Setting Up Family Sharing
Before you can share Apple Music, you need to set up Family Sharing on your Apple device. Family Sharing allows up to six family members to share Apple services, including Apple Music, iCloud storage, and more.
Prerequisites
Before getting started, ensure you have:
- An Apple Music subscription
- An Apple ID
- Family members with their own Apple IDs
- iOS 8 or later, macOS X Yosemite or later
Steps to Set Up Family Sharing
- Open Settings: On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to the Settings app.
- Tap on Your Name: At the top of the screen, tap on your name to access your Apple ID settings.
- Select Family Sharing: Tap on "Family Sharing" and then "Set Up Your Family."
- Invite Family Members: Follow the on-screen instructions to invite family members via iMessage or direct Apple ID entry.
For more detailed instructions, visit Apple's official guide on Family Sharing.
Subscribing to an Apple Music Family Plan
Once Family Sharing is set up, you'll need to subscribe to an Apple Music Family Plan:
- Open the Music App: Launch the Apple Music app on your device.
- Go to For You: Tap on the "For You" tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap on Your Profile: In the top right corner, tap on your profile picture or icon.
- Manage Subscription: Select "Manage Subscription" and choose the Family Plan.
Note: The family organizer's payment method will be used for all family purchases and subscriptions.
Managing Family Access
Adding Family Members
You can add up to five additional family members:
- Go to Family Sharing settings
- Tap "Add Family Member"
- Enter their Apple ID email or phone number
- Send an invitation
Family members can accept the invitation by:
- Responding to the email invitation
- Going to Settings > [Their Name] > Invitations
Parental Controls
For family members under 13:
- Set up Screen Time restrictions
- Enable Ask to Buy
- Monitor music with explicit content
Benefits and Cost Considerations
The Apple Music Family plan offers several advantages:
- Up to six family members can enjoy Apple Music for a single monthly fee
- Access to millions of songs, playlists, and radio stations
- Personalized recommendations for each family member
- Ability to create and share playlists with family members
Pricing
The Apple Music Family plan costs $14.99/month in the US, compared to:
- Individual plan: $9.99/month
- Student plan: $4.99/month
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If family members can't access Apple Music:
- Verify they've accepted the Family Sharing invitation
- Ensure they're signed in with the correct Apple ID
- Check that they've selected "Join Family" in Apple Music settings
- Confirm your subscription is active and paid
- Double-check that the payment method is valid
For more troubleshooting tips, refer to Apple's support page.
Remember that all family members must use the same country or region setting in their Apple ID to share subscriptions successfully. For additional support, visit Apple's official Family Sharing support page.