macOS · System Info
View installed configuration profiles
See configuration profiles installed on your Mac by an employer, school, or manually, which can enforce settings like Wi-Fi configurations, restrictions, or MDM enrollment.
How to open Profiles (Device Management)
- Open System Settings
- Select Profiles in the sidebar (visible only if profiles exist)
- Click a profile to view its details and source
- Remove it using the minus button if it's not administrator-locked
What you should know
- Appears as a Profiles pane in System Settings only when profiles are installed
- Shows profile source, install date, and settings it controls
- Common for MDM-enrolled work or school-managed Macs
- Profiles can be removed only if not locked by an administrator
Why it matters
Configuration profiles can silently apply significant changes to a Mac's behavior, from enforcing Wi-Fi settings to restricting certain features or enrolling the device in full mobile device management. Being able to see exactly what's installed, and by whom, gives users transparency into managed aspects of their Mac, which is especially important on personally-owned devices used for work. For IT-managed fleets, this pane is also the standard place to confirm MDM enrollment status.
Best practices
- Review installed profiles periodically on any Mac used for work or school
- Only install a profile if you trust and understand its source
- Contact your IT administrator before removing a profile on a managed Mac
Common problems and fixes
- Can't remove a profile
- It may be locked by MDM; contact the administrator who deployed it.
- Unexpected restrictions appear after installing an app
- Check the Profiles pane for a profile installed alongside that app or network.
- No Profiles pane appears in System Settings
- This is normal; the pane only shows when at least one profile is installed.
Tips and tricks
- Check this pane after joining a new corporate or school Wi-Fi network that required a profile
- Use it to confirm removal of a profile after leaving a job or school that managed your Mac
Frequently asked questions
Are configuration profiles the same as MDM enrollment?
MDM enrollment uses a profile, but not every profile implies full MDM management.
Can a profile see my personal data?
Depending on its scope, a management profile can enforce policies and, in some cases, access certain device information.
How do I know who installed a profile?
The Profiles pane lists the signing organization and installation source for each profile.
Related settings
- Privacy & SecurityThe Privacy & Security settings pane is the central hub for controlling app permissions, FileVault encryption, Gatekeeper protections, Lockdown Mode, and analytics sharing — essentially every major security and data-access decision on your Mac in one place.
- Users & GroupsUsers & Groups lets you create additional accounts for other people who use this Mac, decide whether each one is an administrator or a standard user, and organize accounts into groups for permission purposes. It's the foundation for keeping multiple people's files and settings separate on a shared Mac.
More System Info guides for macOS
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- About This MacAbout This Mac (accessible from the Apple menu) shows your Mac's model, chip or processor, memory, macOS version, and serial number at a glance, plus a detailed system report and storage breakdown for deeper troubleshooting.
- System ReportSystem Report (opened via the System Information app) provides a full technical inventory of your Mac — every connected device, installed application, network configuration, and hardware component — far beyond the summary shown in About This Mac. It's the tool Apple Support usually asks you to check when diagnosing hardware issues.
- Startup DiskStartup Disk lets you select which internal or external bootable volume your Mac uses when it powers on, useful if you have multiple macOS installations, a bootable backup, or a Windows partition via Boot Camp on an Intel Mac. Apple silicon Macs manage most of this through Startup Security Utility instead.
- Serial Number & CoverageThis is where you locate your Mac's serial number and check whether it's still covered by Apple's limited warranty or an AppleCare+ plan. You'll need the serial number for support calls, insurance claims, or verifying coverage before a repair.
- Sharing & Computer NameView and change the name your Mac uses on local networks and AirDrop, and manage which sharing services like File Sharing or Screen Sharing are enabled.