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Writer's pictureAnand P

Add Apple devices to the Apple Business Manager using Apple Configurator on a MacBook.

Updated: Aug 29


Apple Configurator


Apple Configurator is a tool developed by Apple for administrators to generate device configurations and implement them on devices. It is frequently utilized for enrolling Apple devices in Apple Business Manager (ABM) and leveraging the Apple Device Enrollment Program (DEP) for managing device provisioning with MDM solutions like Microsoft Intune. Apple Configurator facilitates manual device enrollment in Apple Business Manager, which is beneficial for devices already in use or where ABM is not supported by a reseller or in a particular country.


Manually add devices with Apple Configurator for Mac


There are two ways to add iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV devices to Apple Business Manager using Apple Configurator


  • Select the "Activate and complete enrollment" option if you have an existing device that is already recorded in and managed by your MDM solution. This allows you to guide the user through the Setup Assistant steps, providing them with a device that is ready to use.


  • If you have a new or existing device that requires unique user authentication to enroll in Mobile Device Management, then don't select the option "Activate and complete the enrollment". The device will be left at the Setup Assistant, and the user must then complete the enrollment.


Note : If the device you wish to register is not new, you must erase it. Prior to starting, make sure to back up any data, disable Find My, log out of iCloud, and erase the device.

Steps to add devices to ABM using Apple Configurator


Step 1: Download the Apple Configurator application from the App Store or use this link on your Mac Book. Open the application and tap on "Agree" on the next page tap on "Get Started" to continue



Step 2: Connect the device you wish to add to ABM to your MacBook. Tap on Prepare, deselect Activate and complete enrollment, then tap Next to continue.



Step 3: Tap on Next and provide a Name as needed. Since we are only adding the device to ABM, the server URL can remain the same. Continue tapping Next until the next step is reached.


Step 4: Enter the Managed Apple ID and password you use for Apple Business Manager, Apple Business Essentials, or Apple School Manager. Then, click Next and select "Generate a new supervision identity." Finally, click Next.

Note : The Managed Apple ID account needs to have one of the following roles in Apple Business Manager, Apple Business Essentials, or Apple School Manager: Device Enrollment Manager, Administrator, or Site Manager (Apple School Manager).


Step 5: In your case, select the option to display the steps that need to be shown. Then, provide the wireless profile information, which will help the device connect to the network for onboarding to ABM. Once the profile is selected, tap on "Prepare" and then enter the password for your MacBook to make the necessary system changes.


Note : If you prefer not to use a wireless profile, you can connect the device directly to the network and then continue with the prepare option.


Track the progress as Apple Configurator configures the devices, or click cancel to halt the process.


After completing the setup, log in to Apple Business Manager and verify if the device has been added. You can then search for the device by its serial number, which will show the source as "Apple Configurator".


Conclusion


This blog post offers precise and easy-to-follow guidance on how to add a device to Apple Business Manager using Apple Configurator on a MacBook.

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