Automating iPad Resets with Shortcuts and Apple Configurator

By: Chris Miller, Systems Engineer

Whether refreshing devices for a new school year, repurposing iPads between classrooms, or securely preparing them for redeployment, the ability to quickly erase all contents and settings is essential. With macOS Shortcuts and Apple Configurator, IT teams can now automate this task—reducing manual work and ensuring consistency. While most admin work these days is all done by sending commands over the air through MDM, there's an app out there that can give you a secret superpower when coupled with smart automation strategies.

What is Apple Configurator for Mac?

Apple Configurator for macOS is a tool for provisioning, supervising, and resetting Apple devices. The Shortcuts app, built into macOS, extends its power by automating repetitive actions. By combining the two, you can create a single click — or even scheduled — workflow to securely erase iPads, returning them to a clean, ready-to-deploy state.

Why it Matters?

In K–12 environments, efficiency is critical. Using a Shortcut with Apple Configurator streamlines the iPad reset process, reducing manual steps and making the workflow accessible even to non-technical staff. For schools, this means quicker device turnaround, minimal classroom disruption, and confidence that resets are handled consistently.

How it works:

1. Connect Devices
2. Plug in one or more iPads via USB or USB-C hubs.
3. Confirm they appear in Apple Configurator.
4. Create a Shortcut in macOS
5. Open the Shortcuts app.
6. Choose New Shortcut and give it a clear name, e.g., Erase iPads.
7. Add Configurator actions
8. From the action library, search for Apple Configurator.
9. Add the Find Connected Devices action.
10. Add the Erase All Content and Settings action.
11. Run and verify
12. With devices powered on and connected, run the Shortcut.
13. Configurator will automatically erase each iPad.
14. Monitor the progress in the Configurator window.
15. Optional: Enhance the workflow
16. You can automate running the shortcut when devices are attached to or detached from the Mac within the Settings in Apple Configurator including this shortcut.

This streamlined flow removes extra clicks and repetition — ideal when resetting dozens of devices at once.

Pro tip: Combine this with Automated Enrollment (via Apple School Manager) so that newly erased iPads automatically enroll back into MDM upon setup, further reducing IT overhead. You can also try leveraging the Configurator action for Prepare Devices using Automated Device Enrollment at the end of this workflow. Be sure to include a Wait action in Shortcuts for 120 seconds as a buffer between the iPad(s) resetting and then enrolling into Device Management.

Relevant resources:

1. Apple Configurator for Mac
2. Apple Configurator User Guide
3. Shortcuts User Guide