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How to Set Up Family Sharing on iPhone
Edited 4 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
iOSiPhoneFamily SharingAccountSetupPrivacyControlDevicesMobileFeatures
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Family Sharing on iPhone, brought to you by Apple, provides a great and efficient way to share content and services with family members. By setting it up, you can enjoy many benefits, including shared access to Apple Music, iCloud, App Store purchases, and more.
What is Family Sharing?
Family Sharing allows up to six family members to have shared access to Apple services. With it, family members can share purchases from iTunes, Apple Books, and the App Store without sharing an account. It also allows sharing iCloud storage plans, family photos, calendars, and location information.
Benefits of Family Sharing
Family Sharing gives you access to shared content. Here are some of its benefits:
- Shared App Store, music, and book purchases: Share purchases without sharing an account.
- Manage family schedules: Share a family calendar to help organize activities.
- Locate family members: Easily see where everyone is with Family Location Sharing.
- Apple Music Group Subscription: Share your music with family without an individual subscription.
- iCloud Storage Sharing: Share iCloud space, so everyone has space for their data.
Requirements for Family Sharing
Before you set up Family Sharing, make sure these requirements are met for all participants:
- The Apple ID signed in to iCloud and iTunes.
- iOS: Check that your device is running iOS 8 or later.
- macOS: Requires macOS Yosemite or later to work.
Set up Family Sharing on iPhone
Setting up Family Sharing is a straightforward process:
Step 1: Open Settings
First, go to Settings on your iPhone. You can find this on your home screen, where an icon looks like a gray gear.
Step 2: Access the Apple ID
At the top of the Settings menu, you'll see your name or your Apple ID. Tap on it to access your Apple ID settings.
Step 3: Set up Family Sharing
In the Apple ID menu, you will find an option called Family Sharing. Tap on this feature to start the setup process.
Step 4: Get Started
Once you're in Family Sharing, tap Get Started. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up a family group.
Step 5: Invite family members
After you've set up your group, start inviting family members by tapping Add Family Member.
You can send invitations via message, mail, and even in person. Each family member will receive a notification to accept the invitation.
Step 6: Choose the features to share
Once everyone is part of the group, decide what you want to share. Options include iTunes purchases, Apple Music, iCloud storage, and more. Tap each to manage your sharing settings.
Manage Apple IDs for children
Add children to your family group by creating an Apple ID. This setup is important for parents who want to keep track of app usage and purchases.
How to create an Apple ID for a child
- Access Family Sharing in your Apple ID settings.
- Tap Add family member.
- Select Create a child account.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete setup.
To verify your identity, a valid payment method—such as a credit card—must be on record. Once setup is complete, this child's activity can be monitored by parents using the Ask to Buy feature.
Advanced Family Sharing Features
Family Sharing offers additional features beyond sharing purchases and services. These tools provide significant value and enhance your family's experience.
Ask to buy
A valuable tool is the 'Ask to Buy' feature. This allows parents or guardians to approve purchases made by children under the age of 18. Before a purchase is made, the organiser receives a notification and can decide to allow or deny it.
Shared family calendar
Family Sharing provides a shared calendar feature. Family members can add events and reminders that everyone in the group can see. This feature keeps the family organized and helps plan events, family dinners, and more.
Shared photo album
Families can enjoy shared photo albums, known as Family Albums. Members can add and comment on images. Capture memories on a shared timeline and reminisce together.
Find My iPhone and Share Location
Family Sharing supports location sharing. Each member can share their location with others in the group, providing peace of mind. With Find My iPhone, locate a lost device through the location-sharing feature.
Troubleshooting tips
Although Apple has streamlined the Family Sharing process, you may still encounter some issues that will require troubleshooting.
Invitation problems
If you're unable to send or receive invitations:
- Make sure everyone has an Apple ID and iCloud is running on the correct iOS version.
- Double-check that the family member isn't part of another Family Sharing group.
Problems with Apple Music
If someone has difficulty accessing Apple Music:
- Verify that group members are signed in to the same Apple ID used for the purchase.
- Make sure your family subscription plan is active.
Issues with sharing purchases
If purchase sharing isn't working, check the following:
- Confirm that purchase sharing is enabled in Family Sharing settings.
- Make sure the purchase sharing method is supported and activated.
Conclusion
Setting up Family Sharing on your iPhone is a simple but powerful way to keep your family connected. Once enabled, the convenience of shared shopping, an integrated calendar, and security features provide a lot of value. The levels of supervision for younger members add benefits to family harmony.
From fun shared experiences to creating a sense of security and togetherness, Family Sharing can be tailored to every family's needs and preferences. With comprehensive controls over content, privacy and access, it's the perfect solution for harmonizing your family's digital life.
Evaluate your family's needs, review the features, and get the most out of Family Sharing. By doing so, you'll promote closer connections and efficient use of Apple services - all in a secure, easy-to-manage environment.
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