, it stands out as one of the best solutions for remote access and management.

Here’s why AnyViewer is worth considering:

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Access your Mac remotely from Mac, Windows, iOS, or Android devices without compatibility issues.
  • High Security: Offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring your data and connections remain secure.
  • Seamless Performance: Provides a smooth remote experience, even over long distances, with minimal latency.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Simple setup and intuitive controls make it accessible to both beginners and professionals.

Whether you need to manage files, offer IT support, or access your Mac remotely for personal use, AnyViewer provides a reliable and secure solution.

Here’s how to remotely control or manage Mac from another Mac:

Step 1. Download and install AnyViewer on both Mac devices. Open the app, click Log in, and follow the prompts to Sign up for a new account. Make sure to log in using the same account on both Macs.

Download Freeware macOS 10.15 and later
Secure Download

Step 2. After logging in, AnyViewer will automatically associate the devices with your account.

Step 3. Navigate to the Device section in AnyViewer, choose the Mac you want to access, and click One-click control to set up unattended remote access instantly.

★Tips: Upgrading to a Professional or Enterprise account unlocks advanced features such as:
Adding more users for unattended remote access.
Controlling unlimited Mac at the same time.
Higher image qualities for remote control and screen sharing.
Creating device groups to simplify the management of multiple Mac devices.
Setting roles and permissions to regulate user access effectively.

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.