How To Add Ipad To Apple Business Manager

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Ready to bring your organization's iPads under central management and streamline your deployment process? Adding iPads to Apple Business Manager (ABM) is a powerful step towards achieving seamless device deployment, security, and content distribution. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each crucial step, ensuring you leverage ABM to its fullest potential.

Understanding Apple Business Manager (ABM)

Before we dive into the "how-to," let's briefly touch upon what Apple Business Manager is. ABM is a web-based portal designed by Apple for IT administrators to easily deploy Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV), distribute content, and manage Apple IDs. It works in conjunction with a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution, allowing for zero-touch deployment, meaning devices can be configured and enrolled in your MDM automatically right out of the box, without IT needing to physically touch them.

Let's begin our journey to seamless iPad management!

Step 1: Establish Your Apple Business Manager Account (If You Haven't Already!)

Are you already set up with an ABM account? If yes, you can skip to Step 2! If not, this is your foundational first move.

Creating your Apple Business Manager account is the very first and crucial step. It's the central hub for all your Apple device deployments.

Sub-heading: Initial Requirements

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

A dedicated work email address: This email cannot be associated with any existing Apple ID (App Store, iCloud, etc.). It will become your initial administrator's Managed Apple ID.
Organization details: This includes your legal organization name, address, and a D-U-N-S Number. The D-U-N-S (Data Universal Numbering System) number is a unique nine-digit identifier for businesses. If you don't have one, you can request it for free from Dun & Bradstreet.
A verification contact: This should be a senior individual within your organization (e.g., CEO, CTO, CFO) whom Apple can contact to verify your organization's enrollment. This person cannot be the same as the individual enrolling.

Sub-heading: The Sign-Up Process

Go to the Apple Business Manager website: Open your web browser and navigate to business.apple.com.
Click "Sign up now": You'll be prompted to enter your organization's information and the details of the individual enrolling.
Provide Organization Information:
- Legal organization name and address: Ensure this matches your D-U-N-S record exactly.
- Website URL (optional but recommended): Can help expedite verification.
- Work email address: The dedicated email for your initial administrator.
- Phone number: Your organization's main phone number.
Set up Initial Administrator Account: Create a strong password for this account.
Enter Verification Contact Information: Provide the name, email, and role of the senior individual Apple can contact.
Review and Submit: Carefully review all the information you've entered.
Email and Phone Verification: Apple will send verification codes to both your email and phone number. Enter these when prompted.
Wait for Apple's Review: Apple will review your application. This process can take a few business days as they verify your organization and contact the verification person. Be prepared for a call from Apple to your verification contact.
Approval and First Login: Once approved, you'll receive an email. Log in to Apple Business Manager with your new administrator credentials.

Step 2: Integrate Your MDM Solution with Apple Business Manager

Apple Business Manager isn't an MDM itself; it's the gateway for your devices to be managed by an MDM. Therefore, integrating your chosen MDM solution (like Microsoft Intune, Jamf Pro, Workspace ONE UEM, etc.) with ABM is a critical step.

Sub-heading: Why MDM Integration is Key

Automated Device Enrollment (ADE): This is the core benefit. Devices purchased through Apple or authorized resellers (and added to ABM) can automatically enroll in your MDM the moment they are activated by an end-user.
Centralized Management: Your MDM becomes the single pane of glass for configuring settings, deploying apps, enforcing policies, and managing the lifecycle of your iPads.
Supervision: Devices enrolled via ABM are automatically "supervised," granting your organization a higher level of control over the device for enhanced security and management features.

Sub-heading: The Token Exchange Process

This process involves exchanging trust certificates (a public key from your MDM, and a server token from ABM) to establish a secure connection. The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your MDM vendor, but the general flow is as follows:

Generate a Public Key from Your MDM:
- Log in to your MDM administration console.
- Navigate to the Apple enrollment or ABM integration section.
- Look for an option to generate or download a "public key" or "certificate" (often a .pem file). Save this file securely.
Create an MDM Server in Apple Business Manager:
- Log in to Apple Business Manager (business.apple.com) with an administrator or Device Enrollment Manager role.
- Go to Preferences (your name at the bottom of the sidebar) > MDM Server Assignment.
- Click Add (or the + icon) to create a new MDM server.
- Give your MDM server a descriptive name (e.g., "Intune MDM Server," "Jamf Pro for iPads").
- Upload the public key (.pem file) you downloaded from your MDM in the previous step.
- Click Save.
Download the Server Token from Apple Business Manager:
- After saving your MDM server details in ABM, you'll see an option to Download Token.
- Click this to download the server token (a .p7m file). This token is crucial and has a one-year validity, so remember to set a reminder for renewal!
Upload the Server Token to Your MDM:
- Return to your MDM administration console.
- Go back to the Apple enrollment or ABM integration section.
- Find the option to Upload Token or Import Token.
- Upload the .p7m file you downloaded from ABM.
- Enter the Apple ID you used in ABM for this integration when prompted.
Sync and Verify:
- Once the token is uploaded, your MDM will typically initiate a sync with Apple Business Manager. This allows your MDM to see the devices listed in your ABM account.
- Allow some time for the sync to complete. Devices may take a few minutes to several hours to appear in your MDM console. You can often trigger a manual sync in your MDM if needed.

Step 3: Add Your iPads to Apple Business Manager

There are primarily two ways to get your iPads into your Apple Business Manager account: Automatic Enrollment (for new purchases) and Manual Enrollment (for existing or older devices).

Sub-heading: Option A: Automatic Enrollment (Recommended for New Devices)

This is the preferred and most efficient method. When you purchase iPads directly from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller/Carrier, they can automatically appear in your ABM account.

Provide Your Organization ID: When placing an order for iPads (or any Apple device) with Apple or an authorized reseller/carrier, always provide your Apple Business Manager Organization ID. This ID is unique to your ABM account and ensures the devices are linked to your organization at the time of purchase. You can find your Organization ID in ABM by going to Preferences > Organization Settings.
Devices Appear Automatically: Once your order is processed and shipped, the serial numbers of the purchased iPads will automatically appear in your Apple Business Manager account under the "Devices" section. This typically happens shortly after the purchase is confirmed.
Confirm Device Presence: Log in to ABM, go to Devices, and search for your newly purchased iPads by serial number or order number. They should be listed there.

Sub-heading: Option B: Manual Enrollment (Using Apple Configurator)

For iPads not purchased through official channels (e.g., older devices, devices purchased before ABM was set up, donations, or devices from a retail store), you can manually add them using Apple Configurator. This process will erase the device and bring it under ABM supervision.

Requirements for Manual Enrollment:

An iPhone running iOS 16 or later with the Apple Configurator app installed (free from the App Store).
Physical access to the iPad you want to enroll.
An ABM account with a user role of Device Enrollment Manager or Administrator.
The iPad must not be Activation Locked.

The Process:

Prepare the iPad to be Enrolled:
- Erase the iPad: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content and Settings. The iPad must be at the "Hello" screen or "Country or Region" selection in the Setup Assistant.
- Ensure Wi-Fi is available: The iPad will need internet access during the process.
Open Apple Configurator on Your iPhone:
- Launch the Apple Configurator app.
- Sign in with your Managed Apple ID that has the Device Enrollment Manager role in ABM.
Enroll the iPad:
- On the iPad you want to enroll, proceed through the Setup Assistant until you reach the Country or Region pane (for Macs) or the Choose a Wi-Fi Network pane (for iPhones/iPads). Do not proceed further.
- Bring your iPhone (with Apple Configurator open) close to the iPad.
- On your iPhone, you'll see an option to "Add Device." Tap it.
- You might be prompted to scan an image on the iPad's screen or manually enter a code. Follow the on-screen instructions.
- The iPad will begin the enrollment process. It will likely erase itself again and restart, displaying a message that it's being added to Apple Business Manager.
Assign the Manually Added Device in ABM:
- Once the process with Apple Configurator is complete, the iPad will appear in your Apple Business Manager account.
- Log in to ABM, go to Devices.
- Use the filter and select "Source" as "Manually Added" > "Apple Configurator" to easily find these devices.
- Select the newly added iPad(s).
- Click Edit MDM Server and choose the MDM server you linked in Step 2.
- Click Continue to confirm the assignment.

Step 4: Assign iPads to Your MDM Server in Apple Business Manager

Whether your iPads arrived automatically or were added manually, they now exist in your ABM account. The next crucial step is to assign them to your linked MDM server. This tells Apple Business Manager which MDM solution should manage these specific devices.

Sub-heading: Individual Device Assignment

Log in to Apple Business Manager: Use an account with Administrator or Device Enrollment Manager privileges.
Navigate to Devices: Click on "Devices" in the sidebar.
Search for Devices: You can search by serial number, order number, or simply browse the list.
Select the iPad(s): Check the box next to the iPad(s) you wish to assign. You can select multiple devices.
Edit MDM Server Assignment:
- Once selected, click the Edit MDM Server button (it might appear as a "More" button with options).
- Choose "Assign to server" and select the MDM server you linked in Step 2 from the dropdown list.
Confirm Assignment: Read the confirmation dialog carefully and click Continue.

Sub-heading: Default MDM Server Assignment (Automation for Future Purchases)

To automate the assignment process for all future devices purchased, you can set a default MDM server by device type.

Log in to Apple Business Manager: With an Administrator or Device Enrollment Manager role.
Go to Preferences: Click on your name at the bottom of the sidebar, then select "Preferences."
Select MDM Server Assignment: Under "Your MDM Servers," you'll see "Default MDM Server Assignment."
Edit Default Assignment: Click Edit next to "Default MDM Server Assignment."
Choose MDM for iPad: For "iPad," select your preferred MDM server from the dropdown menu.
Save Changes: Click Save. Now, any new iPads automatically added to your ABM account will be assigned to this default MDM server.

Step 5: Configure Enrollment Profile and Device Policies in Your MDM

With your iPads assigned in Apple Business Manager, your MDM solution is now ready to take over. This step involves configuring how the iPad will be set up and what policies will be applied once it enrolls.

Sub-heading: Creating an Enrollment Profile

The enrollment profile dictates the initial setup experience for the user.

Access Your MDM Console: Log in to your MDM solution.
Navigate to Enrollment Profiles: Look for sections related to "Device Enrollment Program (DEP)" or "Automated Device Enrollment (ADE)" profiles for iOS/iPadOS.
Create a New Profile:
- Name the profile: Give it a clear name (e.g., "Corporate iPad Enrollment Profile").
- Choose Supervision: Ensure it's set to "Supervised" (which it will be if enrolled via ABM).
- Select authentication options: Decide if users need to authenticate with a Managed Apple ID or other credentials during setup.
- Customize Setup Assistant steps: This is a powerful feature. You can skip steps that aren't necessary for your users (e.g., Apple ID, Touch ID setup, Restore from Backup, Siri, Diagnostics, etc.). This significantly speeds up the initial setup for end-users, delivering a true "zero-touch" experience.
- Assign to Devices: Link this profile to the devices you assigned in ABM. Your MDM should allow you to assign profiles based on ABM groups or individual devices.
Save and Deploy: Save your enrollment profile. The profile will now be pushed to the assigned iPads when they connect to Apple's activation servers.

Sub-heading: Defining Device Policies and Configurations

After enrollment, your MDM will apply further configurations and policies to the iPad.

App Deployment:
- VPP Apps: Use Apple's Volume Purchase Program (VPP) integrated with ABM to purchase and distribute apps in bulk. Assign these apps to your devices via your MDM.
- Internal Apps: Deploy your organization's custom-developed apps.
Security Policies:
- Passcode requirements: Enforce strong passcodes, auto-lock times.
- Encryption: Ensure data encryption is enabled.
- Restriction profiles: Limit access to certain apps (e.g., App Store, Safari), features (e.g., AirDrop, FaceTime), or content.
Wi-Fi and VPN Configurations: Push network profiles so iPads automatically connect to corporate Wi-Fi or VPNs.
Email and Account Setup: Automatically configure corporate email accounts, calendars, and contacts.
Software Update Management: Control when and how iPadOS updates are deployed to your devices, allowing for testing before widespread rollout.
Compliance and Monitoring: Set up compliance rules and monitor device status from your MDM dashboard.

Step 6: Activate and Enroll the iPad

The final step is for the end-user (or IT) to activate the iPad.

Unbox the iPad: Take the iPad out of its packaging.
Power On: Turn on the iPad.
Connect to Wi-Fi/Cellular: The iPad will go through the initial Setup Assistant. Connect it to a Wi-Fi network or activate cellular data.
Automated Enrollment: Because the iPad's serial number is in your ABM account and assigned to your MDM, it will automatically detect your organization's enrollment profile.
- The iPad will display a message indicating it's being "Configured by [Your Organization Name]."
- The Setup Assistant will proceed through the steps you customized in your MDM enrollment profile (e.g., skipping Apple ID setup).
Complete Setup: The user will follow the remaining on-screen prompts.
MDM Management: Once the Setup Assistant is complete, the iPad will be fully enrolled in your MDM, and all your defined policies, apps, and configurations will begin to apply over the air.

Congratulations! Your iPad is now successfully added to Apple Business Manager and is under the comprehensive management of your MDM solution, ready for business use.

10 Related FAQ Questions

How to check if my iPad is already in Apple Business Manager?

You can log in to your Apple Business Manager account, navigate to the "Devices" section, and search for the iPad's serial number. If it appears, it's already linked.

How to add a used iPad to Apple Business Manager without Apple Configurator?

Currently, adding a used iPad to Apple Business Manager without Apple Configurator is not directly possible. Devices must either be purchased from an authorized supplier linked to your ABM account or manually added using Apple Configurator.

How to find my Apple Business Manager Organization ID?

Log in to your Apple Business Manager account, click on your name in the bottom-left sidebar, then select "Preferences" and "Organization Settings." Your Organization ID will be displayed there.

How to renew my MDM server token in Apple Business Manager?

Log in to ABM, go to "Preferences" > "MDM Server Assignment." Select your MDM server, and you'll see an option to download a new token. You then upload this new token to your MDM solution. This should be done annually before the old token expires.

How to unassign an iPad from an MDM server in Apple Business Manager?

In Apple Business Manager, go to "Devices," select the iPad(s), click "Edit MDM Server," and choose "Unassign." Be aware that this will remove the device from MDM management, and it might require wiping the device for full removal of corporate policies.

How to manage apps on iPads enrolled via Apple Business Manager?

You manage apps through your MDM solution, leveraging Apple's Volume Purchase Program (VPP) which is integrated with Apple Business Manager. You purchase licenses in ABM and then distribute and assign those apps to devices via your MDM.

How to enroll iPads into ABM for a school instead of a business?

For educational institutions, Apple provides Apple School Manager (ASM), which is very similar to ABM but tailored for school environments. The enrollment process for devices in ASM is largely the same as for ABM.

How to determine if my iPad is supervised?

On an iPad, go to Settings > General > About. If the device is supervised, you will see a message at the top of the screen that says, "This iPad is supervised and managed by [Your Organization Name]."

How to prepare an iPad for re-enrollment after it's been used?

To re-enroll an iPad (especially one that was previously managed) into ABM, you must first erase all content and settings on the device. This brings it back to the "Hello" screen, ready for the enrollment process, either automatically if it's already in ABM and assigned, or manually via Apple Configurator.

How to utilize Apple Business Manager for zero-touch deployment of iPads?

By purchasing iPads through authorized channels and providing your ABM Organization ID, the devices are automatically registered. Then, by linking your MDM solution to ABM and creating an enrollment profile that skips unnecessary setup steps, iPads can be shipped directly to users, and they will automatically enroll and configure themselves when powered on and connected to the internet.

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