Manual iOS ADE/DEP Enrollment Using a Spare iPhone or iPad

Rajesh Daadi Updated by Rajesh Daadi

An IT administrator can manually enroll iOS devices (iPhone or iPad) into Automated Device Enrollment (ADE)—formerly known as the Device Enrollment Program (DEP)—using the Apple Configurator app on either a Mac computer or a spare iOS device (iPhone or iPad).

This method is useful when devices are not purchased directly through Apple’s ADE program or an authorized reseller, but still need to be supervised and managed using Codeproof MDM.

This article focuses on using a spare iPhone to perform the manual ADE enrollment process.

Prerequisites: 

  • An Apple Business Manager (ABM) account.
  • The Apple Configurator app (available in the Apple App Store) installed on the helper iOS device(iphone/ipad).
  • The target iOS device that you want to supervise and enroll.
  • A Data cable or both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network (for wireless preparation).

Note: Apple Configurator app is available on both iPhone and iPad. Make sure both the iOS devices (Helper and target) device is running on iOS 16 and above.

Step: 1 Install Apple Configurator on Helper Device 

  1. On the helper iOS device(iPhone/iPad), open the Apple App Store.
  2. Search for Apple Configurator app and install the app.

Step: 2 Open Apple Configurator App

  1. Launch the Apple Configurator app on the helper device and click on “Allow” for Bluetooth access.
  2. Sign in using your Apple ID linked to your ABM.
  3. Go to app settings then select “Default” option under “MDM Server Assignment” and choose “Share Wi-Fi” then click on Done.
  4. Make sure to set the Default MDM server as the Codeproof in Apple Business Manager account.

Step:3 Connect Target Device 

  1. Turn on the target iOS device (the one you want to enroll).
  2. Bring it near the helper iOS device.
  3. On target device, stay on Wi-Fi screen and bring near to the helper device.

Step :4 Pairing Both the Devices via Camera 

  1. A camera viewfinder will appear on the helper device.
  2. On the target device, you’ll see a pairing image.
  3. Use the helper device’s camera to scan the pairing image

Step :4 Device Preparation and Enrollment 

  1. The helper device will prepare the target iOS device.
  2. You’ll see a progress bar showing steps like Activating iOS, Installing Profile, etc.
  3. Once complete, the target device automatically added to Codeproof MDM then we need to assign the MDM Profile. Please see below.  

Now perform a factory reset, then proceed through the initial setup until you reach the “Remote Management” screen. Tap “Enroll this iPhone/iPad” to complete the enrollment process. After the enrollment, device entry will appear in the Codeproof Console under "Policy Manager".

Note: A MacBook is no longer required to run the Apple Configurator app. Devices can now be added to the ABM account using a spare iPhone or iPad.

For further assistance with Codeproof Cyber Device Manager®, you can reach our support team through the following channels:

Email: support@codeproof.com Live Chat: Click the chat bubble on the bottom–right corner of the dashboard.

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