Apple Family Sharing Safety Settings for Parents in 2025

Setting Up Family Sharing: A Seamless Process

The initial setup of Family Sharing is a straightforward process, typically initiated by an adult designated as the family organizer. This individual is responsible for establishing the family group and inviting members. A key aspect is purchase sharing, which is enabled by the organizer. This feature allows family members to share eligible purchases across iTunes, Apple Books, and the App Store. Importantly, a valid payment method, such as a credit or debit card, is required for this setup.

 

 

Getting Started

To begin, it is necessary to be a part of only one family group at a given time. Consequently, certain prerequisites must be met. An Apple ID, which is signed in to iCloud and iTunes, is essential. Additionally, an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 8 or later, or a Mac with OS X Yosemite or later, is required. Children can be readily added to the family group by selecting “Add Family Member,” or a new Apple ID can be created specifically for a child if needed.

 

Age Verification: Enhanced Parental Consent

Before a child’s Apple ID can be created, parental consent is verified. This process, designed to comply with child online privacy protection laws, typically involves the use of a CVV, a verification code sent via SMS, or a security code from a supported payment method.

Therefore, if a supported payment method is not on file, it will be requested. It is important to note that the payment method can be changed after the child’s Apple ID has been established.

However, it is strongly advised that children not be granted the ability to make online purchases without explicit parental knowledge and consent.

 

 

Setting Up an Apple ID for Your Child: Tailored for Safety

With Family Sharing, an Apple ID can be created for a child under 13. This enables their participation in Family Sharing and grants access to essential Apple services, including iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, and Game Centre. All family members are required to have their own Apple ID for full participation in Family Sharing.

 

Crucially, children under 13 cannot and should not create an Apple ID independently.

Instead, the parent or Family Organizer is empowered to provide verified parental consent and establish an Apple ID on the child’s behalf within the family group. If a child already possesses an Apple ID, it can be seamlessly incorporated into the Family Group, allowing for updates to their email address, date of birth, security questions, and other relevant details.

 

 

Creating an Apple ID for Your Child Focused Privacy and Control

Upon adding a child to the family group, they will be assigned their own Apple ID, usable across all Apple devices. The parent’s email address is designated as the rescue email for the child’s account, which can be used, along with the provided security questions, to reset a forgotten password. If a child already has a Game Centre account but lacks an Apple ID, a new account is not required; their nickname can simply be searched.

 

On Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch (iOS 11 or later, with 2025 Enhancements):

• Navigate to Settings > [Your account] > Set up Family Sharing > Add Family Member > Create a Child Account > Next.
• Enter your child’s birthday and select Next. Indeed, while the correct year of birth is paramount, it is advisable to select a different day and month. This practice helps to safeguard the child’s precise date of birth from potential data breaches, which is an enhanced privacy measure.
• Review the Parent Privacy Disclosure carefully before proceeding. This disclosure has been updated to reflect the latest privacy regulations and data handling practices.
• Enter the requested information for your payment method and select Next. If a payment method is not on file, one may need to be added.
• Enter your child’s name, then select Next.
• Create your child’s Apple ID (username@icloud.com) and select Next. Privacy considerations are paramount when creating a username. It is recommended to avoid using the child’s actual name. Conversely, a memorable yet unconnected name is ideal for enhanced security.
• Follow the onscreen instructions to set a password, choose security questions, and set up your child’s account. Passwords and security questions should be chosen jointly by the parent and child, ensuring they are easily remembered by both. Furthermore, never reuse passwords or recycle old ones. The integration with password managers is now more seamless, making it an opportune time to adopt one for robust password management.
• The “Ask to Buy” option can be activated. This feature, which requires approval for all iTunes, Apple Books, and App Store purchases initiated by your child, remains a cornerstone of parental control. Remember, responsibility for all charges incurred rests with the parent. Once a decision has been made regarding this setting, select Next.

1. • 2025 Update: Parents can now grant exceptions for “Ask to Buy” for specific apps, allowing children to download apps with age ratings that exceed the set content restrictions. This offers greater flexibility while maintaining oversight. Permissions can be revoked at any time via Screen Time.

• Fully review the Terms and Conditions before selecting Agree.

 

 

 

 

 Start a Family Group: Orchestrating Shared Experiences

One adult, the family organizer, is responsible for setting up Family Sharing. If purchase sharing is enabled, confirmation of agreement to pay for family purchases and the presence of a valid payment method are required. Valid payment methods include credit cards and debit cards.

 

Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch – Getting Started (2025 Updates):

• Go to Settings > [Your Account].
• Select Set Up Family Sharing.
• Select Get Started.
• Follow the onscreen instructions to set up your family and invite your family members.
• If using iOS 11 or later, choose the first feature to be shared with your family. Subsequently, follow the instructions to invite family members using iMessage.

 

On Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch – Adding a Family Member:

• Go to Settings > [Your Account] > Family Sharing.
• Select Add Family Member.
• Enter your family member’s name or email address and follow the onscreen instructions.
• If using iOS 11 or later, choose whether to send an invitation via Messages or to invite them in person. Then, follow the onscreen instructions.

 

For Your Mac:

• Choose Apple Menu () > System Preferences.
• Select iCloud.
• Then Select Manage Family.
• Finally, Select +, and follow the onscreen instructions.

If a family member is present, their Apple ID password can be entered on your device to accept the invitation. Alternatively, an invitation can be sent for them to accept from their own device. Multiple Apple IDs in iTunes can be invited to the group, facilitating the sharing of purchases from other Apple IDs within the family.

See if Your Family Member Accepted the Invitation:

After an invitation has been sent, its status can be checked under the person’s name.

For iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch:

• Go to Settings > [Your Profile] > Family Sharing.

 

For Mac:

• Choose Apple menu () > System Preferences > iCloud > Manage Family.
• Select the person’s name to view the invitation status.
• If necessary, select Resend Invitation.

 

Join a Family Group: Simple Acceptance

Invitations to join a family can be accepted or declined directly from one’s device. These invitations are typically received via email or text message.

However, if the email or text invitation is missed, a response can be provided from the device’s Settings or System Preferences.

 

On Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch:

• Go to Settings > Your Account > Invitations.

 

On Your Mac:

• Select the Apple Menu () > System Preferences > iCloud > Manage Family.

 

Accepting an Invitation:

To accept an invitation, the onscreen instructions must be followed. Upon joining a family, confirmation of account information and opting-in to any features or services established by the family may be requested. If an invitation cannot be accepted, it should be verified whether someone else has joined a family with your Apple ID or is sharing purchased content from it.

 

It is important to remember that only one family can be joined at a time, and switching to a different family group is limited to once per year.

 

 

 

Start Sharing: A Wealth of Shared Resources

Once family members have joined, the features of Family Sharing are automatically set up across everyone’s devices.

 

Here’s what can be accomplished:

• Download eligible music, movies, TV shows, books, and apps from the iTunes, Apple Books, and App Stores. This facilitates a shared media library for the entire family.
• Obtain an Apple Music family subscription, then invite family members to join. This provides access to a vast music library for all.
• Share family photos and videos. By opening the Photos app and navigating to the Shared tab, desired content can be added for sharing.
• Utilize the Family calendar. The Calendar app enables the addition, viewing, or modification of events and reminders within the shared Family Calendar, promoting better coordination.
• Share an iCloud storage plan. This ensures that everyone has sufficient space for their photos, videos, documents, and other digital assets.
• Locate family members with the Find My app. This powerful tool allows users to choose when to share their location with family members, enhancing safety and coordination.
• Assist in finding family members’ devices with the Find My iPhone app. This feature is invaluable for locating lost or misplaced devices.
• Manage your child’s account, activate Ask to Buy, or utilize Screen Time with Family Sharing. These are critical parental control tools.
  • 2025 Update: Communication Limits Expansion: Parents now have an expanded ability to manage who their kids can communicate with across Phone, FaceTime, Messages, and iCloud contacts. This allows for a greater role in approving contacts.
  • 2025 Update: Communication Safety Enhancement: Communication Safety, which previously warned about nudity in Messages, now expands to intervene when nudity is detected in FaceTime video calls and to blur out nudity in Shared Albums in Photos. This offers an additional layer of protection.
  • 2025 Update: Granular Age Ratings on App Store: Age ratings have been expanded to five categories, with three ratings specifically supporting adolescents: 13+, 16+, and 18+. This provides a more granular understanding of an app’s appropriateness.
  • 2025 Update: Declared Age Range API: Parents can now share their child’s age range with apps, protecting the child’s privacy by not revealing their specific birth date while ensuring age-appropriate experiences.
• Children under 13 are required to join a Family Sharing group to use Game Centre.
• If the family photo album, calendar, or reminders are not desired for sharing, they can be unsubscribed from on the device or on iCloud.com.

 

 

 

Get Help: Troubleshooting and Further Information

Assistance is available if shared content from the family is not visible. To share purchased content, “Share My Purchases” must be activated, and the iTunes Store must be used in the same country or region as other family members.

• Information regarding how purchases function with Family Sharing is readily available.
• Additional details about Family Sharing can be accessed for a more in-depth understanding.
• Family Sharing necessitates a personal Apple ID, which is signed in to iCloud and iTunes. If purchase sharing is enabled for the family, music, movies, TV shows, and books can be downloaded on up to 10 devices per account, with a maximum of five computers.
• iOS 8 or OS X Yosemite or later are required to establish or join a Family Sharing group. It is important to note that not all content is eligible for sharing.
• Content can be hidden by family members; hidden content is consequently not available for download.
• Content downloaded from family members or acquired via redemption codes is not subject to “Ask to Buy.”
• Alt Text: Image: A magnifying glass icon hovering over a screen, symbolizing seeking help or information related to Family Sharing.

 

Partner with Children of the Digital Age for Enhanced Online Safety

At Children of the Digital Age, we’re deeply committed to supporting parents as they navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital parenting. We understand that ensuring your child’s online safety and digital well-being is a top priority. 

 

For broader educational resources, engaging workshops, or personalized advice on managing screen time and addressing problematic gaming, don’t hesitate to contact Children of the Digital Age. We’re here to offer expert guidance, ensuring your children enjoy the digital world safely and responsibly. Your child’s digital well-being and online safety remain our utmost priority.

 

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