The lessons in this issue are a continuation of the May 1, 2019 issue. In that issue we setup Apple Configurator and developed a profile for use on iPads. The profile we developed in that issue is used in the lessons for this issue.
In this issue we connect our devices and prepare them for distribution. The process of preparing devices takes time at first. There is a lot to learn. There is a process to managing devices with Apple Configurator. Frustration creeps in if you don’t understand the process and how Apple Configurator works.
Profiles and Blueprints are powerful tools in Apple Configurator. They greatly increase what we can do to manage devices. They can also cause some frustration. The profile we created in the last issue prevents the installation of apps by users of the device. This option also prevents the installation of Apps with Apple Configurator. Teachers don’t always understand how this works. So I will review this step in the configuration. Here are some of the items covered in this issue.
The next step in the setup process is easier if the iPads or devices are still in the box from the factory. If they are new and never setup then you can skip this lesson.
I recommend reading this lesson even if the devices are new. It will help answer questions you might have in the future.
Apple Configurator needs to work with completely new or wiped devices. Devices that have been used need to be wiped. The accounts and apps on the device need to be removed. Apple Configurator will not manage devices with other accounts installed. You need to reset each device. The option to reset the device is in device settings.
If the device is tied to an account you will need the password for that account. If the device is protected with a passcode you will need the passcode for the device. If the device is using parental permissions you will need the password for the parental permissions.
Tap the Settings icon on the iPad. Open the General settings panel. Scroll to the bottom of the panel and select Reset. Select the option to Erase all content and settings. You will be prompted to backup and erase or erase. Tap the erase option. If the device uses a passcode you will need to provide the passcode. You will be prompted to confirm and then to provide the password for the App Store. account. Provide all the necessary information and answer the prompts. The device will restart and begin the reset process. The process takes a few minutes.
In the previous issue we took care of all the preliminary work for preparing and managing our devices. There are a few things to consideration before we begin. Teachers encounter problems with Apple Configurator and devices for several reasons. I want to address some of them here before we begin.
Make sure the devices are charged before performing the steps in the next lesson. Make sure the devices are fully charged if you don’t have a powered USB Hub or cart. I recommend charging the devices all the way to one-hundred percent.
This isn’t necessary if you are using a powered USB hub or a cart that supplies power to the devices. Powered USB hubs and carts usually power the devices and allow communication to the devices. The time it takes to process multiple devices can take from half an hour to four hours. This is why using a powered USB hub or cart is best.
Connect all your devices to the hub and make sure the connections are firmly in place. Loose cable connections cause syncing problems. Make sure the cables are not damaged.
Make sure all the devices have been reset. I described the process in the previous lesson. Failure to reset a device will cause a problem near the end of the process. Look at the screen of each device and make sure the greeting screen is visible.
Count the number of devices connected to the hub. All the connected devices are represented by an icon in Apple Configurator. Count the number of device thumbnails in Apple Configurator and make sure they match your count of the physical devices. Recheck the connections if one or more is missing. Sometimes it helps to unplug the USB 