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MicroMDM
What it is
MicroMDM is a free, open-source Mobile Device Management server for Apple devices, intended for enterprise and education. Its APIs let administrators schedule commands, read device data, and manage the server. There is no built-in administrator web interface; the mdmctl command-line utility provides administration through those APIs. Setup involves running the server binary with a server URL, API key, and TLS certificate and key. The setup guide covers Apple Push Notification service integration using an Apple-issued MDM push certificate. Apple Business Manager Device Enrollment Program integration is supported but optional. An API key is needed to protect the API and authenticate requests. TLS certificates and a key are required when MicroMDM terminates device connections, though TLS can instead terminate at a load balancer. MicroMDM supports automated enrollment, app deployment, FileVault management, and remote commands. Version 1 is in maintenance mode, with no new feature work planned and security and bug fixes on an available-effort basis through the end of 2025. The project recommends migrating to NanoMDM and/or the Nano-suite and says micro2nano tools aid migration of existing enrollments.
For and against
For
- Free and permissively licensed open-source software.
- APIs support commands, device data, and server management.
- Supports automated enrollment, app deployment, and FileVault management.
- Device Enrollment Program integration is optional.
- Migration tools aid existing enrollment transfers.
Against
- No built-in administrator web interface.
- Version 1 has no planned feature work.
- Security and bug fixes are on an available-effort basis through 2025.
The verdict
MicroMDM provides Apple device management through APIs and a command-line utility, with no charge. Its maintenance status and migration recommendation are important considerations for teams evaluating it.
Who it suits
MicroMDM may suit enterprise or education teams managing Apple devices that are comfortable administering a server through command-line tools and APIs. It is a less suitable starting point for teams seeking an actively developed version 1 or built-in web administration.
Plans and prices
Free
Free, open source, permissively licensed
Read 7 Oct 2026 · micromdm.io
On the record
- Administration
- MicroMDM does not include a built-in administrator web interface; it provides the mdmctl command-line utility, which uses the API.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- API
- Its APIs support scheduling commands, reading device data, and managing the server.micromdm.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- API security
- The setup guide says an API key must be created to protect the API and authenticate API requests.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Deployment
- The quickstart describes running the MicroMDM server binary with a server URL, API key, and TLS certificate and key.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Device enrollment
- Apple Business Manager Device Enrollment Program integration is supported but is not required.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The setup guide documents integration with Apple Push Notification service using an Apple-issued MDM push certificate.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Maintenance status
- The project announced that MicroMDM v1 is in maintenance mode, with no new feature work planned and security and bug fixes on an available-effort basis through the end of 2025.micromdm.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Migration guidance
- The project recommends migrating from MicroMDM to NanoMDM and/or the Nano-suite, which it describes as currently supported and generally maintained.micromdm.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Migration tooling
- The project says micro2nano tools aid in transparently migrating existing MDM enrollments.micromdm.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Package deployment
- An optional file repository is used for packages uploaded with mdmctl apply app and is unnecessary if custom packages are not being pushed with InstallApplication commands.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- MicroMDM is an open-source Mobile Device Management server for Apple devices, intended for enterprise and education.micromdm.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project says its #micromdm channel on the MacAdmins Slack team is the best place to get help.micromdm.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- TLS
- The guide says TLS certificates and a key must be configured when MicroMDM terminates device connections; TLS can instead terminate at a load balancer.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
