Assign devices to an MDM server

The ABM server token is Apple's Device Management Service Token. The MDM server is a Device Management Service.

To enable automated enrollment, assign Apple devices to your MDM server using your customer’s Apple Business Manager (ABM) account.

When a device is assigned to your MDM server, it automatically enrolls in Device Management for Apple (DMA) during its initial setup using the associated ABM server token.

Devices already in use can be automatically enrolled in DMA, but they must be erased first. Alternatively, you can use Manual device enrollment, which doesn’t require erasing the device.

Assign a device to an MDM Server

In Apple Business Manager

  1. Sign in with a customer user who has the role of Administrator or Device Enrollment Manager.
  2. In the sidebar, select Devices.
  3. Under Your Devices, select the device you want to assign.
  4. Select the More button (three dots) to bring up the menu.
  5. Select Assign Device Management.
  6. From the device management service drop-down menu, choose a server.
  7. Select Continue, and then Confirm.
  8. Select Done when the assignment is completed.

It may take up to 10 minutes before the device is ready to auto-enroll.

Auto-enroll the device

New device (never powered on or set up)

  1. Power on the device.
  2. Follow the Apple Setup Assistant instructions.

Existing devices (already in use)

If the device is already enrolled in DMA and you want to re-enroll it under an ABM Server token, do one of the following:
  1. Wipe or erase the device. For instructions, see Microsoft documentation:
  2. Power on the device.
  3. Follow the Apple Setup Assistant instructions.

After setup, the device enrolls in Device Management for Apple and displays in the DMA Devices list.

Set the default device type assignments

You can assign default MDM servers for each device type. For example, Apple Business Manager can automatically assign your iPhone devices to one MDM server and iPad devices or Mac computers to a different one.

  1. Sign in to Apple Business Manager with a user who has the Administrator or Device Enrollment Manager role.
  2. At the bottom of the sidebar, select the customer's account name.
  3. Select Preferences.
  4. Under Device Management Services, select Management Assignment.
  5. Select Edit next to Default Assignment.
  6. For each device type, choose a server from the assigned server list.
  7. Select Done.

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Updated: Sep 08, 2025