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Shared iPad – Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) On-Device Setup Flow

When an iPad configured for Shared iPad is assigned to an MDM server in Apple Business Manager or Apple School Managed portal, the Setup Assistant will appear either when a device is powered on for the first time or when an existing device is erased and set up again. During this process, the device contacts Apple services to retrieve the enrollment profile and automatically enrolls into mobile device management (MDM).

The following sequence describes the standard on-device user experience from the Hello screen until enrollment and Shared iPad initialization are completed.

1. Hello Screen​

After the device is wiped or restored, the Setup Assistant displays the Hello screen.

User actions:

  • Select language and region.
  • Configure accessibility options if required.
  • No user accounts are created at this stage.

2. Network Connection​

The Setup Assistant prompts for a Wi-Fi connection.

Requirements:

  • Network connectivity is mandatory.
  • The device sends its serial number to Apple activation servers to verify whether it is registered in ABM and assigned to an MDM server.

3. Remote Management​

If the device is assigned to an organization in Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager, the Remote Management screen appears.

Behavior:

  • Displays organization name and management information.
  • The user selects Enroll to proceed.

During this step:

  • The iPad prepares to install the MDM enrollment profile.
  • Supervision is enforced as Shared iPad requires supervised mode.

4. Enrollment Profile Installation​

The device downloads and installs the MDM configuration profile. Once the profile is installed, then the device will perform a reboot or re-configure to enable the Shared iPad mode.

During this stage:

  • Shared iPad configuration is applied from the ADE profile.
  • Setup Assistant screens may be skipped based on administrator settings.

5. Setup Assistant Configuration Screens​

Depending on ADE configuration, certain setup screens may appear or be skipped.

Examples include:

  • Screen Time Setup
  • Siri Setup
  • Data and Privacy Pane
  • AppStore Setup
  • Action Button Configuration Pane

Apple ID sign-in for a single user is typically not shown, as the device is prepared for multi-user Shared iPad login.

6. Application Management​

Applications assigned within the Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) profile are automatically installed on the iPad device during enrollment, without requiring any user interaction. This ensures that required apps are available immediately after setup.

Application Deployment Behavior For Shared iPad, application deployment occurs primarily at the device level, as the device supports multiple users.

Once the ADE enrollment profile is installed, applications begin installing automatically.

Shared iPad configuration ensures apps are available for all users who sign in.

7. Shared iPad Initialization​

After enrollment configuration completes, the device initializes Shared iPad mode.

Behavior:

  • Local storage allocation based on user login.
  • Temporary session settings and user limits (if defined) are applied.
  • The device prepares for Managed Apple ID authentication.

8. Shared iPad Login Screen​

Instead of displaying the Home screen, the iPad shows the Shared iPad login interface.

User experience:

  • Users sign in using a Managed Apple ID.

9. Session Creation and Policy Application​

After a user signs in:

Behavior:

  • A user session is created locally on the device.
  • The device begins receiving the apps and profiles configured for the Shared iPad enrollment.

10. Enrollment Completion​

Enrollment is considered complete once:

  • The iPad reaches the Shared iPad login screen.
  • The device successfully checks in with the MDM server.
  • Assigned device channel configurations are installed.
  • Additional policies, apps, and user configurations continue deploying after users sign in.