what is the proper sequence of using apple configurator 2 to manage student ipads

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Level 1

9 points

what is the proper sequence of using apple configurator 2 to manage student ipads

I have several iPad carts with iPad 2 units. Maximum iOS is 9.3.5. I cannot afford to use an MDM and so I am just using Apple Configurator 2.6 to manage them. I am having difficulty getting them to be supervised and all matching each other. I believe this was easier using earlier versions, but have tried many different sequences, and never get to the desired management outcome.

I try to create a stand alone unit as I would like it - lastest iOS (which for the 2's is 9.3.5) and all the latest versions of the apps we use (all free apps - via the app store and NOT VPP). Then create a backup of that. Then wish to prepare (supervise) the next units using that backup, modify wallpaper and desktop, and use a blueprint to apply a profile and other settings.

What is the exact sequence I should be using with existing iPad 2's and I believe there is a different sequence if I was using brand new (out-of-box) iPad Wifi units?

It seems as if the blueprint and profile fight with using a backup? Unsure. But I have tried so many times, I am now at a loss. Would appreciate any guidance you can provide.

iPad 2 Wi-Fi, iOS 9.3.5, Apple Configurator 2.6

Posted on Jan 5, 2018 8:25 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 5, 2018 12:26 PM in response to bperrinsmith

How much would your MDM costs be? With Lightspeed MDM designed for schools it only cost us £5 per ipad per year. Have you investigated OSX server? if your school has any OSX devices, you can setup your own MDM server using that, it only costs £20 as a one off cost. You can use Apple VPP with it to deploy apps to both ipads and MacBooks.

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Answer 2

bperrinsmith Author

Level 1

9 points

Jan 5, 2018 1:00 PM in response to Jack-Hunt

Thanks for the info. I looked into Lightspeed, but we are a small private school and it is out of our budget at this point. Add the fact that most of these are iPad 2's and cannot get up to iOS 10, has limitations too. I also started to explore setting up my own server, but I was worried about some logistics. I will have to revisit that idea. I also worked out some issues with Apple and they assure me that configurator 2 can do what I want, for now, but I still have a few hurdles to cross. Using Blueprints in configurator is getting me close, but some apps want credentials to update or will just crash if not updated (while being supervised). So, I continue exploring. Let me know if you have anymore ideas, especially related to configurator. If I could get rid of all the old ipads and get new ones with iOS 10+ I am sure things would be MUCH easier ;-)

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Answer 3

Jan 5, 2018 1:09 PM in response to bperrinsmith

We have approx 50 ipads in Lightspeed - we then use OSX server to manage the schools macbooks Good Luck with setting it up, if you chose to go down the server route Apple was very good at helping me set mine up over the phone when you eventually get through to the education department.

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Answer 4

bperrinsmith Author

Level 1

9 points

Jan 5, 2018 1:21 PM in response to Jack-Hunt

cool. I have no Mac OS to manage, but I have approx. 300 iPads and most are the v.2 and maybe 50 are v.3 and above. Thanks.

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Answer 5

rccharles

Level 6

13,037 points

Jan 6, 2018 12:22 PM in response to bperrinsmith

I'd look around for some parent volunteer that would help you set up a server. A general notice to parents looking for a volunteer and a used mac might get you the goods.

R

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