Apple Configurator: Enroll Macs in ABM

Key insights

• Prerequisites: Sign in to Apple Business Manager and create or confirm an MDM server.
  Install Apple Configurator (Mac app or the Configurator iOS app) on a host device, have a compatible USB-C/Thunderbolt cable, and back up the Mac because the process will erase it.
• Connect and prepare: Attach the target Mac to the host running Apple Configurator and open the app.
  Choose the device, select "Prepare" and pick "Add to Apple Business Manager" or the equivalent option; Configurator will supervise the Mac and trigger an erase to complete enrollment.
• Assign MDM during preparation: When prompted, select the correct MDM server from the list or assign the device to one in Apple Business Manager after preparation.
  Choosing the right MDM here ensures the Mac receives the correct management profile on first boot.
• Device modes and special cases: Some Macs (Apple silicon or T2-chip models) may require DFU or recovery-mode steps before Configurator can restore and enroll them.
  Follow the device-specific restore instructions in Configurator if the app asks you to put the Mac into a special mode.
• Verify enrollment: After the prepare process finishes, check Apple Business Manager for the new device entry and confirm it is assigned to the chosen MDM server.
  On the Mac’s first startup you should see the automated device enrollment screen and the MDM profile applied automatically.
• Troubleshooting and best practices: If enrollment fails, update Configurator and the host OS, try a different cable/port, and confirm your Apple ID has ABM permissions.
  Test the workflow once on a single Mac, keep a record of serial numbers, and remember the procedure wipes the device so always have a backup plan.

Keywords

Add Mac to Apple Business Manager, Manually enroll Mac in Apple Business Manager, Apple Configurator add Mac, Apple Configurator manual enrollment Mac, Enroll Mac in Apple Business Manager guide, Apple Business Manager Mac setup, Prepare Mac for Apple Business Manager, Apple Configurator Mac enrollment