Mobile Guardian offers two types of app installations for iOS: Auto-Install and Self-Install. This guide will explain how to use these options and the best practices for managing apps and books purchased through Apple's Volume Purchase Program (VPP).
What Will You Learn?
- How to configure Auto-Install and Self-Install settings
- Best practices for using tags and device assignment
- Steps to prevent app removal on iOS devices
- How to prioritize the Mobile Guardian managed application installation
Overview
Mobile Guardian allows you to distribute VPP apps and books via User Assignment or Device Assignment. Device Assignment is recommended as it does not require an Apple ID on each device.
VPP simplifies purchasing and distributing apps and books in volume for iOS devices and Mac computers. For Auto-Install, ensure the 'Assign to Device' setting is enabled to avoid prompting for an iTunes account.
Auto-Install vs. Self-Install
- Auto-Install: Automatically installs the app on specified devices without user intervention.
- Self-Install: Adds the app to the 'My Catalogue' section of the Mobile Guardian app, where users can trigger the installation.
Using tags helps you mass assign applications to selected devices and categorize them as home-owned or school-owned.
Navigating to Application Settings
- Log in to Mobile Guardian: Access your school dashboard.
- Navigate to Applications: Click on "Applications" in the navigation panel on the left.
Assigning Applications Using Tags
- Select Application: In the "App Management" section, find the application you want to install.
- Choose Installation Type: Decide between Auto-Install or Self-Install.
- Auto-Install: Automatically install the app on devices.
- Self-Install: Push the app to the device but require user confirmation for installation.
- Add Tags: Assign tags to categorize devices. Remove tags by clicking 'X'.
- Self-Install: Adds the application to the My Catalogue section for user-triggered installation.
Preventing Removal of Applications
- Navigate to Settings Tab: Under the settings of the selected app, find the "Prevent the removal of an application" option.
- Enable Setting: This setting applies to iOS 14 and above, preventing the removal of VPP applications.
Assigning Applications to All Devices
- Auto-Install Settings: Assign the application to all school-owned or home-owned devices.
- Alternative to Tags: Use this option if you prefer not to use tags and assign applications manually later.
Saving Changes
- Save Changes: Click the “Save Changes” button to save your settings.
Prioritizing Mobile Guardian Managed Application
- Global Settings: Go to Settings > Global Settings.
- Prioritize Installation: Enable the option to prioritize the installation of the Mobile Guardian application upon enrollment.
Best Practices
- Use tags to efficiently manage and distribute applications.
- Ensure 'Assign to Device' is enabled for Auto-Install to avoid iTunes account prompts.
- Check the number of available licenses (VPP licenses).
- Be aware of profile restrictions to ensure proper app, book, and media access.
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