How to Supervise an iPhone with Apple Configurator in 2025

Step-by-step instructions showing every single step of the process of putting an iPhone into "Supervised" mode using the Apple Configurator app. Supervised mode gives parents or accountability partners far more control over iOS devices than can be achieved with Screen Time. In the video we demonstrate installing a free iOS app which contains a content-blocker that filters internet traffic--an app normally only allowed on devices owned by children. Apple Configurator is not the most easy to use, and supervising a phone does require a full reset of the device, but this video will hold your hand through the entire process.

00:00 - Why try Supervised mode?
00:45 - Case study: installing Gertrude Blocker
01:23 - Downloading Apple Configurator for Mac
01:55 - Backup the device first
03:00 - (optional) Make a list of installed apps
03:36 - Remove the device from FindMy
04:56 - Connecting and "Trusting" the computer
06:00 - "Prepare"-ing the iPhone
07:43 - "Failed to create activation request" error
08:28 - Working through setup screens
09:19 - "Transfer Your Apps & Data" screen
09:58 - "Make This Your New iPhone" screen
10:55 - Checking if Supervised mode is enabled
11:30 - Downloading "Gertrude Blocker" app
12:33 - Signing in to restore apps
14:57 - Creating a Configurator profile
16:14 - Customizing your profile & preventing removal
17:08 - Profile restrictions
18:40 - Media Content and app age ratings
19:15 - Restrict app usage
20:43 - How to "Add" a profile to the iOS device
21:27 - Combining supervised mode with Screen Time
21:51 - How to install the Gertrude Blocker app
22:44 - How to apply changes to a configurator profile
24:12 - Adding a new built-un System app
26:04 - Adding a new app store app
27:57 - Other settings and conclusion