A method for releasing a brake device for an automatic parking brake, a corresponding device, and a control device enable safely releasing the parking brake without stress on components. A method for actuating a parking brake with a brake device having a brake caliper housing with a chamber configured to receive a fluid, a brake piston, a spindle and a spindle nut, includes determining a first hydraulic driver-applied pre-pressure in the chamber during a mechanical application process of the parking brake. The method further includes comparing the first driver-applied pre-pressure to a predetermined pressure threshold value via the control device; and building up a hydraulic support pressure in the chamber in order to unload the spindle when the first driver-applied pre-pressure is above the pressure threshold value.