How to Allow a Quarantined iPad in Exchange | Outlook Troubleshooting
Question details
An iPad using Outlook remains quarantined in Exchange despite an administrator's attempts to approve the device.
- Product
- Microsoft Exchange
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Approving a mobile device for Exchange email access
- Observed behavior
- The iPad remains in a quarantined state and is blocked from accessing Exchange emails even after approval.
Ensure you have Exchange Administrator or Global Administrator privileges in your Microsoft 365 tenant before attempting to modify device access rules or submit service requests.
Verify ActiveSync Settings and Contact Microsoft Support
Check the quarantine status on the server and escalate the issue to Microsoft Support if the device remains blocked.
Sometimes a device gets stuck in a quarantined state due to server-side synchronization delays or conflicting global mobile device access policies.
If standard approval fails, the issue requires a server-side investigation by Microsoft.
Log into the Exchange admin center and review the mobile device access rules to ensure the iPad is not being blocked by a conflicting global policy.
If the device remains blocked, navigate to https://admin.microsoft.com/ and log in with your administrator credentials.
Click on 'Support' in the left-hand navigation menu, then select 'Service requests'.
Create a new service request detailing the quarantined iPad issue for server-side investigation. If you lack the required permissions, ask another organization administrator to submit the request on your behalf.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless Mobile Experience
While troubleshooting Exchange server issues, you can rely on WPS Office for a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to manage your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations on your iPad.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the App Store on your iPad and search for WPS Office to download the free app.
- 2. Sign In: Launch the application and sign in or create a free account to unlock essential features.
- 3. Edit Your Files: Open and edit your Microsoft Office files directly without worrying about formatting issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my iPad keep getting quarantined in Exchange?
Exchange uses ActiveSync policies that may automatically quarantine new mobile devices for security reasons until an administrator explicitly approves them.
Can a user approve their own quarantined device?
No, only an Exchange Administrator or Global Administrator can approve or unblock a quarantined mobile device in the Microsoft 365 admin center.
How long does it take for an iPad to be unblocked?
Once an administrator approves the device in Exchange, it typically syncs within a few minutes. However, server delays can sometimes occur, requiring a support ticket to resolve.
