Bulk enroll iOS devices in Hexnode using Apple Business Manager after devices were unenrolledSolved

Participant
Discussion
2 days ago Jul 19, 2026

Only some of our iOS devices are currently enrolled in Hexnode. The rest are already listed in Apple Business, but a few were unenrolled while testing Apple’s built-in device management options.

We also recently renewed the Apple VPP token because a managed app deployment was affected. The app installs and opens, but users are having trouble at the login screen where the company name dropdown does not open.

What is the right way to bulk enroll the remaining iOS devices back into Hexnode through ABM? Also, is it better to keep the app managed through Hexnode, or should users install and update it themselves?

Replies (3)

Marked SolutionPending Review
Hexnode Expert
2 days ago Jul 19, 2026
Marked SolutionPending Review

For iOS devices that are already available in Apple Business Manager, the recommended method is Automated Device Enrollment.

Use the following flow:

1. Assign the devices to Hexnode in Apple Business.

– Sign in to Apple Business.

– Go to Devices.

– Select the unenrolled iOS devices.

– Choose Edit MDM Server or Assign to Server.

– Assign the devices to the Hexnode MDM server.

2. Sync Apple Business Manager with Hexnode

– In the Hexnode console, go to Admin > Automated Device Enrollment.

– Select the configured ADE/DEP token.

– Click Sync with Apple.

After the sync, the newly assigned devices should appear under the ADE device list and receive the assigned enrollment profile.

3. Factory reset the devices

For Automated Device Enrollment to take effect, the iOS devices must go through Apple’s activation process. This means the devices need to be factory reset.

Once a reset device reaches the setup assistant screen and connects to Wi-Fi, it contacts Apple’s activation servers and downloads the Hexnode management profile automatically.

For the renewed VPP token, also go to Admin > Apple VPP in Hexnode and click Sync. This refreshes the app license information so managed app deployment can continue correctly.

For the app itself, keeping it as a managed app is usually the better option. Hexnode can deploy it automatically, manage licenses, push updates, and remove managed app data if the device is wiped or retired. If the devices are in kiosk mode, users may not have access to the App Store to install or update the app manually.

Regards,
Mary Romero

Marked SolutionPending Review
Participant
2 days ago Jul 19, 2026
Marked SolutionPending Review

So the factory reset is required even if the device already shows up in Apple Business

Marked SolutionPending Review
Hexnode Expert
2 days ago Jul 19, 2026
Marked SolutionPending Review

Yes. Assigning the device to the Hexnode MDM server in Apple Business Manager only prepares it for Automated Device Enrollment. The device receives the management profile during the initial setup assistant after activation.

If the device is already set up and in use, it will not automatically pull the ADE profile just because the ABM assignment changed. A factory reset is required to trigger that enrollment flow.

Regards,
Mary Romero

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