IT & Security FAQ (UDID)

Q1. What is a UDID?

The UDID (Unique Device Identifier) is a 40-character alphanumeric string assigned to every iOS/iPadOS device. It serves as a permanent hardware identifier. Example: 00000000-1111111111111111.

Q2. Why is it required?

Apple requires a device’s UDID to be registered in its Developer Program before that device can install prerelease or test builds distributed outside the App Store (e.g., via Diawi, TestFlight, or Enterprise distribution). Without the UDID, the installation of internal builds is not permitted.

Q3. Does providing a UDID pose a security or privacy risk?

• No. The UDID is a non-personal identifier.

• It cannot be used to access, monitor, or modify a device.

• Its sole function is to allow registration of a device within Apple’s developer systems so that it may run test applications.

• Possession of a UDID alone does not enable any malicious or unauthorised activity.

Q4. Our policy restricts installation of configuration profiles. What alternatives exist?

If corporate policy does not permit the installation of configuration profiles, UDIDs can still be retrieved through Apple-approved methods:

• Apple Configurator 2 (macOS only): An Apple-signed utility that displays the UDID when a device is connected via USB.

• Mobile Device Management (MDM): Most MDM platforms (e.g., Microsoft Intune, JAMF, MobileIron) already record UDIDs. Administrators can securely export them.

• Apple iTunes/Finder: On macOS or Windows, IT staff can connect the device to iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later). By clicking on the device’s Serial Number, it changes to display the UDID, which can then be copied.

Q5. Can the configuration profile from get.udid.io be trusted?

• The profile is Apple-signed and limited to retrieving the UDID.

• It can be removed immediately after use.

• No personal information, files, or system settings are accessed or transmitted.

Q6. Who will have access to the UDID?

Only the designated app distribution team will use the UDID, and solely for the purpose of registering devices within Apple’s developer system. UDIDs will not be shared externally or internally beyond this group and will not be used for any other purpose.