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Getting Started with Your Managed Mac

Overview

This guide will help you set up and begin using your company-managed Mac. It covers common onboarding tasks such as connecting to Wi-Fi, signing in, completing multi-factor authentication (MFA), allowing automated setup to finish, connecting to Zscaler, and accessing company applications like Microsoft Outlook and other Microsoft 365 tools.

⏱️ Estimated setup time: 20–30 minutes

By the end of this guide, you will be able to:

  • Sign in to your Mac with your company account
  • Connect to Wi-Fi
  • Complete MFA using your approved iOS authentication app
  • Allow automated enrollment and setup to finish
  • Connect to Zscaler
  • Access Microsoft 365 and local Office applications
  • Use Self Service to install approved apps

Before You Begin

Before starting setup, make sure you have:

  • Your company email address

  • Example: jbob@mycompany.com

  • Your company password
  • Your approved MFA method on your iPhone or other iOS device
  • Access to a Wi-Fi network (home or public is OK for initial setup)
  • Your Mac power adapter
  • Any onboarding instructions provided by your IT team

🔒 Security note: Do not share your company password or MFA verification code. IT will never ask for this information.

Turn On the Mac and Begin Setup

When you turn on a new or reissued company-managed Mac, it may automatically enroll in your organization’s device management system during setup.

In many enterprise environments, this process is supported by Apple Business Manager and a management platform such as Jamf.

  1. Connect the computer to a power source using the provided adapter
  2. Turn on the Mac
  3. Follow the setup screens until prompted to connect to Wi-Fi or sign in
  4. Allow automated enrollment and configuration to begin

ℹ️ During this process, your Mac may automatically apply company settings, security controls, and required configurations.

Connect to Wi-Fi

To continue setup, your Mac must be connected to the internet.

  1. Select the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar

  2. Choose an available network

  3. This can be your home Wi-Fi or another trusted network

  4. Enter the password if prompted
  5. Confirm that the Wi-Fi icon shows an active connection

ℹ️ You do not need to connect to the company network yet.

Sign In with Your Company Account

After enrollment or at the login screen:

  1. Enter your company email address and password

  2. Example: jbob@mycompany.com

  3. If prompted, sign in with your Microsoft 365 account
  4. Wait for the desktop to load

ℹ️ Your Mac login may be linked to your Microsoft 365 account. ⏳ The first login may take longer than usual while setup completes.

Complete MFA Using Your iOS Device

Some environments require multi-factor authentication during sign-in or application setup.

If prompted:

  1. Open your approved authentication app on your iPhone or other iOS device
  2. Approve the sign-in request or enter the verification code
  3. Return to the Mac and continue setup

Examples of MFA actions include:

  • Approving a push notification
  • Entering a time-based verification code
  • Confirming your identity in a company-approved app

Allow Managed Setup to Finish

After signing in, your Mac may continue applying company settings in the background.

This may include:

  • Device enrollment through Apple Business Manager and Jamf
  • Security configuration
  • Application installation
  • Microsoft Office app installation
  • Browser or certificate configuration
  • Single Sign-On (SSO) setup
  • Zscaler setup or registration

Leave your Mac connected to power and Wi-Fi for several minutes to allow setup to complete.

Connect to Zscaler

If your organization uses Zscaler for secure access:

  1. Open the Zscaler application (if needed)

  2. Sign in with your company account

  3. Example: jbob@mycompany.com

  4. Complete MFA if prompted
  5. Confirm that Zscaler shows a connected or active status

Depending on your setup, Zscaler may connect automatically.

⚠️ Some company applications and network resources may not be available until Zscaler is connected.

Connect to the Secure Company Wi-Fi Network

If you are working in a company office or connected to Zscaler, you may now connect to the secure company Wi-Fi network.

  1. Select the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar

  2. Choose the approved secure company wireless network

  3. Example: MyCompany-Secure

  4. Enter your credentials if prompted
  5. Confirm that the Wi-Fi icon shows an active connection

Access Microsoft 365 and Office Applications

Many organizations provide Microsoft 365 services along with locally installed Office applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams.

To verify access:

  1. Open an application such as Outlook or Word

  2. Sign in with your company account if prompted

  3. Example: jbob@mycompany.com

  4. Complete MFA if required
  5. Confirm the application opens and your account is recognized

If an app is not installed, check Self Service.

ℹ️ If setting up Outlook, make sure Zscaler is connected first if required by your organization.

Open Self Service and Install Approved Apps

Many organizations use Jamf Self Service to provide approved applications and updates.

To open Self Service:

  1. Open Applications
  2. Select Self Service
  3. Sign in if prompted

To install apps:

  1. Browse available applications
  2. Select the app you need
  3. Click Install
  4. Wait for installation to complete

Examples of available apps:

  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Google Chrome
  • Zoom

Confirm Your Mac Is Ready

Before beginning work, confirm that:

  • You can sign in successfully
  • Wi-Fi is connected
  • MFA is working
  • Zscaler is connected (if required)
  • Microsoft 365 sign-in works
  • Office applications open successfully
  • Self Service is available

⏳ If apps are still installing, allow a few additional minutes for setup to finish.

Get Help

Contact your IT support team if:

  • You cannot sign in after multiple attempts
  • MFA approval fails
  • The Mac cannot connect to Wi-Fi
  • Zscaler does not connect
  • Microsoft 365 apps do not open or recognize your account
  • Applications or Self Service are missing
  • Setup does not appear to be complete

Find Your Mac Serial Number

If IT support requests your Mac serial number:

  1. Select the Apple menu
  2. Choose About This Mac
  3. Locate the serial number
  4. Copy or record it

When contacting support, include:

  • Your company email address

  • Example: jbob@mycompany.com

  • Your Mac serial number
  • A screenshot or description of the issue
  • The step or application involved

Troubleshooting

I cannot sign in

  • Verify your email address

  • Example: jbob@mycompany.com

  • Confirm your password is correct and not expired
  • Check your Wi-Fi connection
  • Restart your Mac and try again

MFA is not working

  • Check that your authentication app is available and up to date
  • Retry the MFA prompt
  • Ensure the code is current before entering it

Zscaler is not connecting

  • Confirm your credentials
  • Complete MFA if prompted
  • Restart the application
  • Check your Wi-Fi connection

Office apps are missing

  • Open Self Service to install apps
  • Confirm setup has completed
  • Wait a few minutes and try again

Self Service is missing

  • Wait a few minutes for enrollment to complete
  • Restart your Mac
  • Contact IT if it still does not appear

Next Steps

After setup is complete, you are ready to:

  • Access Microsoft 365 services
  • Use Office applications
  • Install approved apps through Self Service
  • Connect securely to company resources
  • Begin your normal daily work