Streamlining Your iPad Deployment: Adding iPads to Apple Business Manager Like a Pro

So, you’re looking to wrangle your iPad fleet under the secure and efficient umbrella of Apple Business Manager (ABM)? Excellent choice. Managing Apple devices in a business or educational setting without ABM is like trying to herd cats with a feather duster. Adding your iPads is crucial for streamlined deployment, simplified management, and enhanced security.

How to add an iPad to Apple Business Manager? There are primarily two methods:

1. Automated Enrollment (Recommended): If your iPad was purchased directly from Apple, an Authorized Apple Reseller, or a participating mobile carrier, it should automatically appear in your ABM account. This is the most seamless approach.
2. Manual Enrollment via Apple Configurator: If your iPad wasn’t purchased through these channels, or if you need to add existing devices, you’ll use Apple Configurator on a Mac computer.

Let’s delve into each process in detail.

Automated Enrollment: The Effortless Route

Verifying Your Purchases

The beauty of automated enrollment lies in its simplicity. The key is ensuring your purchases are correctly linked to your ABM account.

• Apple: When purchasing directly from Apple, use the Organization ID associated with your ABM account. Make sure the sales representative knows you want the devices enrolled in ABM.
• Authorized Apple Reseller or Mobile Carrier: Provide them with your ABM Organization ID. Verify that they support automated enrollment and that they’re correctly configuring the purchase orders to link to your ABM.

Locating Your Devices in ABM

Once the iPads are shipped and powered on, they should appear in your ABM portal. To check:

1. Log into Apple Business Manager (business.apple.com) using an administrator account.
2. Navigate to Devices in the sidebar.
3. Use the search bar to look for devices by serial number, order number, or IMEI.
4. If the devices are present, you can now assign them to a Mobile Device Management (MDM) server.
5. If the devices are not present, double-check with your reseller or Apple representative that the purchase was correctly linked to your ABM account. This is a crucial step!

Manual Enrollment: Apple Configurator to the Rescue

If your iPad isn’t automatically appearing in ABM, don’t despair. Apple Configurator is your friend. This method involves temporarily enrolling the device into ABM using a Mac computer. Keep in mind that this method is for devices not already associated with another MDM.

Prerequisites

• A Mac computer running the latest version of macOS.
• Apple Configurator (available for free from the Mac App Store).
• A USB cable to connect your iPad to the Mac.
• A stable internet connection.
• Sufficient administrative privileges in your ABM account.

Steps to Enroll via Apple Configurator

1. Prepare Your iPad: Factory reset the iPad. You need to be at the initial setup screen (“Hello” screen). This is essential. If the iPad is already configured, you must erase it completely.
2. Launch Apple Configurator: Open Apple Configurator on your Mac.
3. Connect Your iPad: Connect your iPad to your Mac using a USB cable. The iPad should appear in the Apple Configurator window.
4. Prepare: Select the iPad in Apple Configurator, then click “Prepare”.
5. Configure Preparation:
   • Choose “Manual Configuration”.
   • Select “Enroll in MDM”.
   • Do not select “Supervise devices”. Supervision is typically managed via your MDM.
   • If prompted, create a new organization. This is a temporary organization used only for the enrollment process.
   • Sign in with your Apple ID.
6. Assign to Server: Choose the MDM server you want to assign the iPad to. If you haven’t configured an MDM server in Apple Configurator, you’ll need to add it manually. This involves providing the MDM server’s URL and trusting the server certificate.
7. Complete the Preparation: Click “Prepare”. The iPad will now go through the preparation process, which includes installing a configuration profile.
8. Verify Enrollment in ABM: Once the preparation is complete, log into Apple Business Manager and navigate to the Devices section. The iPad should now be listed.
9. Assign to MDM Server (If Necessary): Even after enrollment, you might need to manually assign the device to the MDM server within ABM.

Removing Devices Enrolled via Apple Configurator (30-Day Provisional Period)

Devices enrolled using Apple Configurator are enrolled provisionally. This means they’ll stay in your ABM for 30 days, and then you have to release them from your MDM.

• You’ll need to release the device from the device in your MDM within the 30 day period.
• If not, the device will remain in your ABM account, but enrolled as a managed device.

FAQs: Mastering iPad Enrollment in Apple Business Manager

Here are some frequently asked questions to address common challenges and provide further clarity:

1. What is an Organization ID, and where do I find it?

The Organization ID is a unique identifier for your ABM account. You can find it by logging into Apple Business Manager and navigating to Settings > Enrollment Information. It’s crucial to provide this ID when purchasing devices to ensure automated enrollment.

2. My devices aren’t showing up in ABM after purchase. What should I do?

First, verify with your reseller or Apple representative that the purchase was correctly linked to your ABM account using your Organization ID. Double-check the order details and ensure everything is accurate. If the purchase is correctly linked, allow some time (up to 24-48 hours) for the devices to propagate into your ABM portal. If they still don’t appear, contact Apple Support or your reseller for assistance.

3. Can I add iPhones to Apple Business Manager using the same methods as iPads?

Yes, the process is identical for iPhones and iPads. The methods (automated enrollment and Apple Configurator) apply to both device types.

4. What is an MDM server, and why do I need one?

An MDM (Mobile Device Management) server is a software solution that allows you to remotely manage and configure your Apple devices. It enables you to deploy apps, enforce security policies, configure network settings, and much more. MDM is essential for managing a large fleet of devices in a business or educational environment. Integrating your ABM with an MDM is a core component of device management.

5. How do I assign an iPad to an MDM server in Apple Business Manager?

After logging into ABM, navigate to Devices. Select the desired iPads by checking the boxes next to them. Click on “Edit MDM Server” and choose the appropriate MDM server from the dropdown menu.

6. Can I enroll devices that are already in use?

Yes, but it requires a factory reset. You need to erase the device completely and start from the initial setup screen to use Apple Configurator for enrollment. This is a critical step. Make sure to back up any important data before erasing the device.

7. Is Apple Configurator only for adding devices to ABM?

No, Apple Configurator has multiple uses, including:

• Preparing devices for enrollment in MDM.
• Creating and installing configuration profiles.
• Restoring devices to factory settings.

8. What are Configuration Profiles and how do they work?

Configuration profiles are XML files that contain settings and policies for your devices. They allow you to pre-configure Wi-Fi networks, email accounts, VPN settings, restrictions, and more. You can create and deploy configuration profiles using your MDM server.

9. What happens if a device leaves the organization? How do I remove it from ABM?

To remove a device, you first need to unenroll it from your MDM server. Then, in Apple Business Manager, navigate to Devices, select the device, and choose “Release Device”. This removes the device from your ABM account and allows it to be used with a personal Apple ID.

10. What are Managed Apple IDs and why are they important?

Managed Apple IDs are Apple IDs specifically created and controlled by your organization. They provide enhanced security and control over user accounts and data. Using Managed Apple IDs allows you to manage iCloud storage, app purchases, and other Apple services for your users.

11. I accidentally enrolled a personal iPad into my ABM account. What should I do?

Immediately unenroll the iPad from your MDM server and then release it from Apple Business Manager. Contact Apple Support if you encounter any difficulties. It’s crucial to remove the device to prevent unintended management of personal data.

12. Can I automate the enrollment process even for devices not purchased directly from Apple or a reseller?

While fully automated enrollment requires direct purchase from Apple or an authorized reseller, you can still streamline the Apple Configurator enrollment using scripts and automated workflows to minimize manual intervention. However, the initial connection and preparation of each device will still require physical interaction.

By mastering these techniques and understanding the nuances of Apple Business Manager, you’ll be well-equipped to manage your iPad deployment efficiently and securely, empowering your organization to leverage the full potential of Apple technology. Happy managing!