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Last updated: July 24, 2026

How to backup and restore data, when devices are being Supervised?

This guide explains how to move data from an old iOS device onto a new supervised device, since Apple recommends setting up supervised devices as new without restoring data. It requires the new device, a backup of the old device, and DEP/Apple Business Manager or Apple Configurator. The workflow backs up the old device, enrolls and supervises the new one through DEP/ABM or Apple Configurator, then restores the backup so app data carries over before final user assignment.

Description

The rate at which technology is advancing, organizations need to upgrade the user's devices frequently. The devices in use can either be Supervised or unsupervised. If the devices are to be Supervised, Apple recommends setting up the device as new without restoring data from other devices. However, Mobile Device Manager Plus provides a workaround for Supervising the devices to be upgraded without any data loss.

Requirements

Steps

Using DEP/ABM for Supervision

Note: The device must be eligible to be added in DEP/ABM. Make sure to have selected the Restore from Backup and Sign into iCloud options during device activation.

  • Turn off Find My iPhone on the devices to avoid problems during enrollment.
  • Back up the old device using iTunes or iCloud.
  • Add the new device to DEP/ABM using the steps given here and activate the device to enroll it.
  • From the Apps & Data screen, restore the backup of the temporary device data into the enrolled device.
  • All the app data is restored in the enrolled device and the MDM profile is installed with the new DEP/ABM profile.
  • The enrolled device is awaiting user assignment and profile distribution.

Using Apple Configurator

  • Turn off Find My iPhone on the devices to avoid problems during enrollment.
  • Back up the old device using iTunes or iCloud.
  • Connect the new device to Apple Configurator and restore the back up of the old device by selecting Restore from backup.
  • After restoration, when the device shows the Welcome screen on activation, connect it to Apple Configurator and enroll using the steps given here.
  • All the app data is restored in the enrolled device and the MDM profile is installed with the new Apple Configurator profile.
  • The enrolled device is awaiting user assignment and profile distribution.

NOTE: Click here to know more about migrating from DEP to ABM. 

 

 

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I just set up the new device fresh and skip the backup?

Apple recommends setting up a supervised device as new without restoring data from another device, but that would mean losing the old device's app data. This workaround backs up the old device and restores that data onto the new supervised device instead.

What do I need to move data from an old device to a new supervised device?

You need the new device to be upgraded, a backup of the old device, and either Apple Configurator or Device Enrollment Program (DEP)/Apple Business Manager (ABM) to enroll and supervise the new device.