# How to Configure Apple Configurator 2 for Bulk iPad Provisioning in Schools
Deploying iPads in an educational environment presents a unique IT challenge. Schools often need to provision hundreds or thousands of devices simultaneously, ensuring they are enrolled in a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution, connected to the correct Wi-Fi network, and locked down with specific restrictions before they ever reach a student’s hands.
Apple Configurator 2, a free macOS application provided by Apple, is the industry-standard tool for automating this physical deployment process via USB.
This guide details the exact workflow for configuring Apple Configurator 2 to prepare, enroll, and supervise iPads in bulk for a school district.
## Prerequisites
Before beginning the bulk provisioning process, you must have the following components established:
1. **A Mac Computer:** Apple Configurator 2 only runs on macOS.
2. **A USB Hub (e.g., a Bretford Cart):** Capable of connecting and charging multiple iPads simultaneously via USB.
3. **Apple School Manager (ASM) Account:** An active institutional account.
4. **A Mobile Device Management (MDM) Solution:** Such as Jamf School, Mosyle, or Meraki Systems Manager, fully integrated with your ASM account.
5. **A Dedicated Wi-Fi Network:** A hidden or secure SSID specifically used for the initial setup phase.
## Step 1: Install and Authenticate Apple Configurator 2
1. Open the Mac App Store and download **Apple Configurator 2**.
2. Launch the application.
3. Navigate to **Apple Configurator 2 > Preferences** in the menu bar.
4. Select the **Organizations** tab.
5. Click the **+** (plus) button to add your school.
6. Enter your school’s Apple ID (the Managed Apple ID associated with your Apple School Manager account) and password. This step is critical; it proves to the devices that they belong to your institution.
## Step 2: Create a Wi-Fi Profile
During the provisioning process, the iPads will need internet access to contact Apple’s activation servers and enroll in your MDM. You must create a configuration profile containing your Wi-Fi credentials.
1. In Apple Configurator 2, go to **File > New Profile**.
2. Under the **General** tab, give the profile a name (e.g., `Deployment Wi-Fi`).
3. Scroll down the left sidebar and select **Wi-Fi**.
4. Click **Configure**.
5. Enter your SSID (Network Name).
6. Select the appropriate Security Type (usually WPA/WPA2 Personal or Enterprise).
7. Enter the Wi-Fi password. If using an Enterprise network, configure the necessary certificate and authentication settings.
8. Go to **File > Save** and save the profile to your Mac’s desktop.
## Step 3: Configure the MDM Server Settings
Next, you need to tell Apple Configurator 2 where to point the iPads once they connect to the internet.
1. Go to **Apple Configurator 2 > Preferences** and select the **Servers** tab.
2. Click the **+** (plus) button to add a new MDM server.
3. Name the server (e.g., `Jamf School MDM`).
4. Enter the Enrollment URL provided by your MDM vendor. (You can usually find this in your MDM dashboard under “Automated Device Enrollment” or “DEP Settings”).
5. Configurator will attempt to verify the URL and download the necessary trust certificates. Accept and save the server configuration.
## Step 4: Create a Blueprint
A Blueprint is a master template that contains all the actions (update iOS, apply profiles, enroll in MDM) you want to perform on the connected iPads. This is the core of the bulk provisioning process.
1. In the main Apple Configurator 2 window, click on **Blueprints** in the toolbar.
2. Click **Edit Blueprints**, then click **New** at the bottom left.
3. Name the Blueprint (e.g., `Student iPad Deployment`).
4. Double-click the new Blueprint to open it.
Now, add instructions to the Blueprint:
5. **Add the Wi-Fi Profile:** Drag and drop the `Deployment Wi-Fi.mobileconfig` file you created in Step 2 onto the Blueprint window.
6. **Prepare the Devices:** Right-click inside the Blueprint window and select **Prepare**. The Prepare Assistant will launch.
## Step 5: Configure the Prepare Assistant
The Prepare Assistant determines how the iPads will behave during their initial setup.
1. **Configuration Type:** Select **Automated Enrollment**. This ensures the devices look to Apple School Manager for their MDM assignment.
2. **MDM Server:** Select the MDM server you configured in Step 3.
3. **Supervise Devices:** Check the box to **Supervise devices**. *This is mandatory for schools.* Supervision unlocks advanced MDM payloads, such as silently pushing apps, restricting content, and preventing the removal of the MDM profile.
4. **Allow devices to pair with other computers:** Leave this *unchecked*. You only want the iPads to communicate with your configuration Mac.
5. **Organization:** Select the organization you authenticated in Step 1.
6. **Configure iOS Setup Assistant:** Select **Don’t show any of these steps**. This is the key to a “Zero-Touch” deployment. It bypasses the language, region, Wi-Fi, and Apple ID screens on the iPad, taking the device straight to the home screen after it enrolls in the MDM.
Complete the wizard to save these settings to your Blueprint. Click **Done** to exit the Blueprint editor.
## Step 6: Execute the Bulk Provisioning
You are now ready to provision the devices.
1. Power on the iPads and connect them to your Mac via the USB hub/cart. The devices will appear in the main Apple Configurator 2 window.
2. Highlight all the connected devices (Cmd+A).
3. Click the **Blueprints** button in the toolbar.
4. Select the `Student iPad Deployment` Blueprint you created.
5. Click **Apply**.
### What Happens Next?
Apple Configurator 2 will now automate the process. It will:
1. Erase the iPads (if they are not already erased).
2. Install the Wi-Fi profile.
3. Connect to the internet and contact Apple to verify the device’s serial number against Apple School Manager.
4. Supervise the device.
5. Push the MDM enrollment profile.
6. Bypass the Setup Assistant.
Within a few minutes, all connected iPads will reboot, skip the standard “Hello” screen, and arrive at the home screen, fully enrolled in your MDM and ready to automatically download educational apps and restrictions over the air. You can then disconnect them and connect the next batch.