Introduction
Deploying dozens or hundreds of iPads or iPhones manually is incredibly time-consuming. Apple Configurator for Mac is a free utility that allows administrators to automate the deployment, configuration, and enrollment of iOS devices. This guide covers the fundamental workflow for preparing multiple devices simultaneously using a configuration blueprint.
Prerequisites
You need a Mac running macOS, the Apple Configurator app installed from the Mac App Store, a powered USB hub (if connecting multiple devices), and the necessary lightning or USB-C cables. Devices should ideally be factory reset before provisioning.
Step 1: Create a Configuration Profile
A Configuration Profile dictates settings like Wi-Fi networks, passcode restrictions, and web clips. Open Apple Configurator, go to File > New Profile. Give the profile a name. Select the payloads on the left panel (e.g., Wi-Fi) and click Configure to enter your network credentials. Save the profile to your Mac.
Step 2: Create a Blueprint
Blueprints allow you to stack profiles, apps, and preparation steps into a single reusable template. From the menu, select Blueprints > Edit Blueprints. Click New and name it (e.g., “Student iPad”). Double-click the blueprint to open it. Drag and drop the Configuration Profile you created in Step 1 onto the Blueprint. You can also add VPP apps at this stage.
Step 3: Configure Preparation Settings
While still editing the Blueprint, click the Prepare button in the toolbar. Choose Manual Configuration unless you are using Automated Device Enrollment (ADE/DEP). Select Do not enroll in MDM (if you are only using Configurator), or specify your MDM server. Choose to supervise the devices, which grants deeper administrative control. Skip the Setup Assistant screens you do not want the users to see.
Step 4: Apply the Blueprint to Devices
Click Done to exit Blueprint editing mode. Connect your iOS devices to the Mac using the USB hub. They will appear in the Apple Configurator window. Select all connected devices (Cmd + A). Right-click, select Apply > [Your Blueprint Name]. Configurator will wipe the devices (if specified), install the latest iOS version, apply the profiles, and configure the settings identically across all hardware.