How to Add Uninstall Protection on iOS Devices

How to Add Uninstall Protection on iOS Devices

Introduction

Netspark Mobile's Uninstall Protection feature prevents uncontrolled attempts to remove Netspark from your iOS device. Once enabled, Netspark can only be removed using the Remove the application remotely button on the management site or app.

This guide covers setting up Uninstall Protection on devices running iOS 12 or later.

Note: If the protected device has Stolen Device Protection enabled, we recommend installing Uninstall Protection in a trusted location (e.g., home, work). Otherwise, you will need to wait for the one-hour Security Delay. For more details, click here.

Setting Up Uninstall Protection

On a Windows PC

  1. Download and Run the Setup File

    • Click the button below to download the setup file.
      Download for Windows
    • Locate and run the file (Netspark_iOS_Protection.exe) from your browser or Downloads folder. If prompted by the User Account Control dialog, click Yes.

  2. Connect Your iOS Device

    • Use a USB cable to connect your device to the computer.
    • Tap Trust on the device and enter your passcode, if prompted.
    • Click Start on the setup screen.

  3. Backup Your Device (Recommended)

    While creating a backup is not required to complete the Uninstall Protection setup, we recommend making sure your device is fully backed up before continuing.

    A backup helps protect your personal data in case you ever need to restore the device.

    You can back up your iPhone using Apple’s official tools, such as:

    • iCloud Backup

    • Apple Devices / Finder on macOS

    • Other Apple-supported backup methods

    If your device is already backed up regularly via iCloud, you may safely continue without taking any additional action.

    For detailed instructions, please refer to Apple’s official guide:
    https://support.apple.com/en-il/guide/iphone/iph3ecf67d29/ios

  4. Disable Passcode

  1. ⚠️ Note: If your device uses Face ID or Touch ID, you’ll need to disable it first before turning off your passcode. You can turn them back on once Removal Prevention setup is complete.

    • Open Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode).
    • Scroll down and locate the passcode on/off button

    • Enter your passcode and select Turn Passcode Off.
      ⚠️Note: Toggling to disable screen lock is not adequate, you must turn passcode off completely. 
    • Click Next on the setup screen.

  2. Disable Find My iPhone

    • Open Settings > Your Apple ID Name > Find My > Find My iPhone.
    • Toggle off Find My iPhone and enter your Apple ID password.
    • Click Next on the setup screen.

  3. Enable Remote Management

    • After your device restarts, tap Continue and Apply configuration.
    • Once the device loads the Home Screen, click Finish on your PC.

      Important: Do not disconnect the device until the process completes.

  4. Re-enable Passcode and Find My iPhone

    • Go back to Settings to re-enable these features for added security.

On a Mac

Follow the same steps as above, with the following changes:

  • Download the installer for mac (dmg file) from this link.
  • Use the Finder app instead of iTunes to back up your device.
  • Grant Full Disk Access during Step 6 by navigating to:
    System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Full Disk Access.
    Check the box next to Netspark_Uninstall_Protection.

Final Notes

  • The Uninstall Protection setup is complete when the device restarts and the configuration is applied.
  • The Netspark icon will remain visible in the menu bar.

 About the “This iPhone is managed” Message

After enabling Netspark's Uninstall Protection, you may notice a small message on the main Settings screen that says the device is “managed.”

This is a standard Apple message indicating that device protections are active.

If Netspark Mobile is later removed, this message will remain visible unless the device is fully erased and restored from a backup made prior to installing Netspark's Uninstall Protection. We recommend backing up your device in the first few steps of the Uninstall Protection process.

Please note:

  • The message is only a visual indicator and does not impact your device's functionality.

  • In most cases, no action is required after removing Netspark Mobile.