Last updated: July 24, 2026

How to automate user assignment for ABM-enrolled devices?

Description

iOS devices enrolled through Apple Business Manager (ABM/ASM), must be assigned users in order to allocate devices. Users can be assigned to each device either individually or in bulk by adding a CSV with the user details. This process can be time consuming and cumbersome, when the device user is to be reassigned. MDM resolves this by automating user assignment for devices enrolled through ABM as explained below:

Steps

1. Configure Active Directory(AD) in MDM.
2. When configuring ABM, enable the option Authenticate and auto assign users on device activation. If ABM has been already configured, modify the existing settings to enable the option.
3. Enroll devices as explained here.
4. When the device is being setup, provide the user name as domain name\user name. 

Don't know about ABM? Learn how to enroll devices using ABM under 4 minutes here.

Frequently asked questions

How does MDM automatically assign the correct user to an ABM-enrolled device?

Once Active Directory is configured in MDM and "Authenticate and auto assign users on device activation" is enabled in the ABM settings, the user just signs in with domain name\user name during device setup and MDM assigns that user to the device automatically.

Why use automatic user assignment instead of a CSV-based bulk assignment?

Assigning users individually or through a CSV can be time-consuming and cumbersome, especially when a device's user needs to be reassigned later; automatic assignment removes that manual step entirely.

Is automatic user assignment for ABM available on Android or Windows devices?

No, this automated ABM/ASM user-assignment workflow is documented specifically for iOS devices enrolled through Apple Business Manager.