This guide walks IT administrators through migrating Apple devices from an existing MDM solution to CapaOne Mobile Manager. The process applies to DEP-enrolled devices running iOS 16 or higher.
Prerequisites
Before starting, ensure you have:
- Devices enrolled in Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM)
- Devices running iOS 16 or higher (Apple requirement)
- Access to ABM/ASM for both the current MDM server and CapaOne
- Desired apps, profiles, and configurations prepared in CapaOne
- A default DEP enrollment configuration (recommended)
Tips before migrating:
- Start by migrating a single device to verify your CapaOne setup matches requirements before large-scale migration
- All configurations and apps remain on the device post-migration and only get overwritten when new same-type configurations are applied in CapaOne
- Reference the DEP setup guide for additional technical details
Step 1: Plan Your Migration
Inventory devices in your current MDM
- Note device models
- Document iOS versions
- Identify which devices are Supervised or Unsupervised
Communicate with your users Users will receive prompts during migration, so advance notification is important.
Ensure Apple Business Manager access You must have access to the ABM account connected to both the old MDM server and the CapaOne MDM server.
Test with a single device Before large-scale migration, migrate one device or enroll one directly into CapaOne and verify that apps, Wi-Fi profiles, VPN, email, restrictions, and other settings function as expected.
Step 2: Prepare CapaOne for Migration
Recreate assets in CapaOne Review configurations and applications in your current MDM setup and create equivalents in CapaOne.
Create a default enrollment configuration (recommended)
- Navigate to Enrollment
- Create a new enrollment configuration
Add required applications Select apps for automatic installation after migration.
Add required configurations Include:
- Wi-Fi profiles
- VPN settings
- Email configurations
- Restrictions
- Other necessary policies for post-enrollment
Assign groups Link groups to ensure apps and policies deploy immediately after enrollment.
Save and verify the configuration Complete the configuration setup process.
Step 3: Set as Default DEP Enrollment Configuration
Mark the new enrollment configuration as default for DEP devices through the action menu on the enrollment profile.
Step 4: Migrate Devices to CapaOne
- Log in to Apple Business Manager and navigate to Devices
- Search and select devices for migration
- Click the action button (top right) → Assign Device Management → choose CapaOne
- Set a migration deadline by clicking + Add Deadline and establishing an enrollment deadline
- Click Continue through the remaining steps
Note: The deadline button is disabled if the device does not meet Apple’s migration requirements. Apple Business Manager may require time to acknowledge new OS updates.
Step 5: Verify Migration in CapaOne
Confirm DEP synchronization Navigate to: CapaOne Apple → Endpoints → DEP
Check that the device’s serial number appears. If the device does not automatically sync, click Synchronize.
Automatic enrollment behavior If you have set a default DEP enrollment profile, the device will:
- Automatically receive the new enrollment request
- Prompt the user to start migration
If the user declines, the device will migrate automatically at the set ABM deadline.
If the device was previously enrolled in CapaOne You must manually assign an enrollment profile:
- Go to Endpoints → DEP
- Open the Action menu for the device
- Select Assign Enrollment
- Choose the desired enrollment configuration
Maintenance and Best Practices
- Validate all apps and configurations on a test device before mass migration
- Ensure all devices run iOS 16 or higher
- Monitor the DEP list in CapaOne during migration phases
- Plan migration deadlines so users are prepared for prompts
- Always set a default DEP configuration to streamline the migration process
Ready to see how CapaOne handles this? Request a demo.
