Family Sharing on iOS 8: A Comprehensive Guide to Sharing Purchases, Content, and More
Apple’s iOS 8 introduced Family Sharing, a game-changer for families looking to share digital content like apps, music, and books across multiple devices without the hassle of sharing a single iTunes account. This feature makes it easier for everyone in the family to enjoy their favorite purchases without having to buy duplicate copies. But Family Sharing is more than just a convenient way to share content; it’s a robust platform offering added benefits like shared calendars, photo libraries, and parental controls. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into the world of Family Sharing, exploring its features, settings, and potential limitations, helping you make the most of this powerful iOS 8 feature.
Setting Up Family Sharing
Setting up Family Sharing is straightforward, and the process is designed to be user-friendly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: The Family Organizer
First, a family organizer needs to be designated. This individual typically is an adult in the household and takes responsibility for managing the family group’s purchases and settings.
Step 2: Invite Family Members
The family organizer initiates the process by inviting other family members to join the group. This is done using the Settings app on an iOS device.
Step 3: Accept the Invitation
Once an invite is sent, each family member receiving it needs to accept it on their iOS device by logging into their iCloud account.
Step 4: Family Sharing is Active
Once all family members accept the invitation, Family Sharing becomes active, and its features automatically take effect.
Delving Deeper into Family Sharing Features
Family Sharing is packed with features designed to enhance family life and ease digital interactions. Here’s a closer look at some of its key aspects:
Sharing Purchases
This is arguably the most commonly used feature of Family Sharing. Here’s how it works:
- iTunes Store: Family members can access previously purchased apps, music, and books from the Purchased section of the iTunes Store on their devices. Shared purchases will appear under the Family Purchases section.
- Cloud Download: To download a shared app, music track, or book, simply tap the cloud icon next to the item.
- Limited Device Compatibility: While Family Sharing offers a great convenience, it’s important to note that for music, movies, TV shows, and books, each account can download content to a maximum of 10 devices. Among those, a maximum of 5 can be computers.
Ask to Buy
One of the most beneficial features for parents, Ask to Buy allows you to exert more control over your children’s in-app purchases and downloads. This feature lets you:
- Approve or Reject Purchases: When a child initiates a purchase, you receive a notification and have the opportunity to approve or reject the request.
- Prevent Unwanted Spending: This ensures that your children can explore apps and digital content freely while limiting their ability to spend money without your permission.
- Set Age Limits: You can also set age limits for specific content, ensuring that only appropriate material is accessible to your children.
Family Photo Sharing
With Family Sharing, you can easily create a centralized hub for family photos and videos. A shared photo stream called Family is automatically created in the Photos app, allowing everyone to contribute photos and videos, share comments, and stay connected.
Family Calendar
Family Sharing also offers a shared calendar, accessible to everyone using the Calendar app on their devices. This eliminates the need to manually add events to multiple calendars. When a family member adds an event to the shared calendar, it automatically appears on everyone’s devices.
Location Sharing
While optional, you have the ability to choose to share your location with family members. This feature provides a sense of security and peace of mind, especially when children are out and about.
Setting Up and Managing Family Sharing
Once Family Sharing is active, here’s how you can manage and customize settings:
- Removing a Family Member: Removing a family member from your group is easy, done through the Settings app. Simply tap on the name of the family member you want to remove and select Remove Family Member.
- Switching Family Groups: You can only be part of one Family Sharing group at a time. If you need to join a different group, you can switch Family Sharing groups up to twice a year.
- iTunes Store Restrictions: All family members must use the same iTunes Store. You cannot have family members on different regional iTunes Stores, such as the US iTunes Store and the Indian iTunes Store.
Pros & Cons of Family Sharing
While Family Sharing offers numerous benefits, it’s crucial to be aware of both its strengths and limitations:
Pros:
- Convenient Sharing: Sharing content becomes effortless, allowing family members to access a wide range of digital purchases without duplicate purchases.
- Parental Control: Ask to Buy offers a powerful way for parents to control their children’s digital spending.
- Shared Experience: Family calendars and photo libraries enhance family communication and collaboration.
- User-Friendly Interface: Setting up and managing Family Sharing is relatively simple.
Cons:
- Limited Family Group Size: You can only have a maximum of six members in a Family Sharing group.
- iTunes Store Regional Restrictions: All family members must use the same iTunes store, which can be a limitation for families with members in different regions.
- Device Limits: Music, movies, TV shows, and books can be downloaded to a maximum of 10 devices per account.
Conclusion
Family Sharing is an innovative and valuable feature offered by Apple’s iOS 8 that truly enhances family life and digital interactions. It provides a seamless way to share content, promotes family collaboration, and empowers parents with control over their children’s online activity. However, it’s essential to consider the limitations of Family Sharing before setting it up and carefully manage the settings to ensure a smooth and beneficial experience for your family.
