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Issue with managed Apple IDs on macOS – apps and updates not accessibleSolved

Participant
Discussion
1 month ago

We are currently managing macOS devices using Hexnode UEM with DEP setup and Managed Apple IDs. While everything seems to be working well with pushing assigned apps and configurations, we’re encountering a challenge with application installations and updates on macOS devices.

The “Get” buttons in the App Store are greyed out, and users are unable to update existing applications. When trying to update an application, they receive the error message: “This feature isn’t available with the Apple Account you’re currently using.” It also doesn’t appear to let them switch to a personal account.

Has anyone encountered this issue before? Any insights or solutions?

Replies (4)

Marked SolutionPending Review
Participant
1 month ago
Marked SolutionPending Review

Hi @finn,

For the issue you’re facing, I tried signing out of the managed Apple ID from the App Store while keeping it signed in under the Settings on the device. Then, I signed into the App Store using a personal Apple ID and was able to make app purchases without any issues. However, be aware that this method could create issues related to app ownership, security, and might impact your ability to manage applications through your MDM solution effectively.

Marked SolutionPending Review
Hexnode Expert
1 month ago
Marked SolutionPending Review

Hey @finn,

Thanks for reaching out. While @margaret‘s method is a workaround, we do not recommend it as it could compromise device security and management. Instead, we advise following the standard approach provided by Hexnode UEM.

Managed Apple IDs cannot be used for app purchases from the App Store. However, Hexnode UEM allows you to deploy apps to your macOS devices using the Volume Purchase Program (VPP). To do this, you’ll need to set up VPP in your Apple Business Manager (ABM) and add the VPP token to your Hexnode UEM portal. This will enable you to purchase and deploy the necessary apps through your Hexnode portal.

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

Best regards
Ben Clarke
Hexnode UEM

Marked SolutionPending Review
Participant
1 month ago
Marked SolutionPending Review

This is not a limitation of Hexnode, but a limitation/rule for Managed AppleIDs.  It has been my experience that Managed AppleID is a very restricted version of “Standard AppleID”.  All apps must be installed via Hexnode.  All updates for apps are managed by Hexnode.  OS Updates should be allowed I believe.

We used this in our implementation to give them a bit of storage for cloud saving, but not enough to backup.  We also did not want our Sales Reps downloading whatever app they wanted.  We manage which apps they get.

For even more restriction, our warehouse uses NO AppleID to force disallow sharing of any type.  They can still do iOS updates as well, and all apps are shared from Hexnode

Marked SolutionPending Review
Participant
4 weeks ago
Marked SolutionPending Review

@livewot, we ran into a similar situation when one of our users reported that they couldn’t install any app from the App Store. Initially, we thought it might be an issue with the specific app, but it turned out to be the same for all apps. The user tried switching to a personal Apple ID, which allowed the app installation, but our organization’s policy doesn’t permit the use of personal Apple IDs on managed devices.

The workaround of using a personal Apple ID might seem convenient, but it can lead to issues with app ownership and managing the apps.

As of now, we use Hexnode to install all the necessary apps, including VPP apps, as well as other types of apps. Hexnode has eliminated the need for us to use personal Apple IDs for installing apps.