How To's

How to supervise iOS devices?

An iOS device can be supervised, to have enhanced control over the devices. Supervising an iOS device provides multitude of options such as additional restrictions, enhanced profile features and multiple device configurations. Supervision can be done using

The important difference between the two methods is, when devices are supervised using DEP and enrolled, they can never be unmanaged by users. Even if the device is factory reset, the profile still gets pushed to the device after reset.
 

Benefits of Supervised Devices

Some of the benefits of supervising iOS devices are mentioned below:

  • Enables automatic installation of apps without user intervention.
  • Enables locking devices to a single app using Kiosk.
  • Enables whitelisting/blacklisting web content on iOS devices.
  • Enables restricting wireless transfer of files between iOS devices using AirDrop.
  • Enables restricting iMessage, a free Internet-based messaging service offered by Apple.
  • Enables restricting apps from using cellular data.
  • Enables prevention of account modifications.
  • Enables managing web usage by routing all communications to internet via Global HTTP Proxy.

Supervising devices using Apple Configurator

Apple Configurator is a free application provided by Apple to supervise devices. Know how to supervise iOS devices through Apple Configurator, with this tutorial video.

Ideally suited for:

  • Few devices. 
  • Device sharing. 
  • Corporate devices.

Advantages:

  • Available at no additional cost.
  • Country-independent.
  • Configure up to 30 devices at a time.

Disadvantages:

  • Requires a Mac.
  • Devices need to be physically connected to a Mac to apply supervision.
  • Time consuming to deploy.

Know more about supervising devices using Apple Configurator with MDM here.

Supervising devices using Apple Device Enrollment Program (DEP)

Apple Device Enrollment Program (DEP) helps large organizations deploy iOS devices easily. Know how to supervise iOS devices through Apple DEP, with this tutorial video.

Ideally suited for:

  • Large educational institutions and organizations.
  • Corporate devices.
  • Many devices.
  • Integrating with MDM solutions.

Advantages:

  • Wireless enrollment.
  • Mandatory MDM management.
  • Simplified setup.
  • Over-the-air (OTA) supervision.

Disadvantages:

  • Country-dependent.
  • Requires an account with Apple.

Know more about supervising devices using DEP with MDM here.

Using MDM with either Apple Configurator or DEP has several advanatages including Over-The-Air management of devices and simplified distribution of apps. Sending remote commands, distributing profiles and apps can be done easily with MDM Over-The-Air.