Why Do I Need A Push Certificate?
Before Apple allows SimpleMDM to interact with your devices, you must create an Apple push certificate and upload it to SimpleMDM. This push certificate gives SimpleMDM permission to contact your devices in order to send commands, configurations, and manage apps.
Creating an Apple push certificate is a quick and easy process that shouldn't take more than a couple of minutes.?
How to Create a Push Certificate
You will need an Apple ID in order to generate an Apple push certificate. You will need to renew your certificate each year with this Apple ID, so make sure to use an Apple ID that you will remember and also have access to in the future.
If you do not have an Apple ID yet, or would like to create a new one for the purposes of SimpleMDM, you can do so here:
https://appleid.apple.com/account#!&page=create
We recommend using an Apple ID that will be accessible to you / your organization in future, as you will need to renew the certificate once per year with the same Apple ID in order to prevent any interruptions in MDM functionality.
Once you have an Apple ID, sign into SimpleMDM. If you haven't already, you will be prompted to pair your account with Apple by generating an Apple push certificate. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Note: When setting up the Push Certificate for your account, neither the certificate request file (.scsr) nor the Push Certificate file (.csr) need to be opened with an application on your computer at any time. These files just need to be downloaded to your computer and uploaded to the corresponding websites as described in the instructions shown in SimpleMDM when creating your account.
Common Questions
Q: Should I use the same Apple ID to generate my push certificate as I use for Apple Business Manager, VPP or DEP? Should I use an Apple ID that I use on the devices as well?
The Apple ID you use does not need to be linked to an Apple Business Manager account and does not need to be the Apple ID being used on any of your devices. This Apple ID is only needed to create the push certificate and will not appear or be tied to any of your devices.
