How to Enable Supervision with Simple MDM

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Have you ever heard of Supervision mode for iOS devices? If not, don’t worry! In this blog post, we’ll dive into what Supervision is, what it allows for, when it’s used, and most importantly, how to enable Supervision with simple MDM.

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What is Supervision?

Supervision is a mode that allows for greater control and management over iOS devices. When an iOS device is in Supervision mode, it can be managed more extensively through Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions. Essentially, Supervision allows for more granular control over iOS devices, making it an essential tool for organizations that need to maintain strict control over their devices.

What does Supervision allow for

Supervision mode for iOS devices allows for a range of features and configurations that are not available on non-supervised devices. Here are some of the key things that Supervision allows for:

App Restrictions: Supervision mode enables restrictions on apps, such as preventing users from installing or deleting certain apps. This is especially useful for organizations that need to ensure that employees or students are only using approved applications.
Extensive Configuration Options: Supervision mode allows for more extensive configuration options, such as pre-configuring network settings, Wi-Fi, and VPN configurations. This can save a lot of time and effort when configuring multiple devices.
Device Locking and Wiping: Supervision mode enables the ability to remotely lock or wipe a device if it gets lost or stolen. This is a critical security feature that can prevent sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands.
Enhanced Monitoring: Supervision mode allows for enhanced monitoring and reporting capabilities, such as the ability to track device usage and monitor app activity. This can help organizations to identify potential security threats or issues.
Customized Device Settings: Supervision mode enables customized device settings, such as disabling the camera, restricting Siri usage, or enabling single app mode. This can be useful for organizations that need to enforce specific policies or configurations.

Overall, Supervision mode allows for much greater control and management over iOS devices, making it an essential tool for organizations that need to maintain strict control over their devices.

How to activate Supervised Mode for iOS

Activating Supervised mode for iOS devices is a relatively straightforward process, but it does require a few extra steps compared to non-supervised mode. There are two primary methods for activating Supervised mode: using Apple Configurator or an MDM solution.

Method 1: Using Apple Configurator

Apple Configurator is a free macOS app that allows for device configuration and management. To activate Supervised mode through Apple Configurator, follow these steps:

Download and install Apple Configurator from the Mac App Store.
Connect your iOS device to your Mac using a USB cable.
Launch Apple Configurator and select your device from the list of connected devices.
Click on the “Prepare” button and follow the prompts to configure your device.
During the configuration process, select the “Supervise devices” option and follow the prompts to complete the setup.

Method 2: Using an MDM Solution

An MDM solution is a third-party platform that allows for remote device management. Many MDM solutions offer the ability to activate Supervised mode on iOS devices. To activate Supervised mode through an MDM solution, follow the steps provided by your MDM provider.

In general, the process for activating Supervised mode through an MDM solution will involve the following steps:

Create an MDM account and add your iOS device to your account.
Configure your device settings and select the option to enable Supervised mode.
Follow the prompts to complete the Supervision setup process.

Overall, activating Supervised mode for iOS devices is a critical step for organizations that need greater control and management over their devices. Whether you choose to use Apple Configurator or an MDM solution, the process is relatively straightforward and can be completed with a few simple steps.

When is Supervision Used

Supervision mode for iOS devices is primarily used in enterprise and educational settings, where organizations need greater control over their devices. Here are some specific situations in which Supervision mode is commonly used:

Educational Settings: Supervision mode is commonly used in schools and educational institutions to manage and configure student devices. This allows teachers and administrators to control which apps are installed, prevent students from making changes to device settings, and enforce specific usage policies.
Corporate Settings: Supervision mode is also used in corporate settings to manage employee devices. This can include disabling certain features, restricting access to specific apps or websites, and configuring device settings to align with corporate policies.
Shared Devices: In situations where multiple people use the same device, such as in a retail or hospitality setting, Supervision mode can be used to configure the device for specific use cases. For example, an iPad in a retail setting could be configured to only run the point of sale app and be locked down to prevent employees from accessing other features.
Security Sensitive Settings: Supervision mode can also be used in security-sensitive settings where organizations need greater control over their devices to ensure data security. This can include government agencies, healthcare organizations, and financial institutions.

Overall, Supervision mode is used in situations where organizations need greater control and management over their devices. This allows for greater security, customization, and management capabilities, making it an essential tool for many organizations.