Question

How to use Family Sharing in iOS applications?

Answer

To start using the Family Sharing feature, please follow the next steps:

Start a family group

1. Make sure that all of the Apple devices support the feature – an iPhone, an iPad or an iPod Touch should run iOS 8 or later.
2. Go to Settings and tap the account name, then Family Sharing > Set Up Family Sharing > Get Started.
   In iOS 10.2 or earlier, go to Settings > iCloud > Set Up Family Sharing.
3. Follow the onscreen instructions to set up the family and invite family members.

Invite members to join the family

Note: Each family member must have their own Apple ID

1. In the Family Sharing settings, tap Add Member.
2. Enter the family member’s name or e-mail address and follow the on-screen instructions.
   In iOS 11 or later, choose whether to send an invitation via Messages or invite the family member personally and follow the on-screen instructions.

Invitations can be accepted directly from e-mail messages or from text messages.
If the family member accidentally deletes an invitation, they can still accept it by going to Settings > Apple ID > Invitations.
In iOS 10.2 or earlier, they will need to go to Settings > iCloud > Invitations.

Download purchases on an iPhone

1. Make sure to sign in with the Apple ID.
2. Open the store app to download content from, then go to the Purchased page.
   • App Store: Tap the profile picture in the upper-right corner, then tap Purchased. 
   • iTunes Store: Tap More icon, then tap Purchased.
3. Tap the family member's name to see their content. 
4. To download an item, tap the Download icon next to it.

What can't be shared

• Individual or student Apple Music subscriptions and other third-party subscriptions.
• Items that are no longer available on the App Store and iTunes Store.
• Items that you or another member of the family group have hidden. 
• Some apps from the App Store.

Additional information

More information about Family Sharing can be found in Apple articles:

Set up Family Sharing

How to download apps and content that your family members purchased