iPad Setup Troubleshooting

Summary

Troubleshooting steps for errors encountered during initial iPad setup, including the Remote Management profile error and the Activation Lock screen. Applies to Bowdoin students and faculty setting up a college-issued iPad for the first time.

Body

Issues

  • I'm getting an error on the Remote Management screen during iPad setup.
  • My iPad shows a "BYCloudConfigRetrieveProfileFromWebErrorDomain error -1" message.
  • I erased my iPad and now I'm stuck on the Activation Lock screen asking for someone else's Apple ID.
  • My iPad won't get past the Remote Management screen — what do I do?
  • Setup is stuck on "Remote Management" and won't continue.
  • I'm being asked to enter an Apple ID I don't recognize during setup.

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin College students and faculty performing the initial setup of a college-issued iPad, or setting up an iPad that has been erased and needs to be re-enrolled.

Resolution

Error on the Remote Management screen

This error — including the BYCloudConfigRetrieveProfileFromWebErrorDomain error -1 message — occurs when Jamf, Bowdoin's device management server, is temporarily busy or under heavy load. This most commonly happens at the start of a new academic year when many devices are being set up simultaneously.

To resolve:

  1. Wait approximately one hour to allow the server load to decrease.
  2. Restart your iPad. See Restart Your iPad in the Related Articles section if you need help with this step.
  3. Begin setup again. The Remote Management screen should complete successfully once the server is no longer under load.
Still stuck after waiting? If the error persists after an hour, contact the Service Desk — there may be a broader enrollment issue that requires IT to resolve on the server side.

Activation Lock screen during setup

If your iPad was previously erased, setup may stop at an Activation Lock screen asking you to sign in with an Apple ID that does not belong to you. This is a security feature that prevents unauthorized use of college-owned devices — the iPad is locked to Bowdoin's Apple account.

You cannot bypass this screen yourself. Contact the Service Desk and a staff member will perform a remote activation unlock so you can continue with setup. Make sure your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi when you call so the unlock can be applied immediately.

Do not attempt to guess or enter a random Apple ID. Multiple failed attempts may further lock the device and delay the resolution process.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.

Details

Details

Article ID: 114867
Created
Thu 8/27/20 10:18 AM
Modified
Fri 5/1/26 3:13 PM

Related Articles

Related Articles (5)

How to correct an MDM enrollment issue on a Bowdoin-issued iPad
Some Bowdoin-issued iPads did not get enrolled correctly into the Jamf MDM service. This article walks through the steps needed to repair that issue.
Privacy and MDM on Bowdoin-Issued Devices
Explains how Bowdoin IT uses Jamf Mobile Device Management (MDM) to manage college-issued iPads and Macs, including what settings IT controls, what information IT can see, and what personal data IT cannot access. Applies to all Bowdoin-issued Apple devices.
Restart Your iPad
How to restart or force restart a Bowdoin-issued iPad. Covers both current iPad models without a Home button (iPad mini and iPad Pro) and older models with a Home button. Also links to Apple's guidance for a frozen or unresponsive iPad.
Setting up a Bowdoin-issued iPad for the first time
Step-by-step instructions for setting up a Bowdoin-issued iPad for the first time. Covers unboxing, connecting to Wi-Fi, the Remote Management screen, signing in with a Bowdoin account, and optional first steps like setting up iCloud and Face ID. Applies to all Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff.
What to Do if Your iPad Won't Turn On or Won't Charge
What to do if a Bowdoin-issued iPad won't turn on, won't charge, or has a frozen screen. Covers basic charging checks, force restart steps for current and older iPad models, and when to contact IT or Apple for service.