After updating to macOS 26 (Tahoe), many IT admins and Mac users discovered that Apple Configurator 2 profiles stopped working. The most common complaint: when trying to create or edit a configuration profile, the payload list appears blank—you only see the “General” section, but can’t access Wi-Fi, VPN, or other payload options.
Apple Configurator 2 Broken on macOS 26? Profiles Not Installing? Get Fix
If you rely on Configurator 2 for device setup or MDM workflows, this is a major headache. This guide explains what’s happening and shows you quick solutions to fix Apple Configurator 2 profiles not working on macOS 26.
Symptoms You Might See
- Blank payload menu when editing or adding profiles — only “General” loads.
- Unable to edit existing profiles or add new payloads.
- Profiles that previously worked on macOS 25 (Sonoma) now fail to open or save changes.
- Some users say reverting to macOS 25 restores full functionality — pointing to a Tahoe-specific issue.
Likely Causes
- Compatibility gap between your current Configurator 2 build and the new macOS 26 frameworks.
- Un-updated Apple Configurator 2 app from the Mac App Store.
- macOS Tahoe sandbox/permission changes that prevent the UI from rendering payloads.
- Corrupted cache or preference files left over after the OS upgrade.
- Old profiles or templates that conflict with the new OS behavior.
Quick Fixes & Workarounds
1. Update Apple Configurator 2
- Launch the Mac App Store → Updates.
- Install the latest Apple Configurator 2 version that supports macOS 26.
- Relaunch Configurator 2 and check if the payload menu reappears.
Many users report that updating the app fixes most Configurator 2 profile failures after Tahoe update.
2. Restart and Clear Configurator 2 Cache
- Quit Apple Configurator 2.
- Restart your Mac to flush the system cache.
- If the issue persists, locate and remove Configurator 2 preference files in your ~/Library/Containers/ and ~/Library/Preferences/ folders (after backing them up).
- Relaunch the app and test profile editing again.
3. Create a Fresh Profile
- Instead of editing an old profile, click File → New Profile and build one from scratch.
- Sometimes older profiles created in previous macOS versions don’t render properly on Tahoe.
4. Try Alternative Methods
- If available, use another Mac running macOS 25 or earlier to edit or export the profile.
- If you have an MDM server, use it to push the configuration directly while waiting for an Apple patch.
5. Report the Bug to Apple
If none of the above works:
- Go to Apple’s Product Feedback page and submit details, referencing your macOS 26 build and Configurator 2 version.
- Share the issue ID or link to the Apple Support Communities thread so others can track progress.
- Check regularly for macOS Tahoe or Configurator 2 updates that resolve the blank payload bug.
Best Practices & Precautions
- Back up all existing profiles before troubleshooting.
- Avoid deleting system files unrelated to Configurator 2.
- Grant Full Disk Access to Configurator 2 under System Settings → Privacy & Security → Full Disk Access if prompted.
- Maintain at least 10–15 GB free disk space for smooth app operation.
When All Else Fails
Until Apple issues an official fix:
- Keep a Mac with macOS 25 (Sonoma) or earlier available for building profiles.
- Avoid upgrading Configurator 2 workflows to critical production devices on macOS 26 until compatibility is confirmed.
Conclusion
The “profiles not working” issue in Apple Configurator 2 on macOS 26 stems from compatibility changes introduced in the Tahoe update.
Start by updating Configurator 2, clearing caches, and recreating profiles. If that doesn’t work, rely on another Mac or MDM platform and report the bug to Apple.
Following these steps should help you maintain your device management tasks until Apple releases a permanent fix.
