To complete the onboarding process for corporate iOS devices assigned to Mobile Guardian via Apple Business Manager (ABM). This guide walks system administrators and end-users through the factory reset and initial setup wizard to ensure management profiles and corporate applications deploy correctly.
Devices assigned in Apple Business Manager will initially appear greyed out in the Mobile Guardian dashboard, representing a partial enrollment. A factory reset and completion of the setup wizard are required to activate full management.
Step 1: Initiate Factory Reset
To trigger Apple's Automated Device Enrollment, the device must be in an out-of-the-box factory state.
- On the target device, navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad.
- Select Erase All Content and Settings.
- Confirm the wipe and allow the device to restart.
Step 2: Select Initial System Language & Region
- Once the device reboots, the Hello screen will display.
- Press the Home button or swipe up to begin.
- Select your preferred system language and country/region settings.
Step 3: Connect to an Unfiltered Network
- Select a Wi-Fi network to proceed with setup.
Tip: Connect the device to an unfiltered network. Firewalls or guest portals that restrict outbound communication to Apple's enrollment servers (alldevices.apple.com / mdmenrollment.apple.com) will cause enrollment to fail.
Step 4: Accept Remote Management Configuration
- Once connected to Wi-Fi, the device will query Apple Business Manager and present the Remote Management screen.
- Verify that your organisation's name appears on the enrollment prompt.
- Tap Next / Apply Configuration to install the Mobile Guardian MDM profile.
Step 5: Grant Application Permissions & Complete Setup
- Proceed through any remaining Setup Assistant screens configured by your administrator (e.g., Location Services, Display preferences).
- Ensure Location Services are enabled when prompted to support asset tracking and location-based policies.
- Upon reaching the iOS Home Screen, the Mobile Guardian app will automatically install in the background.
- Launch the Mobile Guardian app and accept all requested permissions (Location, Notifications) to finalise device provisioning.
Step 6: Verify Active Status in Dashboard
- Log in to your Mobile Guardian Dashboard.
- Navigate to Devices.
- Locate the target serial number/device name. The device status will change from greyed out to Active/Enrolled.