Help setting up iPads using Meraki legacy

[loonytunes]

Hi, very long and boring story but I have a Meraki legacy account that I set up ages ago but am only just starting to use for various reasons. I need to keep it a legacy account as we'll end up with over 100 iPads and I don't want to pay. I'm not a techie person but have ended up as ICT coordinator in a special school (I'm good at using the stuff with the kids, just not as techie as I feel I need to be). Anyway, as we're a special school with lots of small classes, we don't have sync/charging units. I've been reading that Meraki legacy has some limitations on iOS9 and some people are seem to be setting iPads up using configuator and then using Meraki. I am a bit thick so please help me. Do I need to use configurator so that I get all the iOS9 stuff? If I use configurator with Meraki, does that mean I need to plug the iPads into the Mac everytime I want to update the iPads? Can anyone point me in the direction of a simple how to guide? I've been reading stuff for what seems like weeks now but am just getting more and more confused! Please be kind to me! Thanks

[Decimas6]

Not taking into account Apple accounts or VPP

 

Using iOS 9, my roll out process is:

 

Using Apple Configurator 1.7, one iPad at a time.

Set iPads to be supervised

Create a profile to automatically connect to your wireless network

Go to Setup - Select to skip all the first time setup settings (location etc)

In Setup, select configure settings - Get your Enrollment URL from Meraki for AC 1.x (System Manager - Add device - Half way down the page) and put it in the MDM section

Connect an iPad, give it a name, and select prepare.

If set up correctly it will put the iPad on the wireless and enroll it on Meraki automatically. I don't apply any apps or restrictions using AC, only through Meraki once it is joined.

[mikkydoos]

Hi, very long and boring story but I have a Meraki legacy account that I set up ages ago but am only just starting to use for various reasons. I need to keep it a legacy account as we'll end up with over 100 iPads and I don't want to pay. I'm not a techie person but have ended up as ICT coordinator in a special school (I'm good at using the stuff with the kids, just not as techie as I feel I need to be). Anyway, as we're a special school with lots of small classes, we don't have sync/charging units. I've been reading that Meraki legacy has some limitations on iOS9 and some people are seem to be setting iPads up using configuator and then using Meraki. I am a bit thick so please help me. Do I need to use configurator so that I get all the iOS9 stuff? If I use configurator with Meraki, does that mean I need to plug the iPads into the Mac everytime I want to update the iPads? Can anyone point me in the direction of a simple how to guide? I've been reading stuff for what seems like weeks now but am just getting more and more confused! Please be kind to me! Thanks

 

 

Apple configurator is for the initial setup and to install the Meraki profiles, then Meraki to actually manage the devices e.g. push out apps or modify settings.

 

Its a real pain to set up but worth it in the long run.

 

These articles are really helpful.

 

https://meraki.cisco.com/blog/2014/04/be-a-ninja-systems-manager-silent-app-push/

Edited November 18, 2015 by mikkydoos

[tmoon-mint]

Without first supervising your devices using Apple Configurator the amount of restrictions you can apply to your devices is limited. I always recommend that all school owned devices are supervised first and then enrolled in Meraki.

[jmak]

I'm not a techie person but have ended up as ICT coordinator in a special school (I'm good at using the stuff with the kids, just not as techie as I feel I need to be).

 

I am a bit thick so please help me.

 

I promise you that needing to ask for advice when setting up iPads to use in a school does NOT make you thick!

 

And nor does not being a techie person...

 

Welcome to Edugeek

[loonytunes]

Thank you! I've had rather a rollicking from my head this week that I haven't got it all done in the 2 minute time frame he wanted so I particularly appreciate all your help and kind words

[mikkydoos]

I promise you that needing to ask for advice when setting up iPads to use in a school does NOT make you thick!

 

And nor does not being a techie person...

 

Welcome to Edugeek

 

Apple MDM is one of the most confusing things to get your head around. You also do need a fair bit of technical expertise and equipment.

 

I couldn't have done mine without Edugeeks Guys n' Gals help.