The Tech Grandkid · thetechgrandkid.com/guides/set-up-family-sharing/
Share apps and storage the right way: set up Family Sharing.
Family Sharing is how Apple wants families to share. Everyone keeps their own account and their own messages, and you still share the things you pay for.
This page is for you if
- You want to share apps, music or iCloud storage with family
- You used to share one Apple Account and want to stop
- You got a Family Sharing invitation
Why this happens
With Family Sharing, you and up to five family members can share things like iCloud+, Apple Music and Apple TV. Each person keeps their own Apple Account, so texts, contacts and passwords stay separate.
Good to know first
Each person needs their own Apple Account first. If two of you share one, start with this guide.
Do these steps
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Step 1: Open Settings and tap your name
One adult sets up the group. On that person's iPhone, open Settings and tap your name at the top.
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Step 2: Tap Family
Tap Family, then tap Continue.
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Step 3: Follow the steps on screen
Your iPhone walks you through setting up the group and inviting people. You can send invitations by text message or email.
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Step 4: Add someone later
To invite someone later, open Settings, tap Family, then tap the Add Member button. Tap Invite Others.
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Step 5: Check the invitation
To see if they said yes, open Settings, tap Family, then tap their name. If needed, tap Resend Invitation.
If you got an invitation
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Step 1: Open the invitation
Open the text or email invitation and follow the steps in it.
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Step 2: Can't find it?
Open Settings, tap your name, then tap Invitations. Follow the steps on screen to accept.
Good to know
- You can only be in one Family Sharing group at a time. You can switch groups once a year.
Check it with the source
We wrote these steps from these official pages. If your screen looks different, the official page is always right.
- Apple: How to set up Family Sharing on your iPhone or iPad https://support.apple.com/en-us/108380
- Apple: Make sure that each family member has their own Apple Account https://support.apple.com/en-us/109040
Still stuck?
Tell Buster what you see, in your own words.
Or email us at buster@thetechgrandkid.com. Never send us a password or a code.