About Adding Devices to Apple Business Manager
Adding devices to Apple Business Manager enables automated device enrollment and centralized management of Apple devices. This process allows organizations to manage devices that were not originally purchased through Apple Business Manager or authorized resellers.How It Works
Devices are added to Apple Business Manager using Apple Configurator, which connects to the device and registers it with Apple’s servers. Once added, devices can be assigned to MDM servers like Iru Endpoint for automated enrollment and management. The process requires physical connection to a Mac computer and may involve device erasure.Prerequisites
- Apple Configurator 2: Download and install Apple Configurator 2 from the Mac App Store
- Apple Account: Ensure you have access to a Managed Apple Account for Apple Business Manager
- Physical Access: Devices must be physically connected to a Mac computer
- Network Connectivity: Ensure devices can connect to Apple’s activation servers
- Backup Strategy: Backup device data before proceeding as devices will be erased
Adding macOS Devices
- Operating System Limitations: Mac computers on Big Sur or earlier operating systems cannot be added to Apple Business Manager using Apple Configurator. Some resellers may allow past purchases to be added to Apple Business Manager. Contact your reseller or Apple Store Business Representative for more information
- Apple Configurator Method: If you’re adding Mac computers to Apple Business Manager without the assistance of a reseller, you will need to use Apple Configurator for iOS. Follow this Apple Support Guide for instructions
Adding iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS Devices
Any Apple devices that are physically connected to your Mac will be erased by proceeding with the following steps. This is required and can not be skipped. Please disconnect any devices you aren’t planning to add to Apple Business Manager. If needed, backup your device before proceeding.
- 30-Day Provisional Period: After the devices are placed into Apple Business Manager, the user has a 30-day provisional period to remove the device from Apple Business Manager and MDM. The provisional period begins after the device is activated. After 30 days, the device can only be released through Apple Business Manager
- Apple Configurator for iOS: iOS and iPadOS devices can also be added to Apple Business Manager using Apple Configurator for iOS. For further instructions on adding them using that method, follow this Apple Support Guide
- Enrollment Limitation: Enrolling iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS devices in Iru Endpoint via Apple Configurator is not supported. The method outlined in this document will add these devices to Apple Business Manager, but will not enroll them within Iru Endpoint. To enroll devices in Iru Endpoint after they’ve been added to Apple Business Manager, please review our enrollment guides:
Downloading Apple Configurator
You can download Apple Configurator 2 by visiting this link. To complete the download, you will need an Apple Account.Creating a Wi-Fi Profile
Unless using a wired internet connection local to the device, a Wi-Fi profile is required for the device to reach Apple’s activation servers. Ensure you create a profile that will allow the device to connect to the internet.1
Create New Profile
In Apple Configurator, click File, then New Profile from the menu bar.
2
Configure General Settings
In the General section, fill in the following profile details.
- Name: For example: “Wi-Fi Profile”
- Identifier: Leave as is. This code is unique to the profile making future updates identifiable
- Organization: Your company name
- Description: Provide a brief description. For instance: “WiFi Provisioning Profile”
- Automatically Remove Profile: Set this option to After Interval and set 0 days, 1 hour
3
Configure Wi-Fi Payload
Click the Wi-Fi payload option on the left-hand side, and select Configure.
4
Input Network Details
Input your organization’s valid Wi-Fi network details.
5
Save Profile
Select File, then Save from the Menu bar and save the file. Note the location where you save this file - you’ll need it later.
Adding Devices to Apple Business Manager
Connect your device directly to your Mac and open Apple Configurator.If you are trying to connect an Apple TV 4K (which does not have a physical port to connect to) follow this Apple Support article on how to connect wirelessly.
1
Prepare Device
Click on the device inside of Apple Configurator, and click Prepare.
2
Select Manual Configuration
Select Manual Configuration.
3
Add to Apple Business Manager
Select Add to Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager.
4
Configure Enrollment
Deselect Activate and Complete Enrollment and click Next.
5
Create New Server
Select New Server… and click Next.
6
Configure Server Details
Enter a name of your choosing in the Name field.
7
Set Host URL
Enter the following URL in the Host name or URL field. Please note that this URL will not verify.
https://myserver.local/devicemanagement/mdm/dep_mdm_enroll8
Skip Certificate
Click Next, don’t add a certificate, then click Next again.
9
Assign Organization
Assign to the Organization you have set up in Apple Business Manager and click Next.
10
Configure Setup Screens
Optionally, select which setup screens you prefer to skip during setup, then click Next.
11
Select Network Profile
Choose the Network Profile you created in the first part of this guide.
12
Sign In to Apple Business Manager
Sign in to your Apple Business Manager account using your Managed Apple Account and password, and click Next.
13
Complete Process
Leave the device plugged in and allow the process to complete. If prompted that the device is already set up and must be erased, click Erase to continue.
Do not proceed with the initial device Setup Assistant without following the next steps first. The device may need to be erased again if the next steps are not performed prior to device setup.
Assigning Devices in Apple Business Manager
1
Access Apple Business Manager
Log in to Apple Business Manager and go to the Devices section.
2
Search for Device
Click the Search Devices option in the upper left-hand corner, and paste in the serial number of the device we just added to Apple Business Manager.
3
Assign to MDM Server
Click the Edit MDM Server button and assign it to your Iru Endpoint server. Click Continue.
4
Confirm Assignment
You will receive a confirmation screen that the device assignment has been updated.
5
Verify in Iru Endpoint
Login to the Iru Endpoint Web App, and go to Devices > Automated Device Enrollment Devices. Confirm that you see the desired device listed. If you don’t see the device listed, click Fetch Now in the top right-hand corner to force Iru Endpoint to check for newly added devices.
Considerations
- Device Erasure: All devices will be erased during the Apple Business Manager addition process
- Backup Requirements: Always backup device data before proceeding with the addition process
- Network Connectivity: Ensure devices can connect to Apple’s activation servers during the process
- 30-Day Provisional Period: Users have 30 days to remove devices from Apple Business Manager after activation
- Physical Connection: Devices must be physically connected to a Mac computer for the process
- Apple Configurator Requirements: Download and install Apple Configurator 2 from the Mac App Store
- Wi-Fi Profile: Create appropriate Wi-Fi profiles for devices to connect to activation servers
- Apple Business Manager Access: Ensure you have administrative access to Apple Business Manager
- MDM Server Assignment: Assign devices to the correct Iru Endpoint MDM server after addition
- Device Verification: Verify devices appear in Iru Endpoint after assignment
- Setup Assistant: Follow proper setup procedures to avoid device re-erasure
- Documentation: Keep records of device serial numbers and assignment details
- Support: Contact Iru Endpoint Support for assistance with complex device addition scenarios
- Testing: Test the device addition process in a controlled environment before production
- Monitoring: Regularly monitor device status and enrollment success rates