iOS Passcode Lock (Part 3): How to remove a passcode from the lock screen using AirWatch

As previously discussed in part 1 of this 4 part iOS Passcode lock series, the most common type of iOS passcode lock is the lock screen passcode. You have probably run into this type of passcode when you or a student attempted to "slide to unlock" an iPad and are greeted with a number panel instead of the home screen. If the affected iPad is manage via AirWatch, the removal of the lock screen passcode is quite easy to accomplish.

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Next, sign into AirWatch and enter the serial number into the search box located at the top right of the AirWatch Dashboard in the blue banner and press 'return' (or enter) on the keyboard. 

Written by Gerald Proctor, iOS Device Management Administrator

Removing the Lock Screen Passcode
First, in order to locate the iPad in AirWatch, you must have the serial number of the affected device. The serial number can be located etched into the metal backing of the iPad near the bottom above the FCC certification logos.

On the device details view page, click the 'More' button located in the dark gray banner at the top right of the page. In the pop up window click the word 'Device' located under the Clear Passcode section.

Return to the iPad and 'slide to unlock' the device. The lock screen passcode box will briefly appear and then you will be taken directly to the home screen. Mission accomplished!

AirWatch will provide you with a search results page and the iPad will be located in a box under the 'devices' section. This box will contain an icon of an iPad, the device friendly name of the iPad written in blue and model of iPad—i.e. iPad 2 (16 GB). Click on this box to be taken to the device details view.

Two pop up windows will appear. The first window will ask 'Are you sure you wish to continue?' Click 'OK' to confirm. The next window will confirm that the passcode was successfully cleared.