Is Xbox Family Plan Out?
The Xbox family plan, also known as Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family, is indeed out, with Microsoft announcing its discontinuation as of August 15, 2023, marking the end of existing memberships and the unavailability of this plan for new subscribers. This move has raised several questions among Xbox users, who are now looking for alternatives to share their Xbox Game Pass benefits with friends and family members, and seeking clarity on the available options and settings for managing their Xbox family account.
Understanding the Xbox Family Plan Discontinuation
The discontinuation of the Xbox family plan has significant implications for users who were relying on this feature to share their Xbox Game Pass benefits with others. To address the concerns and questions arising from this change, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) that provide detailed information on various aspects of Xbox family settings, Xbox Game Pass, and related topics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What happened to Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family?
The Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family plan was discontinued by Microsoft as of August 15, 2023, and existing memberships were ended, with no indication of its return.
Q2: Is there an Xbox Live family account?
Xbox offers a family group feature, which allows parents or guardians to maintain a healthy gaming experience for their household members, with settings applicable to any Xbox console or device.
Q3: Does Xbox have family sharing?
Yes, Xbox allows family members to play games on any Xbox console without having to switch their home Xbox, as long as they sign in with their Xbox profile.
Q4: How do I activate my Xbox family plan?
To manage family members, go to Settings > Account > Family settings > Manage family members, and then select Add to family > Add new.
Q5: Do I need a separate Xbox Live account for my child?
If you have children under 13, it is recommended to set up a child account to manage their gaming activities, including screentime, spending limits, privacy, and content settings.
Q6: How do I share Xbox Live with family members?
To add a new account, go to the Connect menu, select +Add new, and enter the friend’s credentials to complete the configuration.
Q7: How does the Xbox family work?
The Xbox Family Settings app allows organizers to manage members’ gaming settings and activity on Xbox consoles, including screen time limits, content filters, and play and communication settings.
Q8: What is Xbox Live family?
Xbox Live family refers to the family settings that provide control over screen time, privacy settings, social interactions, mature content access, and monitoring on Xbox devices.
Q9: How do I add a family member?
To invite family members, go to Assistant settings, select You > Your people > Add person, choose the contact, and turn on Family group.
Q10: How much is the Xbox family plan?
The Xbox family plan costs the equivalent of $25 per month, which can be split among five people, making it $5 per month per person for Game Pass Ultimate access.
Q11: Can I have 2 Xbox accounts on one Microsoft account?
No, it is not possible to have more than one Xbox profile associated with a single Microsoft account.
Q12: Is the game pass family plan cancelled?
Yes, the Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family plan was cancelled as of August 15, 2023, and existing memberships were ended.
Q13: Did Xbox remove $1 game pass?
There is no information available on the removal of a $1 game pass, but Xbox Live Gold has transitioned to Game Pass Core.
Q14: Can Xbox family play the same game?
Yes, family members can play the same game on the same Xbox console, as long as it is set as their home Xbox, and they sign in with their Xbox profile.
Q15: How many people can be on Xbox family share?
The Xbox Game Pass Family Plan allows up to five people to share Game Pass Ultimate benefits, including the main account and four additional accounts.