I'm trying to enroll iPads for my organization into a Mobile Device Management (MDM) system. Currently, I use another iPad logged into our Business account and utilize the Device Management app for this process. The typical enrollment happens during the initial setup when the device connects to WiFi and shows a QR-like blue blob that I scan with the management iPad, which enrolls the new device. However, I'm wondering if there's any way to complete this enrollment process without needing another iPad. Is it possible to use something like a Flipper Zero to simulate scanning and trigger the enrollment remotely? Any suggestions?
9 Answers
Try using Apple Business Manager and sync it with your preferred MDM. You can manually add devices to ABM, assign a profile, and sync with the MDM after restoring the iPad. Just make sure the iPad isn't activation locked before you start that process.
Just ask your supplier to enroll the devices in DEP for you. We manage to do this without any Apple devices except our iPads.
Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like there's a way to do this without an Apple device. Your best bet would be to buy from a distributor that enrolls devices in ABM, especially if you're ordering a batch of 5 or more.
I actually bought an old iPhone just for this situation. It just sits in my drawer until I need to enroll new Apple devices from a non-Apple retailer.
That sounds like a smart solution! I might go that route too.
You can get iPads from Apple or authorized resellers that are pre-enrolled in Apple Business Manager (ABM). Just ask your seller if they can do that for you. It's pretty straightforward to order them that way!
Yeah, processing those orders is usually easy. Just give your Org ID to the supplier, and they'll handle the rest.
You will need either an Apple mobile device or a Mac to handle the enrollment. The key is having access to the device management application.
It used to be possible to use a "Hackintosh" for this kind of work, but with newer Macs switching to Apple silicon, that's becoming increasingly difficult. If you want to try, just keep in mind it might be hit or miss, especially with older computers for the VM.
Managing Apple devices in a corporate setting can be really frustrating. You'd think Intune would simplify things, but from my experience, it’s just made it more complicated for all devices.
Another option is to use another Mac or iPhone with Apple Configurator on it. You can also enroll the devices into ABM that way.
Wait, you can actually use an iPhone for that?
If you ask a good Value-Added Reseller (VAR), they should be able to do post-sales enrollment in the Device Enrollment Program (DEP) as well. Just provide your Org ID.