Do my employees need Apple IDs?
What is a Do my employees need Apple IDs??
Apple IDs are not required for most deeploi setups. deeploi manages app installation centrally, so individual Apple IDs are usually unnecessary.
Apple IDs are not required for most deeploi setups. deeploi handles app installation, updates, and deployments centrally, which means employees typically do not need individual Apple IDs or App Store access.
When might you need Apple IDs?
Consider enabling Apple IDs only if one or more of these applies:
| Situation | Relevant? |
|---|---|
| Employees need App Store access for apps deeploi cannot install | Possibly |
| iCloud backups, Apple Wallet, or other Apple services are required | Possibly |
| You need to manage Apple IDs centrally across your organization | Possibly |
If none of these apply, skip Apple IDs entirely.
What are the two types of Apple ID?
| Type | What it is | Who controls it |
|---|---|---|
| Managed Apple ID | Created and managed through Apple Business Manager | Your company, via deeploi |
| Personal Apple ID | Created by each employee individually using a personal or business email | The employee only |
Managed Apple IDs
Centralized control and simpler IT support — but with notable limitations:
| Pros | Centralized access management, created automatically for employees, restricts personal Apple services |
| Limitations | No App Store downloads, no iCloud storage upgrades, no Apple Wallet (apps requiring Apple Pay, like Moss, will not work), FaceTime and TestFlight do not work |
Personal Apple IDs
Employees create and manage personal Apple IDs themselves. deeploi cannot access or manage them.
Security risk Personal Apple IDs can bypass IT controls and introduce compliance risks. If a device is not registered in Apple Business Manager, a personal Apple ID can block remote device resets, and deeploi cannot adjust configurations in an emergency.
Which type fits your situation?
| If you need to... | Recommended type |
|---|---|
| Access App Store apps not available through deeploi | Personal Apple ID |
| Use iCloud backups or Apple Wallet | Personal Apple ID |
| Use FaceTime, TestFlight, or other Apple-exclusive apps | Personal Apple ID |
| Manage Apple IDs centrally for your organization | Managed Apple ID |
Not sure? Contact hello@deeploi.io to discuss your requirements.
Setting up Managed Apple IDs
Managed Apple IDs require Apple Business Manager. Email hello@deeploi.io to enable this for your workspace. deeploi will enable Managed Apple ID creation and walk you through the domain confirmation step with Apple.
Before you start, read Apple's domain capture guide at support.apple.com. The domain confirmation process is complex, and Apple restricts deeploi's access during it.
This cannot be reversed. Once Managed Apple IDs are enabled, employees who used their business email for a personal Apple ID receive an email from Apple with 30 days to either transfer their Apple ID to a personal email address or convert it into a Managed Apple ID. After migration, deeploi cannot force employees to sign out of their personal Apple ID.
When migration emails go out, employees should transfer to a personal email if they use the account for personal photos, purchases, Apple Pay, or Family Sharing. Conversion to a Managed Apple ID is appropriate if the account was used only for work.
Use the template below to communicate the change before Apple's migration emails go out. Replace hello@deeploi.io with your own IT contact address.
Communication template
Subject: [Action required] Migration to Managed Apple IDs
Hello everyone,
We will soon be switching to Managed Apple IDs for all company accounts.
What does this mean? Managed Apple IDs are created and managed centrally by your company. This increases overall IT security. Some features available on personal Apple IDs will no longer be available, including Apple Pay and Family Sharing. More information is available at Apple's Managed Apple ID guide.
What do you need to do? If you created a personal Apple ID using your company email address, Apple will send you an email asking you to take action within 30 days. You have two options:
- Transfer the Apple ID to a personal email address so the account stays yours.
- Convert the Apple ID into a Managed Apple ID. This transfers ownership of the account and its data to your company.
If you have not created an Apple ID and are not signed in with one on your device, you do not need to do anything.
What do we recommend? Transfer to a personal email address if you use the account for:
- Personal photos or private data
- App, music, or movie purchases
- Apple Pay
- Family Sharing or shared subscriptions
Convert to a Managed Apple ID if the account is used mainly for:
- Work on company devices
- Accessing company services
You may need to disable Apple Pay or end Family Sharing before transferring. See Apple's instructions.
Option 1: Keep a personal account
- Back up your data (iCloud content, photos, notes, passwords).
- Create a new personal email address if needed.
- Open the email from Apple and click the link.
- Choose to transfer your Apple ID to your new email and follow the steps.
- Sign out of your Apple ID on your work devices.
- Sign in with your Managed Apple ID using your business email. If SSO is enabled, use your regular password.
Option 2: Convert to a Managed Apple ID
- Back up your data (iCloud content, photos, notes, passwords).
- Adjust settings if needed (see Apple's guide).
- Open the email from Apple and click the link.
- Choose the option to transfer the Apple ID to your company.
- Sign in with your business email when prompted.
Contact us at hello@deeploi.io if you have any questions.
Best regards, [Your name]
Setting up Personal Apple IDs
Employees create Personal Apple IDs themselves. Include an Apple ID creation guide in your onboarding materials so employees know how to set up an account using their business email.