Seamlessly Enroll and Manage macOS Devices with ManageEngine Endpoint Central Cloud

13-12-2024
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Author : Haresh Hirani

Managing Mac computers in a diverse IT environment can be challenging without the right tools. With Endpoint Central Cloud, administrators can automate patch management, software deployment, and security configurations. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the enrollment process, starting from configuring an APNs certificate to manually installing the agent on a macOS device.

Prerequisites for macOS Enrollment

Before beginning the enrollment process, ensure the following:

You have admin access to the Endpoint Central Cloud console.
MacOS devices meet the minimum OS requirements mentioned here.
You have an Apple ID to configure the Apple Push Notification service (APNs) certificate.

Step 1: Configuring the APNs Certificate

The APNs certificate is essential for enabling secure communication between macOS devices and Endpoint Central Cloud.

Navigate to APNs Configuration:
- Log in to the Endpoint Central Cloud console and go to Mobile Device Mgmt > Enrollment > Apple > APNs Certificate.

Download the CSR File:
- Download the Vendor Signed Certificate Signing Request (CSR) file provided by ManageEngine.

Access the Apple Push Certificates Portal:
- Visit the Apple Push Certificates Portal.
- Log in with your Apple ID.
Create APNs Certificate:
- Upload the downloaded CSR file to the portal.
- Download the generated APNs certificate.
Upload APNs Certificate to Endpoint Central:
- Return to the Endpoint Central console and upload the APNs certificate to complete the configuration.

Step 2: Preparing for Device Enrollment

Generate the Enrollment Profile:
- Navigate to MDM > Enrollment > Enroll Devices > macOS.
- Generate an enrollment profile specific to macOS devices.

Step 3: Enrolling macOS Devices (Manual Enrollment)

Install the Enrollment Profile:
- On the Mac, open Settings > Privacy & Security > Profiles click on Profile Downloaded.
- Click the + icon and select the enrollment profile.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the profile.
Verify Enrollment:
- Once the profile is installed, the Mac device will appear in the MDM > Devices section of the Endpoint Central Cloud console.
Verify Agent Installation:
- Check the agent status in System Preferences > Profiles on the Mac.
- Confirm the Mac is listed in the Inventory > Computers section of Endpoint Central Cloud Ensure the device status is listed as "Enrolled".

Benefits of Enrolling macOS Devices in Endpoint Central Cloud

Centralized Management: Manage all macOS devices from a single console.
Automated Patch Deployment: Ensure devices remain up-to-date with minimal effort.
Enhanced Security: Apply security policies, enforce encryption, and secure lost devices with remote actions.
Real-Time Monitoring: Track hardware, software, and compliance status in real time.

Conclusion

Enrolling macOS devices into ManageEngine Endpoint Central Cloud is a straightforward process that ensures efficient and secure device management. By configuring an APNs certificate and manually installing the agent, you can seamlessly integrate Mac devices into your IT environment. Follow these steps to maximize the capabilities of Endpoint Central Cloud for your macOS endpoints.

For more detailed guidance, refer to the official documentation: