I know that I have seen a lot of instructions on how to supervise devices with an MDM but I want to know is how do see all my supervised device without having to use a MDM? I know that you can see it supervised when it is connected via USB but I want to be able to access it via wifi.
iPadOS/iOS devices can be managed one of 3 ways. You can manage with Apple Configurator 2, but it requires a USB connection. You can manage with Profile Manager, but it requires a macOS device running macOS Server and generally the device must be on the same network as the one running Profile Manager. Finally, you can manage with MDM, which, if you use the cloud option most providers offer, allows you to manage the device as long as it has network connectivity.
You really should consider an MDM. Jamf Now is a great starter MDM and is free for the first 3 devices, and $2/month for each additional device. Mosyle is a fantastic offering that is $1/month/device. Fleetsmith was recently purchased by Apple, and offers 10 devices free with each additional device costing $8.25/month.
You do not need MDM for supervising your iPads. Supervision can be done either by using Apple DEP within the Apple business manager or by using the Apple Configurator 2 method.
If you have purchased your iPads from Apple or it’s authorised reseller or carrier, you can add it to your DEP and it will be supervised. On the other hand, if you have purchased iPads off the shelf, you can supervise it using a Mac device, Apple configurator 2 ( an Apple app) and a lightning USB cable.
Supervision using DEP is done over the air, without actually having the device with you whereas with the Apple configurator 2 method, you have to physically supervise each device. Supervision is the first step to managing the device and for advanced functions and enhanced control over the device behaviour and functionalities, you need an MDM.
Supervising iPads with using MDM
