Return to Service - How to Keep Static Groups?

[mariamaile111]

I was able to get the Jamf Return to Service app working on an iPad, perhaps a bit too well...

Once the iPad reboots, it self-enrolls fine, but it loses all Static groups it was in. I then have to manually re-assign the iPad to the Static groups it needs for proper configuration and app access.

Is there a way to make Return to Service work so that it wipes the iPad, but then puts it back into the Static groups it was in? I noticed the wipe and repair option with Apple Configurator does not have this issue (keeps static groups after resetting).

[sdagley]

@mariamaile111 I'm only managing Macs with Jamf Pro these days, and my experience managing iPads long pre-dates the Return to Service app, but is there an option for that app to not delete an iPad from Jamf Pro when resetting it? For Macs re-enrolling without first deleting the device preserves the Computer Static Group membership and I'd expect the same for iPads.

[agungsujiwo]

Hi @mariamaile111 ,

Based on the Jamf Return to Service documentation, there is no mention of an "Erase Device" feature in Jamf. A static device should remain in Jamf and not be removed.

Would you like to try creating a Smart Group with consistent device attributes? This could be a good alternative if you continue to experience issues with static devices.

[PaulHazelden]

I would create a Smart group and use the device Serial Number as the Attribute. You can add in as many Serials as you want to this group. It is now a Static group, whilst being a Smart group.
I only have 5 Static groups in my Jamf server, and these are all for testing only. I have the Static group added to my policies, and can add individual devices to the group and get the policy applied. Remove the device and wipe and the policy no longer runs on it.

[rzoppi]

Where did you find instruction on how to set the app up. I have done return to service via a mac, api calls and a script, but I just saw that there was this return to service app in the app store. I installed it on my ipad, but am getting an error and cant find a whitepaper on setting it up. TIA

[mariamaile111]

Here's Jamf's documentation on Return to Service. Sounds like you have the first part done, but you need the configuration piece yet:

https://s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/jamfse.io/Jamf+Return+to+Service+-+Guide.pdf

[rzoppi]

Thank you so much. It is now working! another caveat is when I used return to service via api calls and a script (prior to the existence of this app), I had to set location services on each iPad after they came back online. It appears this issue exists with the app as well.

[mariamaile111]

No problem! I've had that issue as well. My Jamf rep said it does need to be turned on manually if you need it on. You do not need location services just for the lost mode/management controls to work through Jamf. Not sure what your org is like, but hope that helps!