HT201287: Use Messages on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
Learn about Use Messages on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
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Helpful answers
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Sep 19, 2016 8:35 AM in response to Soniareneby becky_s22,Hi, Soniarene!
Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities. Based on what I'm reading in your post, you would like to set up iMessage on your iPad but your whole family shares an Apple ID--and you do not wish to get anyone else's messages. I use iMessage myself, and know how convenient it is to get messages on several devices. I'd be happy too help!
My recommendation to solve this is that everyone in the family set up and use their own Apple ID. This will keep each person's messages their own--even if individually you use more than one device--and will also offer everyone the ability to backup and sync their personal information (contacts, pictures, Calendar events, etc) using iCloud separately from everyone else. The following article will walk you through setting up a new Apple ID.
Create and start using an Apple ID
Once everyone has their own Apple ID set up, you can use the article linked below to switch from the currently signed in Apple ID to their new, individual ones.
Sign in with a different Apple ID on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
After doing this, you can sign into your iPad and activate iMessage, and will then only see messages sent to and from you.
If you have shared media (from the iTunes and App Stores) that your family uses currently with a single Apple ID, or if you have children under the age of 13 in your family, you can also set up Family Sharing. This will allow you to create an Apple ID for younger users (as well as monitor and control their purchase ability), and to share media purchased with one Apple ID with other Apple IDs in the family. You can find more information about Family Sharing in the articles below.
Family Sharing
Set up Family Sharing
Share purchased content with Family Sharing​
Cheers!
