Manage apps and content
Apps can come from different sources. They can be distributed by your organization on managed devices using a device management service.
Users can’t purchase apps on managed devices.
If your organization supports user-owned devices, users will have their personal, unmanaged apps purchased from the App Store installed on their devices, as well as any managed apps acquired through device management.
You can help users identify App Store content on their iPhone or iPad by focusing on differentiating between various app sources and characteristics:
Managed apps: An organization deploys these apps through a device management service. The apps aren’t tied to an unmanaged Apple Account, but to the managing organization. They often have a different badge, icon overlay, or category in the App Library to distinguish them from unmanaged apps. In managed environments, the App Store is still available to browse, but the Get button is dimmed. You should direct users to the device management administrator or IT department for support, as you may not have full control over these apps. You can verify device management enrollment and app installation status through the device management console (if you have access available).
Unmanaged apps: These apps are directly linked to the user’s personal Apple Account. They generally appear with a cloud download icon (if not already on the device) or an Open button in the App Store. Guide users to check their Purchased history in the App Store below their Apple Account profile to confirm that the app was downloaded with their Apple Account.
Custom Apps: These are apps developed specifically for an organization’s internal use. They’re often distributed through the App Store privately or through device management. The name of the developer is usually the name of the organization or a partnered developer.
Unlisted apps: These apps are available on the App Store but aren’t publicly searchable. They’re distributed through a direct link. Ensure that the user has the correct, working link to download the app. Help users understand the app is intentionally not listed in the App Store’s main search. Verify that the app is compatible with the user’s device and iOS version.
Verify AirDrop settings to share content
AirDrop is useful for transferring files between iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Users can share and receive photos, documents, and more with other Apple devices that are nearby.
Depending on an organization’s device management settings, AirDrop might be managed by an IT administrator. You can help users adjust AirDrop settings, such as visibility and receiving options, to enhance workflow and data security. Some AirDrop features might be restricted by device management. For more information, see Device management restrictions for iPhone and iPad devices in Apple Platform Deployment.
If a user is having issues sending files with AirDrop, adjust the AirDrop receiving settings in Control Center. Make sure that the devices have the latest operating system version, you’ve turned Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and on, or the user has restarted the devices.
If Receiving Off is selected, and they can’t tap to change it, follow the steps below.
In Settings, tap Screen Time.
Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and make sure that it’s turned on.
Tap Allowed Apps & Features, and make sure that AirDrop is turned on.
Repeat these steps on the secondary device and test to verify that the issue is resolved.
Note: Your organization might restrict AirDrop use through device management settings on organization-owned devices. The steps above don’t apply to organization-owned devices if your device management settings restrict AirDrop.
Unresponsive apps
Occasionally, iPhone or iPad apps can become unresponsive if app or operating system versions are out of date, device memory is low, or the network is unreliable. An app with issues might not open or can quit unexpectedly, become sluggish, stop responding, or appear to freeze.
If an app isn’t responding, you can quit it and then reopen it to try and resolve the issue. (Typically, there’s no reason to quit an app; quitting it doesn’t save battery power, for example.)
Steps to take:
To quit the app, open the App Switcher, swipe right to find the app, and swipe up on the app.
To reopen the app, go to the Home Screen (or App Library), then tap the app.
If the issue persists, try the following methods:
Restart the device.
Update the app or verify that it’s current. Older versions might become unresponsive.
Note: If you’re signed in with a Managed Apple Account on your device, this option isn’t available.
Verify that App Updates is turned on in Settings.
Verify that the user has the latest iOS or iPadOS version.
Uninstall and reinstall the app.
Note: For managed devices, check with your IT administrator for your organization’s app removal and installation policies.