iPhone/iPad Supervised Mode: Unlock Management Features
Understanding Supervised Mode on iOS
Supervised Mode is primarily designed for deployment within organizations. However, it is possible for individual users to activate this feature on their own iPhone or iPad devices.
Key Benefits of Supervised Mode
Enabling Supervised Mode unlocks additional functionalities. These include the ability to conceal pre-installed applications and maintain a persistent, always-on VPN connection.
Prerequisites and Important Considerations
A Mac computer is required to initiate the Supervised Mode setup. It’s crucial to understand that the process will involve a complete erasure of all data currently stored on the iOS device.
The level of control offered by Supervised Mode is substantial. This allows for restrictions comparable to those implemented by organizations on company-owned devices.
Use Cases
Beyond corporate environments, Supervised Mode can be utilized to implement stringent controls on personal devices. For example, it can be employed to create a highly restricted environment for a child’s device, mirroring the security measures used in enterprise settings.
Essentially, it provides a means to comprehensively manage and secure an iOS device, offering a degree of customization and control not available in standard mode.
Understanding Device Supervision
Supervision is a feature offered by Apple that allows administrators to remotely manage and configure iOS devices. This is particularly useful for organizations deploying multiple iPhones and iPads.
For larger deployments, utilizing Apple’s Device Enrollment Program (DEP) is recommended for wireless supervision enablement. However, this guide details the manual process, accessible to any Mac user.
Requirements for Manual Supervision
The manual method relies on Apple Configurator, a macOS application. While previous versions were available for Windows, current iterations are exclusively for Mac computers.
Therefore, access to a Mac is essential to proceed with manually enabling supervision on your iOS devices.
Data Erasure and Backup Considerations
Initiating supervised mode will result in complete data erasure from the device. It’s crucial to understand this before proceeding.
Post-supervision, you can restore from an iCloud backup or a previously created iTunes backup. Creating a manual backup beforehand is strongly advised to preserve your data.
Following the process, the device will require re-setup, similar to a new device activation.
Initial Step: Deactivate Find My iPhone/iPad
For related guidance, refer to resources detailing how to track, disable, and remotely wipe a lost iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Prior to proceeding further, it is necessary to deactivate the Find My iPhone or Find My iPad functionality on your device. This action disables Activation Lock, which would otherwise impede Apple Configurator from automatically configuring the device without your associated iCloud credentials.
Rest assured, this feature can be re-enabled following the successful supervision of the iPhone or iPad.
To accomplish this, launch the "Settings" application on the device. Navigate to "iCloud," then select "Find My iPhone" or "Find My iPad." Finally, toggle off the "Find My iPhone" or "Find My iPad" setting.
Placing an iPhone or iPad into Supervised Mode: A Guide
The initial step involves downloading and installing the complimentary application, “Apple Configurator 2,” from the Mac App Store.
A connection between your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Apple TV and your Mac will be requested. Utilize the standard USB cable typically used for charging to establish this connection.
A prompt will appear on the iPhone or iPad asking if you trust the Mac to which it is connected. Select the "Trust" option to proceed.
Following a brief period, the connected device will become visible within the Apple Configurator window.
Double-clicking the connected device within the window will reveal detailed information. Then, click the "Prepare" button located in the toolbar to initiate the preparation process for supervision.
Choose the "Manual" configuration option and click "Next" to continue with the manual supervision setup.
If a mobile device management (MDM) server is in use, you can enroll the device at this stage. If you are configuring devices independently, select "Do not enroll in MDM" and click "Next."
Enable the "Supervise devices" setting. This is a crucial step in the process.
The option "Allow devices to pair with other computers" is enabled by default. This permits pairing with additional computers for functionalities like iTunes synchronization. To restrict pairing to only your Mac, uncheck this option.
Click "Next" to proceed when you are prepared.
An organization name is required to continue. This name will be displayed on the device, identifying the supervising entity. Enter any desired name and click "Next." Optional details like phone number, email, and address can also be added.
Select "Generate a new supervision identity" unless a supervision identity has already been created. Click "Next" to allow the tool to generate a new identity for your organization. If an existing identity is available, you can choose it instead.
Each identity utilizes a unique security certificate. For single-device management on a single Mac, this detail is not critical. Other Macs will require the exported identity for management access.
You can now customize which steps appear during the initial device setup. This allows organizations to tailor the setup experience for their users. Configuration profiles can be used to hide specific screens from the setup process.
To simply supervise your own device, leave "Show all steps" enabled to maintain the standard setup process. Click "Prepare" to begin the supervision process.
Important Warning: Apple Configurator will erase all data on your device after you click "Prepare"!
Apple Configurator will now proceed with wiping, setting up, and supervising your device.
Upon completion, you can connect the device to your Mac via USB and manage it through Apple Configurator, applying configuration profiles and leveraging the features enabled by supervision. This includes hiding apps, enabling always-on VPNs, and modifying other advanced settings.
To remove supervision from a device, simply restore it to its factory settings. This will eliminate the supervision status.
Configuration profiles can be employed to prevent users from removing supervision by locking down the device and disabling access to the reset options within the Settings app.
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