Can I install a profile for supervised devices on an unsupervised device?
The behavior differs depending on whether the (supervised only) designation is attached to the setting group (payload) itself or to an individual setting item within the payload.
When the payload itself is "supervised only"
The profile cannot be installed on an unsupervised device.
In this case, Installation by sync is required is displayed for the [Profile] item in Sync Status on the Device detail screen, and the sync does not complete.
Examples: Content Filter (supervised only), Home Screen Layout (supervised only), etc.
When an individual setting item within the payload is "supervised only"
The profile itself is installed even on an unsupervised device and becomes Synchronized.
However, setting items specified as (supervised only) are skipped and are not applied on the unsupervised device.
Examples: Allow removing apps (supervised only) and Allow passcode modification (supervised only) in the Restrictions payload, etc.
For example, the Restrictions payload of the "Disable Camera_iOS" profile falls under the latter. Because (supervised only) is specified on individual setting items and not on the entire payload, the profile can be installed on an unsupervised device, but the corresponding setting items are not applied.
Last updated: September 11, 2026