Automating iPad and Mac Resets with Shortcuts and Apple Configurator

In today’s fast-paced education and enterprise environments, efficiency and security are non-negotiable. Whether it’s refreshing iPads for a new school term, repurposing Macs between employees, or securely preparing devices for redeployment, the ability to quickly erase and reset devices is critical.

With Apple Configurator and macOS Shortcuts, IT teams can now automate this process, saving hours of manual work, ensuring consistency, and minimizing human error.

What is Apple Configurator for Mac?

Apple Configurator is a macOS utility designed to provision, supervise, and reset Apple devices. Traditionally, IT admins used it to manually prepare devices one by one. But when paired with the Shortcuts app (built into macOS), its capabilities expand dramatically.

Together, they enable fully automated workflows for erasing and resetting iPads and Macs with just a click—or even on a set schedule.

Why Automation Matters

Downtime equals disruption. Automating device resets delivers several benefits:

Time savings – Reduce repetitive, manual steps when resetting dozens of devices.

Consistency – Every device reset follows the same process, lowering the risk of errors.

Empowerment – Non-technical staff can confidently prepare devices with minimal training.

Stronger security – Ensures sensitive data is completely erased before reuse.

For educators, this means quicker classroom turnarounds with minimal disruption.
For enterprises, it means smoother device lifecycle management and secure offboarding of employees.

How It Works

Step 1: Connect Devices

Plug in one or more iPads or Macs via USB or a USB-C hub.

Verify they appear in Apple Configurator.

Step 2: Create a Shortcut

Open the Shortcuts app on macOS.

Create a new Shortcut (e.g., “Erase Devices”).

Step 3: Add Configurator Actions

In the Shortcut action library, search for Apple Configurator.

Add Find Connected Devices.

Add Erase All Content and Settings.

Step 4: Run and Verify

With devices connected, run the Shortcut.

Apple Configurator will automatically erase each iPad or Mac.

Monitor progress directly in Configurator.

Step 5: Optional Automation

Trigger the Shortcut when devices are attached or detached.

Add a short delay (e.g., 120 seconds) to ensure full reset before auto-enrollment into MDM (Mobile Device Management).

Pro Tips for IT Teams

Pair automation with Automated Device Enrollment (via Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager). This ensures freshly reset devices automatically rejoin MDM during setup.

Use this workflow when preparing large batches of devices to eliminate repetitive tasks and reduce IT overhead.

Test on a small group of devices before scaling across the organization.

Common Challenges Without Automation

Schools and businesses that still reset devices manually often face:

Wasted hours performing repetitive erase operations.

Inconsistent results—some devices may not be fully reset.

Higher security risks from incomplete data wipes.

Increased IT workload, taking focus away from strategic projects.

Automation solves all of these pain points while future-proofing your device management process.

Final Thoughts

Automation isn’t just about convenience—it’s about maximizing efficiency, improving security, and empowering IT teams. By combining Apple Configurator with Shortcuts, schools and businesses can securely prepare iPads and Macs for their next chapter with just a few clicks.

Looking to streamline Apple device management for your school or enterprise?

Contact Complete Human Network today to explore automation and MDM solutions tailored to your needs.