# Return to Service

> Use Apple's Return to Service Command on iOS to securely reset Devices for reuse and simplify Device turnover with MDM Enrollment.

Source: https://docs.applivery.com/en/device-management/apple/ios-ipados/commands/return-to-service/  •  Last updated: 2026-03-25

**Key topics:** Return to Service command, iOS device resetting, MDM enrollment, Configuration profiles, Device management automation, Apple, iOS, MDM, Applivery, mobileconfig

---

**TL;DR:** The Return to Service command simplifies iOS device resetting and re-enrollment for quick and secure device turnover.

The **Return to Service** command from Apple is a powerful feature for iOS Devices that streamlines the process of wiping, resetting, and preparing a Device for reuse or reassignment within an organization. It’s designed to minimize manual IT effort while ensuring Devices are securely reset and ready for the next user.

## What does it do?

-   Securely erases all user data and settings, protecting privacy and maintaining compliance.
    
-   Supports automatic reconfiguration by including key profiles (e.g., Wi-Fi, MDM enrollment), enabling the Device to reconnect to the network and re-enroll in management after the reset.
    
-   Bypasses initial setup screens so the Device boots directly to the home screen—fully configured and ready to use.
    

## When is it used?

-   For rapid redeployment of shared or rotating Devices in schools, healthcare, corporate environments, kiosks, etc.
    
-   After device repairs or maintenance, return Devices to a known-good state.
    
-   During migration from one MDM system to another.
    
-   To meet security and privacy standards for handling corporate or personal data.
    

In summary, the **Return to Service** command simplifies secure device turnover in managed environments. It enables IT teams to remotely reset and prepare Devices for immediate reuse, saving time, reducing manual work, and improving operational efficiency.

## Send the Return to Service command to your iOS device

**Prepare your Device**

Once in the [**Applivery Dashboard**](https://dashboard.applivery.io/), go to any of your **Devices**. Select the **Commands** 1 tab and click **\+ New Command** 2. From the list of available commands, choose **Erase Device** 3.

![erase device](https://docs.applivery.com/int/_r2/media/09ac0a4e-3ad8-478f-9f15-3474973eec71/7afd8152-170e-4641-9e42-ccae768f53a9.png)

**Enable Return to Service**

In the configuration options for the **Erase Device** command, make sure to enable the **Return to Service** feature.

![enable return to service](https://docs.applivery.com/int/_r2/media/09ac0a4e-3ad8-478f-9f15-3474973eec71/e0bfbe53-6b37-46a9-9995-f2b269ff5c58.png)

**Upload Enrollment Profile**

As part of this process, you’ll need to provide an **enrollment** `.mobileconfig` file, which will be automatically applied once the Device is wiped, ensuring it re-enrolls into your MDM environment without manual intervention. To generate this file, just follow the instructions outlined in the [manual enrollment](https://docs.applivery.com/en/device-management/apple/enrollment/manual-enrollment/) section of our documentation.

**Optional: Upload Wi-Fi Profile**

Optionally, you can also include a Wi-Fi `.mobileconfig` profile to allow the Device to reconnect to the network automatically after the reset.

:::info
Make sure your `.mobileconfig` files are valid and properly configured for seamless re-enrollment and network connectivity.
:::