How do I add my child to family sharing?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
To add your child to Family Sharing, go to Settings on your iPhone or iPad, tap your name, then tap Family Sharing, and select Add Member. If your child doesn’t have an Apple ID, you can create one for them by tapping Create a Child Account and following the on-screen instructions, which will require you to provide verified parental consent for a child under 13 to have their own Apple ID.
Adding a Child to Family Sharing: A Step-by-Step Guide
Adding your child to Family Sharing is a straightforward process that allows you to share Apple services such as Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple News+, and Apple Arcade with up to five other family members.
Understanding Family Sharing Requirements
Before you start, ensure that all family members have their own Apple ID, as this is a requirement for Family Sharing. Children under 13 cannot create an Apple ID on their own, but as a parent or guardian, you can create one on their behalf with verified parental consent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How Many Family Members Can I Add to Apple ID?
Family Sharing lets you and up to five other family members share access to amazing Apple services.
Q2: Do I Need to Install Family Link on My Child’s Phone?
To see your child’s Android device location or remotely manage their screen time and apps, you need the Family Link app.
Q3: Can I See My Child’s Text Messages on Family Link?
Google Family Link can allow you to see your kid’s text messages, SMS text, and social media texts and block some activities.
Q4: How Can I Monitor My Child’s iPhone?
Set Content & Privacy Restrictions by going to Settings and tapping Screen Time, then choose This is My Child’s Device.
Q5: Why is Family Sharing Not Working?
Check your Family Sharing settings and make sure you’re using the same Apple ID for Family Sharing and Media & Purchases.
Q6: How Does Family Sharing Work on an iPhone?
One adult in your family, the organizer, invites all the other members to join and sets up accounts for anyone under 13.
Q7: How Do I Remove My Child from Family Sharing?
On iOS, go to Settings > your name > Family Sharing > child’s name > Remove.
Q8: Should My Child Have Their Own Apple ID?
Everyone should have their own Apple ID, so don’t share your Apple ID with your child.
Q9: Can I Change an Adult Apple ID to a Child?
Update the birth date and follow the on-screen steps to send an email request to your family organizer.
Q10: Can I See My Child’s Deleted Texts?
Deleted texts are stored on the internal memory of Android phones and are usually permanently deleted after a certain amount of time.
Q11: What Happens When Your Child Turns 13 on Family Link?
On the day they turn 13, children can choose whether they want to manage their own Google Account or continue to have their parent manage it for them.
Q12: What Age Should Your Parents Stop Checking Your Phone?
There’s no blanket perfect age, however, as it depends on the level of trust and responsibility of the child.
Q13: Does My Child Need a Google Account for Family Link?
If your child already has their own Google Account, you can add supervision and manage their parental controls with Family Link.
Q14: Which is Better, Family Sharing or Family Link?
Deciding on whether to use Apple Family Sharing or Google Family Link is pretty straightforward, depending on the devices you and your family use.
Q15: How Do I Approve My Child’s App Request on Family Link?
On your device, open the Family Link app, tap your child, Content restrictions, Google Play, and then select the type of purchase approval you want to give.