MDM (iPad)
Details of the University's Mobile Device Management service for iPads.
Mobile Device Management (MDM) enables the University to securely manage mobile devices (primarily University-owned iPads) that access potentially sensitive data or operate in a specialist mode.
MDM includes storing essential hardware information about the mobile devices, deploying or restricting the apps on the devices, and securing devices if lost or stolen.
Mobile devices such as iPads now have more capabilities than ever before. To better leverage these devices the University has adopted an MDM service founded on Microsoft’s Intune platform. At this time, the University can only offer managed services for iPads purchased through its Apple partner, XMA.
To begin the discussion about managing iPads in your area please read the information below before contacting IS Helpline.
Please note: Personal iPads cannot be configured as managed ones. Only iPads purchased via XMA are supported.
University areas with managed iPads
The following areas at the University manage their iPads:
CAHSS College Office (currently covering all CAHSS areas)
MVM (Easter Bush)
School of Biological Sciences
School of GeoSciences
School of Physics
New iPads can be added to these existing areas' management or, if you are in a different area, a new configuration can be set up for your School or department (see below).
Pre-Configuration
When your new iPads are delivered to the School or College from XMA, please do the following to arrange for them to be added to existing configuration:
- Provide the iPad serial numbers (or the XMA order reference) and the names/usernames of the iPad recipients to IS Helpline.
- IS Helpline will arrange for them to be added to your School/dept. configuration and assign the appropriate Microsoft license for each user.
- Finally, you or your School/dept. IT team should proceed with the iPad Setup Process steps (see below).
If you are in a University area (School or College) that does not yet have managed iPad configuration set up, the following pre-requisites should be done first:
- You must be asking for a minimum of 10 iPads to be managed.
- Contact IS Helpline advising you are needing a new managed iPad configuration area created and providing this information:
- the School or College area you are in.
-
the required apps and configuration you wish to have, in the form of a use-case.
-
the number of current devices you have and future numbers estimated.
- IS Helpline will liaise with Desktop Services and agree a category configuration (apps and profiles) with the requestor (you), and establish a CRM process outlining acceptable frequency of change for both parties.
- When iPads are delivered to your School or College from XMA, provide the iPad serial numbers (or the XMA order reference) and the names/usernames of the iPad recipients to IS Helpline.
- IS Helpline will arrange for them to be added to your School/dept. configuration and assign Microsoft licenses for each user.
- Finally, you or your School/dept. IT team should proceed with the iPad Setup Process steps (see below)
Setup
The following steps can be done by the end user or by their School or department IT team AFTER the iPad has been registered with IS Helpline.
- Turn on the iPad, by pressing the power button on the top right edge. There should be enough power to set it up, but if not, charge it using the cable and adapter in the box.
- Select the language and wait for the set up screen.
- Select Manual Setup.
- The set up will take a minute or two and it will need to connect to the WiFi to activate.
- Once connected, Apple activation is automatic and the iPad set up will start.
- Turn on the location services (this is needed for the time zone).
- Select 'Get Started'. The iPad will load the home screen and start loading the University apps.
- You will then notice the Company Portal device management app starting up.
- Log in with your Office 365 account (username in the format uun@ed.ac.uk).
- Press 'Begin' to start the set up process.
- Select your School's particular configuration option from the list.
- The School applications and configuration will download and install automatically.
Managed iPad Usage
General iPad usage information can be found at https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/ipad/welcome/ipados
PLEASE NOTE: Some apps on managed iPads may have their access restricted depending on the School/department in which they are configured. If you have any queries about usage or restricted apps, please contact IS Helpline via the contact button below.
FAQs and Common Issues
Issue: My internet connection was interrupted during setup and now the iPad won't work.
Resolution: Perform an iPad factory reset, then do the setup again, this time on eduroam/home WiFi and not in a café, for example.
Issue: The Company Portal app never installs.
Resolution: Perform an iPad factory reset, then do the setup again, this time on eduroam/home WiFi and not in a café, for example.
Issue: I can’t sign into Company Portal
Resolution: Contact IS Helpline, advise them of the issue and ask them to check you have the correct Microsoft 365 license.
Issue: How do I install my own apps?
Resolution: Sign in with your personal Apple ID.
Issue: How do I use the iPad as an extra screen?
Resolution: Install the Apple App Store app 'Sidecar' using the instructions at https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT210380
Issue: How do I get my data off the iPad if I am passing it on to someone else?
Resolution: Store data on OneDrive (via the Microsoft OneDrive app from the Apple App Store), not the actual iPad. For settings etc, sign out of your personal Apple ID (if used) and use the 'Remove my data and settings' option.
Issue: My Apple Pencil has lost it's connection
Resolution: Plug it in the USB-C port to reinitiate.
Issue: My iPad is broken or damaged.
Resolution: Use the information at Warranty repairs of University-owned Apple hardware to check it is under warranty and see if you can arrange a repair.