How to Set Your Device to Supervised Mode and Enroll Manually

This article explains how to use the Apple Configurator app on a Mac to place your iPhone or iPad into Supervised mode, and then manually enroll it into your organization's management system.

?
 Important Information Regarding Enrollment (Manual vs. ADE) 

While Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) is generally the recommended and most familiar process for corporate devices, this guide was created specifically for devices that require Manual Enrollment under Supervision.

If you encounter prompts or recommendations (within Apple or Jamf interfaces) suggesting automated enrollment, please ignore them for this specific device. Strictly follow the steps below to ensure your device is configured correctly according to your organization's requirements.

Prerequisites

  • A Mac computer with Apple Configurator installed (available for free from the Mac App Store).
  • A USB/USB-C cable to connect your device to the Mac.
  • The Enrollment URL provided by your organization.
⚠️
 Data Erasure Warning 

This process will completely erase all data on the device. Ensure you have backed up any important personal information before proceeding.

Part 1: Setting the Device to Supervised Mode

  1. Connect your iOS/iPadOS device to the Mac using the cable.
  2. Launch the Apple Configurator application on your Mac.
  3. In the main window, click on your device to select it.
  4. In the top toolbar, click the Prepare button (or right-click the device and select Prepare).
  5. In the window that appears, under the "Prepare with" dropdown, select Manual Configuration.
  6. Check the following boxes and click Next:
    • Supervise devices
    • Allow devices to pair with other computers

  7. Critical Step: On the MDM Server screen, you must select Do not enroll in MDM. You will perform the enrollment manually in Part 2. Click Next.


  8. On the "Assign to organization" screen, select your organization from the list. If one does not exist, select "New Organization," enter your organization's name (other fields are optional), and click Next.
  9. On the "Configure iOS Setup Assistant" screen, you can leave the default option to Show all steps and click Prepare.
  10. If the device was already set up, a warning will appear stating that the device will be erased. Click Erase to confirm and proceed.
  11. Wait for the process to complete. The device will restart and display the standard "Hello" screen. Your device is now Supervised.

Part 2: Manual Enrollment

  1. Complete the standard Apple Setup Assistant on the device (choose language, connect to Wi-Fi, etc.) until you reach the Home Screen.
  2. Open the Safari browser on the device.
  3. Enter the Enrollment URL provided by your organization (e.g., https://your-server.jamfcloud.com/enroll).
  4. Log in with your credentials and follow the on-screen instructions to download the MDM Profile.
  5. To approve the installation, go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management on your device, select the downloaded profile, and tap Install.

That's it! Your device is now Supervised and successfully enrolled in your organization's management system.