When a Mac is turned on and goes through the initial setup before being added to Apple Business, it misses the DEP check-in that normally happens at first boot. In most cases, the standard fix is a factory reset — but if you need to avoid wiping the device, there is an alternative.
By adding the Mac to AB and running a single Terminal command, you can trigger DEP enrollment on a device that is already set up.
This method triggers MDM enrollment, but Smart Enrollment does not apply fully. Automations that run at first boot — such as automatic admin account creation — will not execute. Configure those settings manually after enrollment if needed.
In Apple Business, add the device and assign it to Applivery as the MDM server. Make sure a DEP profile is assigned to the device in Applivery before proceeding.
If you need help with this, refer to DEP configuration in Applivery.
On the Mac, open Terminal and run the following command:
sudo profiles renew -type enrollment
Enter the admin password when prompted. This triggers the DEP check-in and sends the MDM enrollment profile to the device.
A system prompt will appear asking the user to allow device management. Follow the on-screen steps to complete enrollment.
Once done, the device will appear under Devices in the Applivery Dashboard.