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How to Remotely Control and Manage an iPad Tablet Device

The iPad is one of the most popular tablet devices, offering great portability, an intuitive touchscreen interface, and access to over a million apps. As useful as the iPad is, there may be times when you need to access and control an iPad remotely, whether for troubleshooting, technical support, or other management needs. Fortunately, there are several methods that allow you to remotely control an iPad.

Controlling an iPad Remotely

Here are some of the main options for remotely controlling an iPad:

  • Switch Control – iOS devices running iOS 10 or later have a built-in Switch Control accessibility feature that allows you to use one iOS device to remotely control another. This works between any combination of iPhones, iPads, or iPod Touches.
  • Third-party apps – Apps like Zoho Assist, Splashtop SOS, and TeamViewer allow you to remotely view, control, troubleshoot, and manage iPad devices from other smartphones, tablets, or computers. These apps offer more extensive control options compared to Switch Control.
  • Mobile Device Management (MDM) – MDM software designed for managing groups of iOS devices can provide remote control capabilities, among many other device management features. However, MDM solutions tend to be more enterprise-focused.

Using Switch Control to Remote Control an iPad

The Switch Control feature in iOS works between devices signed into the same iCloud account. Here is the basic process:

  1. On the controlling iOS device, go to Settings > Accessibility and enable Switch Control.
  2. Open Switch Control and select Switches > Add New Switch. Choose a switch type.
  3. Go back and choose Devices > Use Other Device. Select the target iPad you want to control.

Once connected, the controlling device can send simulated taps and other gestures to the target iPad. This allows you to navigate, select items, operate controls, type using an onscreen keyboard, and more.

Pros: Simple to set up, built into iOS so no apps to install, works remotely over the Internet

Cons: Limited control options compared to third-party apps

Using Third-Party Apps for Remote iPad Control

For more extensive remote control, using a dedicated app like Zoho Assist, Splashtop SOS or TeamViewer is better. These apps allow you to:

  • View and control the iPad’s screen in real time
  • Use the iPad’s touchscreen and hardware controls remotely
  • Transfer files and data between devices
  • Collect device details and diagnostics for troubleshooting
  • Screen record sessions
  • Provide remote assistance with audio/video chat
  • Manage multiple iPads from a central device or computer

To use one of these apps:

  1. Install the app on both the controlling device and the remote iPad.
  2. Sign into the app and connect the two devices, usually by scanning a QR code.
  3. On the controlling device, select options and controls to view and remotely operate the iPad screen.

Pros: Very extensive remote control options, advanced troubleshooting features

Cons: Requires installing an app on each device

Using Mobile Device Management for Remote iPad Control

Mobile device management (MDM) platforms like ManageEngine MDM and VMware AirWatch are designed to handle administration and security of large fleets of mobile devices, including iPads.

Key capabilities MDM solutions provide for iPad management include:

  • Remote Control – Remotely view and control iPad screens. Control options may be more limited compared to dedicated remote access apps.
  • Monitoring – View device status, settings, network traffic, diagnostics, managed apps, and location.
  • Management – Distribute apps and updates, configure settings and restrictions, reset passwords, lock or wipe devices, and more.
  • Security – Enforce passcodes, limit features based on permissions, detect jailbroken devices, and take remote actions.
  • Scalability – Manage thousands of iPads and other devices from a unified dashboard interface.

To use MDM remote control:

  1. Enroll iPads in the MDM platform. This applies the required device profiles for management.
  2. Log into the MDM portal and select the iPad you want to control. Initiate a remote control session.
  3. View and interact with the remote iPad screen through the control window in the MDM portal.

Pros: Robust management platform with many security features, scales to large deployments

Cons: Overkill for small numbers of devices, more expensive and complex than dedicated remote apps

Best Practices for Remote iPad Management

When managing iPads remotely, keep these best practices in mind:

  • Inform users if devices are subject to remote control, monitoring, or other management. Disclose details in a mobile device usage policy.
  • Only remotely access devices for legitimate troubleshooting reasons. Avoid unnecessary privacy intrusions.
  • For personally-owned BYOD devices, limit remote control to what is necessary and avoid excess monitoring or restrictions.
  • Use strong passcodes and enable encryption on managed iPads to secure sensitive data if devices are lost or stolen.
  • Configure restrictions and extended MDM supervision to limit unwanted activity and prevent users from removing management profiles.
  • Regularly update devices to the latest OS versions to ensure the best security protections from Apple.
  • Combine technical controls like MDM with user security training to encourage good mobile security habits on managed devices.

Conclusion

The iPad offers versatile functionality that makes it suitable for many business and educational applications. While the iPad is designed as a user-centric mobile device, options like Switch Control, remote apps, and MDM platforms provide IT administrators with various levels of remote access, troubleshooting, and centralized management capabilities. Choosing the right approach depends on your management needs, the number of devices involved, and other factors unique to your mobile fleet and users.

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