How To Use Family Sharing For App Purchases

Family Sharing is an incredibly convenient feature provided by Apple, allowing families to share app purchases, subscriptions, and other Apple services between each and one other or across multiple devices. With Family Sharing, up to six family members can enjoy shared access to apps, music, movies, books, iCloud storage, and more all while keeping their individual Apple IDs. This guide explains how to set up Family Sharing, manage shared purchases, and troubleshoot common issues.

What Is Family Sharing?

Family Sharing is a feature integrated into Apple’s ecosystem that simplifies sharing purchased content and subscriptions among family members. Each user retains their own Apple ID and personal data, but they can access shared purchases and services seamlessly.

Benefits of Family Sharing for App Purchases

1. Cost Savings: Share purchased apps, games, and subscriptions without needing to buy them multiple times.

2. Parental Controls: Parents can approve or decline children’s app purchase requests using Ask to Buy.

3. Simplified Access: Family members can easily download shared apps from the App Store.

4. Integrated Services: Share Apple Music, TV+, iCloud+, and more under one Family Sharing plan.

Setting Up Family Sharing

Before sharing app purchases, you need to set up Family Sharing on the organizer’s device.

Step 1: Check Requirements

1. An Apple ID signed in to iCloud is required.

2. Devices must run iOS 8 or later (the latest iOS version is recommended).

Step 2: Set Up Family Sharing

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

2. Tap your name at the top of the screen to access Apple ID settings.

3. Select Family Sharing > Set Up Family Sharing.

4. Follow the on screen instructions to:

• Designate yourself as the Family Organizer.
• Invite family members by entering their Apple ID email addresses.

Step 3: Enable Purchase Sharing

1. Within the Family Sharing settings, tap Purchase Sharing.

2. Toggle on Share Purchases with Family.

3. Add a payment method (required for purchase sharing). The family organizer’s payment method will be used for purchases made by all members.

Adding Family Members

Inviting Adults

1. Go to Settings > Family Sharing and tap Add Member.

2. Enter the Apple ID email of the person you want to invite.

3. They will receive an invitation; once accepted, they will join the Family Sharing group.

Inviting Children (Under 13)

1. Tap Create a Child Account in Family Sharing settings.

2. Follow the prompts to create an Apple ID for the child.

3. Set up Ask to Buy to monitor and approve their app purchases.

Sharing App Purchases

Accessing Shared Purchases

Family members can easily download apps purchased by others in the group.

1. Open the App Store on your device.

2. Tap your profile picture in the upper right corner.

3. Select Purchased > Family Member’s Name.

4. Browse and download any shared app.

Using Shared Subscriptions

Shared subscriptions, like Apple Music or Apple Arcade, are automatically available to all the family members once enabled.

Managing App Purchases

Ask to Buy

Parents can enable Ask to Buy to approve or decline app purchase requests made by children.

1. In Family Sharing settings, select the child’s name.

2. Toggle on Ask to Buy.

3. Parents will receive a notification when the child tries to make a purchase.

View Purchase History

1. Open Settings > Apple ID > Media & Purchases > Purchase History.

2. Review all purchases made by family members.

Switch The Payment Methods

The family organizer can change the payment method at any time.

1. Open Settings > Apple ID > Payment & Shipping.

2. Update or add a new payment method.

Privacy and Control in Family Sharing

While Family Sharing allows shared access, it respects each member’s privacy.

Individual Apple IDs

Each member uses their own Apple ID, ensuring personal data (like messages and photos) remains private.

Restricted Purchases

1. Family members can hide specific purchases by swiping left on the purchase in Purchase History.

2. Hidden purchases will not appear in the shared family list.

Content Restrictions

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time and enable Content & Privacy Restrictions.

2. Set age appropriate limits for app downloads and purchases.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Family Member Can’t See Shared Apps

1. Ensure Purchase Sharing is enabled in Family Sharing settings.

2. Check that the app is eligible for sharing (some apps may not support Family Sharing).

Payment Issues

1. Verify the payment method added by the family organizer is valid.

2. Ensure no outstanding balance exists on the account.

Ask to Buy Not Working

1. Ensure Ask to Buy is enabled for the child’s account.

2. Check that the child is signed in with the correct Apple ID.

Hidden Purchases

Hidden purchases will not appear in shared purchases. Family members need to unhide purchases to share them.

Benefits of Family Sharing for App Purchases

a. Cost Effective

Purchase an app once and share it with up to six family members.

b. Convenient Access

No need to manually share app files or account details.

c. Parental Control

Parents can manage their children’s purchases and enforce spending limits.

d. Enhanced Experience

Combine app sharing with other features like shared photo albums and iCloud storage for a unified family experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Do all apps support Family Sharing?

No, some apps may not be eligible for Family Sharing if the developer has chosen to exclude them.

Q2. Can family members make purchases without my approval?

Yes, unless Ask to Buy is enabled for their account.

Q3. Can I remove a family member?

Yes, the family organizer can remove members via Family Sharing settings.

Q4. What happens if I leave a Family Sharing group?

You lose access to shared purchases and subscriptions but retain your own purchases.

Q5. Can I share in app purchases?

Yes, in app purchases and subscriptions can be shared if the developer supports Family Sharing.

Conclusion

Family Sharing for app purchases is a valuable feature that simplifies content sharing within a family while saving costs and providing parental controls. By setting up Family Sharing, enabling purchase sharing, and managing access effectively, families can enjoy a seamless and collaborative experience across apple devices.

Whether you're sharing productivity apps, games, or subscriptions, Family Sharing ensures everyone benefits from Apple’s ecosystem without compromising privacy or security. Set it up today and start enjoying the convenience of shared purchases with your loved ones!