How to Set Up Family Sharing
To set up Family Sharing, go to Settings, tap your name, then tap Family Sharing, and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your family and invite your family members. By setting up Family Sharing, you can share purchases, subscriptions, and more with your family members, making it easy to stay connected and share content with each other.
Understanding Family Sharing
Family Sharing is a feature that allows you to share Apple services such as Apple Music, Apple TV+, and iCloud storage with up to five other family members. With Family Sharing, you can also share iTunes, Apple Books, and App Store purchases, as well as a family photo album.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Family Sharing see my texts?
As it turns out, it’s possible for someone else in your family to receive your texts if you’re on a Family Sharing plan with that other family member using the same Apple ID. However, this can be avoided by using separate Apple IDs for each family member.
Do you have to use the same Apple ID for Family Sharing?
Apple recommends that you do not share your Apple ID. Instead, set up Family Sharing so that each person uses their own Apple ID, allowing your family to share purchases, subscriptions, and more without sharing personal information like email, text messages, or passwords.
How much is Apple Family Sharing?
Plain Family Sharing is free, and you only need to pay for certain family-level subscriptions, such as a higher level of iCloud storage.
How do I share my Apple subscription with family?
To share your Apple subscription with family, go to Settings > [your name] > Family Sharing, tap a subscription, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Why is my Apple subscription not sharing with family?
Check your Family Sharing settings to ensure that you’re using the same Apple ID for Family Sharing and Media & Purchases, and that purchase sharing is turned on.
How do I accept a Family Sharing invitation?
To accept a Family Sharing invitation, download the Apple Music app from Google Play to your Android device, open the email invitation, tap the link, and tap Accept.
Do you get charged for Family Sharing?
No, Family Sharing is free, and you only pay for extra family-level subscriptions.
What is the disadvantage of Apple Family Sharing?
One disadvantage of Apple Family Sharing is that parents can only set up screen time restrictions for children under 13 years old, limiting their control over older children’s device usage.
Who pays for Family Sharing?
One adult in the family, the family organizer, pays for everyone’s purchases after purchase sharing is set up.
Can Family Sharing see my photos?
When you join a family, your family members can find your name, photo, and email address, but they cannot access your photos, videos, or other items unless you directly share them.
How do you track a family member’s iPhone?
You can track a family member’s iPhone by sharing your location with members of your Family Sharing group and using the Find My app.
Why am I getting my wife’s text messages on my iPhone?
This happens when you both use the same Apple ID for iMessage. To fix this, sign out of iMessage on one of the phones and sign back in with a different Apple ID.
How does family share work?
Family Sharing allows one adult in your household to invite family members, who then get instant access to the group’s subscriptions and content.
What are the risks of Family Sharing?
Sharing passwords with family members can increase the risk of security breaches, such as hacking or phishing attacks, especially if the family member is not tech-savvy or has a weak password.
What does Family Sharing restrict?
With Family Sharing, the organizer can set up parental controls for children in the Family Sharing group, including Screen Time and Ask to Buy.
What age does Family Sharing stop on iPhone?
Once your child reaches the age of 13 (or equivalent minimum age depending on jurisdiction), they will be permitted to maintain their account without participating in Family Sharing.
Can a child turn off Family Sharing?
Any family member age 13 or older can remove themselves from a family group, unless Screen Time is turned on, in which case the family organizer must remove them.
Will I lose my photos if I join Family Sharing?
No, your photos and backup will be seamlessly maintained if you accept the invitation to Family Sharing and use the Family Shared Plan.
What are the perks of Apple Family Sharing?
Family Sharing lets you and up to five other family members share access to amazing Apple services, including Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Apple Arcade, as well as iTunes, Apple Books, and App Store purchases.
Note: All instructions and details provided are based on the information provided in the prompt and may not reflect the current or exact process for setting up Family Sharing, as Apple’s processes and policies may change over time. Always refer to the official Apple support website for the most up-to-date information.