WhatsApp install on iOS fails with “This profile cannot make purchases”Solved

Hello @mortimer ,

This usually happens when the app is being treated as a regular App Store installation instead of a managed VPP app installation.

On Apple devices using managed Apple IDs, users cannot make App Store purchases directly, even for free apps. The app needs to be assigned through Apple Volume Purchase Program/Apps and Books and then synced into Hexnode UEM.

Try the following:

1. In Hexnode UEM, go to Admin > Apple Business and School Manager > Apple VPP.
2. If the VPP account is already configured, click Sync.
3. If no VPP account is configured, add the Apple VPP/Apps and Books token first, then sync it.
4. Go to Apps and search for WhatsApp.
5. Confirm that the VPP license is reflected for the app.
6. Deploy the VPP version of WhatsApp to the device.

Once the VPP license appears in Hexnode UEM, the app should install as a managed app without triggering the purchase restriction.

Regards,
Simon Scott
Hexnode UEM

Okayy I got it, but what does “Revoke license” mean in this context?

“Revoke License” means taking back app licenses that are currently assigned to a user or device so they can be reused elsewhere.

For example, if a device no longer needs WhatsApp or is being retired, reclaiming the license releases it back to the available license pool. You can then assign that same license to another device or user.

It is not required just to install the app for the first time, unless all available licenses are already assigned.