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NinjaOne Apple MDM: Troubleshooting ID Purchase Error

  • Last Updated March 10, 2026

Issue

When attempting to deploy applications to managed mobile devices, I receive the following error: 

This Apple ID account cannot be used to make purchases

Environment

  • NinjaOne Apple Mobile Device Management (MDM)
  • Apple iOS

Cause

This issue may be caused by using the incorrect Apps and Books distribution type.

Resolution

Use a non-managed Apple ID (or no Apple ID) on the device in question. If you are deploying the application via Apps and Books, check the application distribution type. To do so, perform the following steps:

  1. In NinjaOne, navigate to Administration → Policies → MDM Policies.
  2. Select a policy to open the configuration page.
  3. Open the Applications section and review your application table. If the column displays "Public App Store,"
mdm policy_applications_distribution type_public.png
Figure 1: View distribution types for applications deployed via NinjaOne
  1. If set to Public App Store, remove the app and re-add it under the Apps and Books distribution type.

Additional Resources

Refer to our NinjaOne Mobile Device Management (MDM): Resource Catalog for a list of all Apple MDM troubleshooting articles.

FAQ

Next Steps