Adding a VPP app to Deployed iPads

 Simple steps for adding a new VPP app to deployed iPads using Apple Configurator:

1. Connect all iPads to a charging station and the computer used for syncing.
2. Push out an nonrestrictive profile that allows access to iTunes and downloading apps.
3. Navigate to iTunes. Purchase and download one copy of the app.
4. Navigate to the VPP Store and login with your school account.
5. Search for the app, and purchase the required number of licenses.
6. Download the spreadsheet containing the license codes.
7. Back to Apple Configurator: in the Supervise section, under the Apps tab, click the + to add another app.
8. Search on your computer for .ipa files to find the downloaded app. Select and click the check box.
9. Click the number next to the app name to add license codes. Click the button to search for the spreadsheet. Search, find the file, and select. This should populate the number of licenses you bought into Apple Configurator.
10. Apply changes to all iPads. This will push out the new app to all iPads, and delete the licenses.
11. Last step: apply your restrictive profile (no iTunes access, etc.).
12. Done!

Updated Apps Not Opening? Workaround.

I shared in a previous post the trials we went through using Apple Configurator to update apps on our 30 deployed iPads. This took place Thursday afternoon and we thought we were in the clear Friday.

Friday morning, I started sorting the iPads into their crates for classroom usage and on a whim I tried to open Pages, one of the apps we updated. I desperately wanted this update, because (finally!) it allows Pages to communicate with Dropbox. I tapped the icon, the screen flashed, and then returned to the home screen. The same thing happened with GoodNotes, another app we had updated. I quickly went through the 30 iPads, and found only 12 had this issue.

By all appearances (and a quick google search) the only way to solve the issue was to push out another profile from Apple Configurator with those apps unchecked, then push it out again with the apps added, forcing the apps to reinstall. My problem: lost student data. Yes, we have backups, but I didn't want to deal with the hassle and not everything was completely backed up.

I knew there had to be another way to get these apps functioning without having to reinstall. I guessed at a solution - and it worked!!! Here's what I did:

- On each individual iPad (not using Apple Configurator) I went into our passcoded restrictions and allowed iTunes and the App Store. Then, I updated other apps manually (not Pages - remember, that was fully updated) that needed to be updated. Once I started this process, Pages magically worked again. Strange and weird. After the updates were finished, I set the restrictions again and we were good to go.

Lesson? Problem solving skills and a good amount of luck are needed for successful deployment. 

Updating Apps using Apple Configurator

Yesterday we attempted to update some apps on our deployed iPads. We downloaded the updates in iTunes, replaced the old versions of the apps in Apple Configurator, and pushed out the update. Unfortunately, we ran into problems because of the restrictions on the profile we originally pushed out to the iPads. The updates failed.

We then attempted to push out a new unrestricted profile. That also failed. Apparently, Apple Configurator attempts to install the new updated apps before applying the new profile settings. It's backwards and confusing and sends you into an endless loop.

Our workaround? We manually went on to each iPad and removed the profile in the settings menu. Once this profile was removed, using Apple Configurator we pushed out the new unrestricted profile (which allowed access to iTunes) and the updated apps. This worked.

Next time, here's the process we will follow:

1. Plug in the iPads to the charging cart.
2. Push out an unrestricted profile.
3. Download updates iTunes and replaced outdated apps in Apple Configurator.
4. Refresh and apply in Apple Configurator.
5. Push out the restricted profile.

Lessons Learned in iPad Deployment

Last week, we deployed thirty iPads in my High School English classroom. We hit a few bumps in the road, but things are starting to come together. Here's what we learned:

1. In my initial research, I was concerned about losing student data when we synched the iPads in the Bretford cart. I didn't want all thirty iPads to wipe when we needed to add or delete an app. As Apple Configurator is still relatively new, the information I found was spotty. It seemed best to install our VPP (volume purchase program) apps manually to all thirty iPads, redeeming in iTunes on each individual iPad. We finished about 15 until we rethought this process and did more research. Apparently, there are options in Apple Configurator to retain data. We wiped the iPads to start clean again and prepare with Configurator. 
2. Setting up the iPads in Configurator went smoothly, as did adding all the free apps. BUT, when we attempted to use our VPP codes again, we were fifteen short. We thought the fifteen we originally used would repopulate when we wiped the iPads clean. Nope. After a few phone calls (not recommended) and emails with Apple, they were finally able to give us new codes. Apparently, if you switch deployment methods you can lose access to the codes. Apple was very generous in refreshing our codes as we made an honest mistake trying to figure everything out. 
3. The way I want to set up the iPads is not covered in the Apple Configurator model. I do not want my students to add or delete apps at will on the iPads - I will not hand out the VPP codes. I do not want students to login with their own Apple IDs. I also do not want the iPads to wipe data between classes. I know this means I will have 4-5 students in different classes able to access each other's data. I'm ok with this. I do not have time built in to my 42 minute periods to push out new profiles and assign users. The iPads are only being used in my classroom for five periods a day. My situation is unique - and I wish Apple Configurator was more customizable. 
4. Apple Configurator is wonderful... when it works. However, it needs more options. Following the iPad Apple Configurator deployment guide did not help when my situation did not fit their three models. 

At the end of the day, we were able to sort it out and make it work. Up next: how I organize the iPads for easy classroom usage.