# Custom Configuration

Last updated: August 14, 2026

This page explains how to create and deploy custom configuration profiles for iOS devices managed through MDM. When MDM's built-in policies do not cover a specific requirement, administrators can use third-party tools such as Apple Configurator or ProfileCreator to build custom profiles and upload them to the MDM console. Dynamic variables eliminate the need for per-user configuration by automatically fetching enrollment data. Once published, custom profiles can be associated with individual devices or groups, with testing on a trial device recommended before production rollout.

MDM supports an extensive set of [policies and restrictions](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/profile_management/ios/mdm_configuration_profiles.html) which can be configured on the MDM server. For the policies which are currently not supported by MDM, you can create custom configuration profiles using third-party tools like [Apple Configurator](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/how-to/mdm-create-custom-profiles-apple-configurator.html), [ProfileCreator](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/how-to/mdm-create-custom-configuration-profile-creator.html), or manually create them using text editors. To facilitate user specific configurations, use dynamic variables. Dynamic variables ensure policies in the custom profiles need not be configured separately for each user, as they automatically fetch the required details from the enrollment data. [Click here](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/profile_management/mdm_dynamic_variables.html) to learn more about dynamic variables.

Custom configuration is available in **Professional, Free** and **Trial editions**. Visit [Edition comparison matrix](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/edition-comparison-matrix.html) for more information.

It is recommended to configure custom profiles only to distribute policies *currently unavailable* in MDM.

## Procedure

1. Create custom configuration profiles using third-party tools (Apple Configurator, Profile Creator, etc) and configure policies which are currently not supported by MDM.
2. On the console, go to **Device Mgmt** -> **Profiles** -> **Create Profile** -> **Apple**. Provide the requisite profile details and click on Continue. On the left pane, select **Custom Configuration**.
3. Here, drag and drop the configuration profile created earlier or click on **Upload Configuration** and upload the same.
4. After uploading the profile successfully, save and publish it. Custom configuration profiles can later be associated with managed Apple devices.

After creating custom configurations, you can [associate the profiles to devices](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/profile_management/mdm_associating_profiles_to_devices.html) or [to groups](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/profile_management/mdm_associating_profiles_to_groups.html) according to the requirement. However, it is recommended to test the custom configurations on a test device before associating it with your production environment.

## Sample XML File

![Customconfig1 - ManageEngine MDM](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/images/customconfig1.png)

## Frequently Asked Questions

1. **Which third-party tools can I use to create a custom configuration profile?**

   You can create custom configuration profiles using tools such as Apple Configurator or ProfileCreator, or by manually authoring the profile with a text editor, and then upload it to MDM under **Device Mgmt > Profiles > Create Profile > Apple > Custom Configuration**.

2. **Which MDM editions support Custom Configuration profiles?**

   Custom Configuration is available in the Professional, Free, and Trial editions.

3. **Should I test a custom configuration profile before rolling it out?**

   Yes. It's recommended to test the custom configuration on a test device before associating it with your production environment.