Remote Wipe in Intune: What Happens When a Device is Offline?
You need to remotely wipe a lost corporate-owned iOS device enrolled in Microsoft Intune. The device is currently offline. What will happen when the device comes online?
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the device will receive the wipe command the next time it checks in with Intune. This happens because Intune stores the remote wipe instruction on its service side, and the command is delivered as a push notification or during the device’s next scheduled check-in cycle—regardless of whether the device is currently offline. For the MD-102 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Intune’s asynchronous command architecture and the fact that offline devices are not exempt from management actions; the wipe is simply deferred until connectivity is restored. A common trap is assuming a grace period or supervised-device requirement, but Intune queues the command for all enrolled devices equally. Memory tip: think of Intune as a post office—it holds the letter until the recipient opens their mailbox.
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse the offline wipe behavior with a mandatory grace period or think that supervision is required for remote wipe, when in fact Intune queues the command and executes it on the next check-in for any enrolled iOS device.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The device will receive the wipe command the next time it checks in with Intune.
When a remote wipe command is issued for an offline iOS device enrolled in Microsoft Intune, the command is stored in the Microsoft Intune service. The device will receive and execute the wipe command the next time it checks in with the Intune service, regardless of whether it is supervised or not. This check-in occurs periodically (typically every 8 hours) or when the device is powered on and connected to the internet.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The device must be unenrolled first and then wiped.
Why it's wrong here
Unenrollment is not required before a wipe.
- ✗
The device will be wiped immediately after a grace period of 24 hours.
Why it's wrong here
No grace period; the command is sent on next check-in.
- ✓
The device will receive the wipe command the next time it checks in with Intune.
Why this is correct
Intune stores the command and delivers it on next device check-in.
- ✗
The wipe command will be queued only if the device is supervised.
Why it's wrong here
Wipe works on both supervised and unsupervised iOS devices.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Endpoint Management in Microsoft 365
Key term
Intune
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service that helps organizations manage their users' devices and applications, ensuring security and compliance without needing to own or control the physical hardware.
Key term
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service that helps organizations manage employee devices, apps, and security policies without needing to own or control the physical hardware.
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Same concept, more angles
3 more ways this is tested on MD-102
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. You need to remotely wipe a lost corporate-owned iOS device that is enrolled in Microsoft Intune. Which action should you perform in the Intune console?
easy- A.Retire.
- ✓ B.Wipe.
- C.Delete.
- D.Reset.
Why B: The Wipe action in Microsoft Intune restores a device to its factory default settings, removing all corporate and personal data. This is the appropriate action for a lost corporate-owned iOS device to ensure sensitive data is completely erased and the device cannot be accessed. Retire only removes managed apps and policies but leaves personal data intact, which is insufficient for a lost device scenario.
Variation 2. You need to remotely wipe a lost corporate-owned iOS device that is managed by Intune. Which action should you use?
easy- ✓ A.Wipe
- B.Reset
- C.Delete
- D.Retire
Why A: The 'Wipe' action in Microsoft Intune performs a factory reset on a corporate-owned iOS device, removing all data and settings to protect sensitive information. This is the appropriate action for a lost device because it restores the device to its out-of-box state, ensuring no corporate data remains accessible.
Variation 3. You need to wipe a lost corporate-owned Windows 10 device that is enrolled in Intune. Which action should you take?
easy- A.Delete the device from Intune.
- ✓ B.Select the device and choose Wipe.
- C.Select the device and choose Retire.
- D.Reset the device using the Company Portal.
Why B: The Wipe action in Intune restores a Windows 10 device to its factory default settings, removing all data and corporate access. This is the appropriate action for a lost corporate-owned device because it ensures sensitive data is erased while retaining the device's enrollment record for potential recovery or re-provisioning.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This MD-102 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the MD-102 exam.