How To
Summary
This document outlines the process of adding an iPhone or iPad to Apple Business Manager using the Apple Configurator app and converting it to a DEP device.
Once the device is successfully added and assigned to an MDM server in Apple Business Manager, it must be erased again so that the Remote Management screen appears during setup. This confirms the device will automatically enroll into the organization's MDM solution
Steps
- Start with a factory reset device
Ensure the iPhone or iPad you want to add to Apple Business Manager is erased and at the factory setup screen. - Install Apple Configurator
On a separate iPhone or iPad, download the Apple Configurator app from the App Store. - Sign in to Apple Business Manager
Open the Apple Configurator app and sign in using an Apple Business Manager account. Configure device setup options
After signing in, you will be prompted to configure several options for the device being added:- Network Settings
- Share Wi-Fi – Automatically share the current Wi-Fi network with the device.
- Configuration Profile – Apply a Wi-Fi configuration profile.
- Don’t Share – The device will require manual Wi-Fi setup.
- Device Management Service Assignment
- None – Do not assign the device to an MDM server.
- Default – Assign the device to the default MDM server configured in Apple Business Manager.
- Specific – Select a specific MDM server.
- Start device detection
After configuring the options, tap the checkmark in the top-right corner.
The Apple Configurator camera screen will open and display “Looking for devices to add.” - Begin setup on the device being added
On the factory-reset iPhone or iPad, begin the initial device setup process.Connect the device to Wi-Fi
After the device connects to Wi-Fi, an animated orb pattern will appear on the screen. - Scan the device with Apple Configurator app
Use the Apple Configurator camera to scan the orb pattern displayed on the device. Once successful, a message will appear stating that the iOS device has been added to Apple Business Manager and showing the assigned MDM server. - Erase the device again
After the device is added to Apple Business Manager, the option to erase the device will show to begin DEP enrollment into MaaS360. Verify Remote Management appears
During the next setup, the device should display the Remote Management screen, confirming it has been successfully enrolled as a DEP device.
Additional Information
- Devices added to Apple Business Manager using Apple Configurator include a 30-day provisional period. During this time, the device can be released from management by the user. After the 30-day period, the device becomes permanently assigned to the organization in Apple Business Manager.
- If the Remote Management screen does not appear, confirm the device is assigned to the correct MDM server in Apple Business Manager.
- The device must be erased after being added to Apple Business Manager in order for Automated Device Enrollment to take effect.
Document Location
Worldwide
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Document Information
Modified date:
06 March 2026
UID
ibm17262796