Setting up a Bowdoin-issued iPad for the first time

Questions

  • How do I set up my new Bowdoin iPad?
  • I just received my student iPad — what do I do first?
  • What do I need to do to activate my Bowdoin-issued iPad?
  • How do I get through the Remote Management screen during setup?
  • What should I do after unboxing my iPad for the first time?
  • I'm a new student — how do I get my iPad ready to use?
  • Do I need a Wi-Fi connection to set up my Bowdoin iPad?
  • What is Self Service on my iPad and how do I use it?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin College students, faculty, and staff setting up a college-issued iPad for the first time. A Wi-Fi connection is required to complete setup.

Resolution

Step 1 — Unbox and power on

Remove your iPad from the box and press and hold the power button on the top-right corner of the device. A black screen with the white Apple logo will appear as the iPad starts up.

Inside the box, underneath the iPad, you will find the USB-C power adapter and USB-C charging cable. Set them aside — you will need them to charge the device.

Note: Most packaging materials can be recycled. The exception is the plastic screen film on the iPad itself — keep that on until setup is complete to protect the screen.

Step 2 — Follow the on-screen setup prompts

The iPad will walk you through several setup screens. Key steps are listed below.

  1. On the Quick Start screen, tap Set Up Manually.
  2. On the Wi-Fi screen, connect to Bowdoin or eduroam. If you are off campus, connect to any available Wi-Fi network.
  3. On the Apps & Data screen, select Don't Transfer Apps & Data. It is best to configure the iPad as a new device. Previously purchased apps can be re-downloaded later after you sign in with your Apple ID.
  4. On the Remote Management screen, enter your Bowdoin email address and password, then approve the multi-factor authentication (MFA) prompt. This step enrolls your iPad into Bowdoin's device management system (Jamf) and installs required apps and settings.
  5. Continue through the remaining screens. Most optional setup steps — such as Face ID, Siri, and Screen Time — can be skipped and configured later in the Settings app.
Important: You must stay connected to Wi-Fi throughout the entire setup process. If you lose your connection, setup may not complete correctly.

Step 3 — Complete setup (optional)

Once setup finishes, the iPad will return to the home screen with a basic set of apps installed. A few optional steps to complete your configuration:

  • Self Service app: The Self Service app will be installed automatically. Open it to browse and install additional free and licensed apps provided by Bowdoin IT. See Apps for Bowdoin-Issued iPads in the Related Articles section for the full list.
  • iCloud: Open the Settings app and tap your name at the top (or Sign in to your iPad) to sign in with your personal Apple ID and enable iCloud.
  • Face ID: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode to set up Face ID.
  • Siri: Go to Settings > Siri & Search to configure Siri.
  • iPad Starter Guide: A digital iPad Starter Guide for Students is available to download from the Books app and provides a thorough introduction to using your iPad.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
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Apps for Bowdoin-Issued iPads
Overview of the apps available on Bowdoin-issued iPads, including apps installed automatically during setup, apps available through the Self Service app, and guidance on installing personal apps. Applies to Bowdoin students and faculty with a college-issued iPad.
Create an Apple Account
Steps for new Bowdoin students to create a US Apple Account, sign in to iCloud on their Bowdoin-issued iPad, and download an app from the App Store to confirm the setup is working.
Enable Accessibility Features on Your iPad
How to find and enable accessibility features on a Bowdoin-issued iPad, including options for vision, hearing, motor control, and learning. Covers navigating to Accessibility settings and enabling or customizing individual features.
iPad Setup Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting steps for errors encountered during initial iPad setup, including the Remote Management profile error and the Activation Lock screen. Applies to Bowdoin students and faculty setting up a college-issued iPad for the first time.
Privacy and MDM on Bowdoin-Issued Devices
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How to set up Touch ID or Face ID on a Bowdoin-issued iPad for unlocking the device, authorizing App Store purchases, and signing in to apps. Covers Touch ID (current iPad mini kits) and Face ID (iPad Pro kits), including adding additional fingerprints or appearances and temporarily disabling biometric unlock.
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Instructions for setting up the accessories included with a Bowdoin-issued iPad kit, including the Apple Pencil Pro (current kits), Apple Pencil 2 (older kits), Magic Keyboard (older kits), STM case, and USB-C charger.
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Step-by-step instructions for signing in to Microsoft Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and others) on a Bowdoin-issued iPad. Signing in once with your Bowdoin credentials authorizes all Office apps on the device.
Use Continuity Features Between Your Mac and iPad
An overview of Apple Continuity features that let Bowdoin-issued MacBooks and iPads work together seamlessly. Covers setup prerequisites, Universal Clipboard, Handoff, Sidecar (iPad as second display), Universal Control, and Continuity Camera. Applies to all Bowdoin students and faculty with both a Bowdoin MacBook and iPad.