iOS device onboarding into Esper: pre-enrollment backup and ABM enrollment steps

iOS

Title: iPhone enrollment in Esper — back up data and enroll via ABM

When enrolling iPhones into Esper for the first time, devices must be wiped as part of the Apple Device Enrollment Program (DEP) flow, which means user data must be backed up before enrollment begins and devices must be assigned to your Esper server in Apple Business Manager (ABM) before activation.

Why this happens

Unlike Android, iOS does not support QR-code or token-based provisioning. Every iPhone managed through Esper must be enrolled via ABM using Apple's DEP flow, which performs a factory reset on the device. Esper cannot initiate or complete iOS enrollment outside of this ABM-assigned workflow.

Step 1: Back up user data before enrollment

Because enrollment wipes the device, instruct users to back up all personal data using one of the following methods before proceeding:

• iCloud Backup: On the device, go to Settings → [Apple ID] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now. The device must have sufficient iCloud storage and an active internet connection.
• Local backup via Mac or PC: Connect the device to a computer and back up using Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (Windows). See Apple's backup guide for detailed instructions.

After enrollment is complete, users can restore their backup from iCloud or their computer to recover personal data.

Step 2: Confirm devices appear in Apple Business Manager

1. Log in to Apple Business Manager.
2. Navigate to Devices and confirm the target iPhones are listed. Devices purchased through an ABM-linked reseller appear here automatically. If the devices are not listed, continue to Step 3 to add them manually.

Step 3: Add devices to ABM using Apple Configurator 2 (if needed)

If the target devices do not appear in ABM — for example, because they were not purchased through an ABM-linked reseller — add them manually using Apple Configurator 2 on a Mac.

1. Connect the iPhone via USB to a Mac running Apple Configurator 2.
2. In Apple Configurator 2, select the device, then choose Actions → Prepare → Add to Organization.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to assign the device to your ABM organization.

If Apple Configurator 2 fails to add the device, confirm the Mac is signed in with an ABM admin account that holds the Device Enrollment Manager role.

Step 4: Confirm your Esper server is registered in ABM

1. In the ABM portal, navigate to Settings → MDM Servers.
2. Confirm your Esper server is listed. If it is not listed, upload your Esper server token to register it. You can find and download this token in the Esper Console under Company Settings → Apple Business Manager.

Step 5: Assign devices to your Esper server in ABM

1. In the ABM portal, navigate to Devices.
2. Select the target iPhones.
3. Choose Edit MDM Server and select your Esper server from the list.

Step 6: Sync ABM with the Esper Console

1. In the Esper Console, navigate to Company Settings → Apple Business Manager.
2. Initiate a sync to pull in the newly assigned devices. Syncing ensures the Esper Console reflects the latest ABM assignments before you proceed with activation.
3. Wait for the sync to complete. The assigned devices will appear as available for enrollment in the Esper Console.

Step 7: Factory reset and activate devices

1. Factory reset each iPhone. The device will restart and launch the Setup Assistant.
2. Connect the device to Wi-Fi during Setup Assistant. ABM will detect the MDM assignment and automatically direct the device through the Esper enrollment flow.
3. Complete the on-screen activation steps. The device will enroll into the Esper Console once activation is finished.

Verify: After activation, the enrolled iPhones should appear in Devices & Groups in the Esper Console within 5 minutes. Each device will display an online status and reflect the management profile assigned during enrollment.

If this doesn't resolve it

If devices do not appear in the Esper Console after activation, or if the ABM sync fails, collect the following before contacting support:

• A screenshot of the device's entry (or absence) in the ABM Devices list
• A screenshot of the MDM server assignment in ABM → Settings → MDM Servers
• The sync status shown in Esper Console → Company Settings → Apple Business Manager
• The iOS version and model of the affected device(s)

Contact Esper Support with these details for further assistance.

Still need help?

If you're experiencing issues with pre-enrollment backup or ABM enrollment for iOS devices, submit a support ticket and include details about which step you're encountering problems with, your ABM configuration, and any error messages received.