Migrate from redemption codes to managed distribution

Organizations that participate in Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager can choose between two different distribution methods for each transaction: managed distribution or redeemable codes.

With managed distribution, organizations retain ownership and control of apps purchased through Apps and Books. Your organization can assign apps to users, or iOS devices, through a mobile device management solution or Apple Configurator. You can also revoke and reassign apps as needed. Organizations can also assign books using mobile device management, though the user retains ownership of the books.

Alternatively, your organization can use redemption codes to transfer ownership of apps or books to a user's iTunes account.

Migrate redemption codes to managed distribution

If you previously purchased redemption codes, you can request to migrate these codes for use with managed distribution if the codes are unredeemed.

Previously purchased redemption codes that have been redeemed by individual users can't be migrated.

If you choose migration, all previously purchased codes must be migrated and all unredeemed codes will be disabled after you convert to managed distribution. If you have unredeemed codes in circulation within your organization, you might want to redeem them, alert users that they won't be available, or delay migration until they've been redeemed.

The migration from redemption codes to managed distribution is permanent and cannot be reversed.

System requirements

A mobile device management solution is required for managed distribution. Make sure you have an MDM solution in place and that it’s linked to your Apps and Books account before you request migration. Apple Business Essentials supports managed distribution to users or devices. Apple Configurator for Mac supports managed distribution to devices. For other mobile device management solutions, check with your mobile device management provider.

Request migration

If you reviewed the requirements and want to migrate from redemption codes to managed distribution for all previous purchases made with your account, submit your request using the online business and education support request form. Select "Other" in the "Tell us about your issue" menu.