Return to service app

[Fahey]

Does the return to service app actually reinstall ipad os?

The documentation uses words like "wipe" but isn't definitely clear on 

if the OS on a ipad is erased and installed clean.

[JamfRocks]

Hi Fahey,

Yes, it wipes the device (all user info/settings) back to the Hello screen; the exception is the Wifi payload. 

Our devices wipe (via RtS) and retain the references to our WiFi configuration profile, so that when device wipe to the Hello screen it can navigate back to connectivity an re-install the OS. The rest of the configuration files will then be downloaded (except the WiFi one, which has remained during the wipe process).

[Shyamsundar]

you have two different partitions one is where your actual System components are installed like OS etc.. the other is the user space where all user-related data and files are stored, When you do a wipe only the user space that contains user-related data will be wiped.  Once done the device will be ready for configuration

[alicerichard65]

Yes, the Return to Service feature in MDM (Mobile Device Management) solutions does indeed erase the device's settings and data and then reinstalls the OS. When the command is sent to erase a managed device, it removes all data and settings, and the device is then automatically re-enrolled with the previously selected language, region, and Wi-Fi configuration profile. This means the OS is effectively reinstalled as part of the process.

Does that help clarify things for you?

LiteBlue

[Fahey]

Can you actually specify the IPadOS Version? For example, Most ipads have version 18 but some are still on 17.

If we did a return to service on all of them will they all get version 18?

We are hoping it doesn't just reinstall the os that was previously on there.

Thanks!