iOS Apple Business Manager / DEP setup blocked: schedule a call and use DEP sync guide to unblock

iOS

If you're unable to complete the Apple Identity Management sign-up process while setting up Apple Business Manager (ABM) and Device Enrollment Program (DEP) sync in the Esper Console, this guide will help you get unblocked. This process requires coordination between your Apple Business Manager account and the Esper Console, and guided assistance is often helpful for first-time setup.

Before you begin

Have your organizational Apple ID ready (personal Apple IDs are not supported for ABM).
Confirm you have admin access to both your Apple Business Manager portal and the Esper Console.
Note which step of the Apple Identity Management sign-up process you're stuck on.

Step 1: Identify where you're blocked

Determine exactly which step of the Apple Identity Management sign-up is causing the issue. Common points include:

Selecting which email address or Apple ID to use.
Linking your ABM tenant to the Esper Console.
Generating or uploading the MDM server token.

Step 2: Review the DEP sync setup guide

Start with the comprehensive DEP sync guide before scheduling a call. This covers the complete end-to-end process and may resolve your issue:

Moving iOS Devices Between Tenants and MDMs

Step 3: Schedule a live troubleshooting call with Esper Support

If the setup guide doesn't resolve your issue, schedule a call with Esper Support for guided assistance. During a typical 30-minute session, our team will:

Walk you through signing in to your Apple Business Manager portal.
Guide you through generating your MDM server token.
Help you complete the DEP/ABM setup in the Esper Console.
Confirm your iOS devices appear in the Esper Console and are ready for enrollment.

Step 4: Complete DEP sync in the Esper Console

Once you have your MDM server token from Apple Business Manager, complete the setup in Esper:

In the Esper Console, navigate to Devices & Groups → Enroll Devices → iOS → DEP/ABM.
Upload your MDM server token.
Complete the link to your ABM tenant.
Verify that your ABM sync shows iOS devices in the Esper Console.

Step 5: Verify successful setup

Confirm that:

Apple Identity Management sign-up completed without errors.
Your iOS devices appear in the Esper Console under your tenant.
You can now proceed to enroll and manage devices.

Important notes about ABM and DEP

DEP sync is required to migrate iOS devices from a previous MDM to Esper; it is not optional for ABM-enrolled device fleets.
The Apple Identity Management sign-up step requires an organizational Apple ID — personal Apple IDs are not supported.
If you are new to ABM/DEP enrollment, we recommend scheduling a guided call rather than troubleshooting on your own.

Still need help?

If you've completed all steps above and are still blocked, contact Esper Support. include:

A screenshot or screen recording of the specific error or step where sign-up fails.
The exact email or Apple ID you're using for sign-up.
Whether your organization already has an active ABM account or is creating one for the first time.
The browser and operating system you're using to access the ABM portal.