Apple VPP Token upload fails with wrong format error: `.p7m` file is DEP token, not VPP token

iOS

iOS

When uploading an Apple VPP token to Esper, you may encounter a file format error. This typically happens when you've downloaded a DEP token (`.p7m` file) instead of a VPP token (`.vpptoken` file). This article explains the difference between these token types and how to download and upload the correct file.

Understanding the two Apple token types

Apple Business Manager provides two distinct tokens for different purposes:

• DEP Token (`.p7m` file) — used for device enrollment and downloaded from the Devices → Management Services section
• VPP / Content Token (`.vpptoken` file) — used for app volume purchasing and downloaded from the Payments & Billing → Apps & Books section

Esper's VPP Token upload field requires a `.vpptoken` file. If you upload a `.p7m` DEP token instead, the upload will fail with a format error.

How to download the correct VPP token from Apple Business Manager

1. Log in to Apple Business Manager at business.apple.com with an administrator account.
2. Navigate to Settings → Payments & Billing → Apps & Books.
3. Locate the Content Tokens section on this page.
4. Download the token file. The downloaded file will be in `.vpptoken` format.

Note: If you're using Apple Business Manager in a non-English language, the navigation path may differ. For example, in German it would be Einstellungen → Zahlungen und Abrechnung → Apps und Bücher. Look for the equivalent Content Tokens section in your language.

How to upload the VPP token to Esper

1. In the Esper Console, navigate to Apple MDM Management.
2. Upload the `.vpptoken` file to the VPP Token upload field.
3. Verify that the upload completes without an error and the VPP token status shows as active or linked.

If the Content Tokens section is not available in your Apple Business Manager account

Apple Business Manager's interface can vary by region and account version. If you cannot find the Payments & Billing → Apps & Books → Content Tokens section:

• Contact Apple Business Support directly to confirm the correct location of the `.vpptoken` download in your ABM account
• Ask Apple Support for a screenshot of the expected layout in your account version

If the VPP token uploads successfully but apps won't distribute

If the `.vpptoken` file uploads without error but you cannot distribute apps, verify that the MDM server assignment is completed correctly in Apple Business Manager. Refer to the Setting Up Apple MDM Management guide for complete setup instructions.

Still need help?

If you've verified that you're using the correct `.vpptoken` file and the upload still fails, or if you have questions about your Apple Business Manager setup, contact Esper Support. Our team can help troubleshoot your Apple MDM configuration.