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Family sharing new member can’t share app

We just added an adult family member to Family Sharing. They can see the app we want to share with them but they can’t share it. They get an error message saying someone needs a payment method, but we have one. Other family members can share this app.


How can I share this app with the new family member?

iPad, iPadOS 15

Posted on Dec 31, 2022 3:49 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 1, 2023 5:36 AM

To share apps with a new family member in Family Sharing, the new member will need to have a payment method set up in their Apple ID account. This is because apps and other items purchased from the App Store are tied to the Apple ID that was used to make the purchase.

Here are a few steps you can try to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

  1. Make sure the new family member has a payment method set up in their Apple ID account: To do this, the new member should go to "Settings" > "Your Name" > "Payment & Shipping" on their device, and add a payment method.
  2. Check that the new member is signed in with their own Apple ID: Each family member should have their own Apple ID, which they use to make purchases and access shared content. Make sure the new member is signed in to their own Apple ID account on their device.
  3. Check the payment method for the shared app: If the app was purchased using a different Apple ID, the new family member may not be able to access it. To check which Apple ID was used to purchase the app, go to the "App Store" > "Updates" > "Purchased" > "My Purchases" on your device, and tap on the app. If the app was purchased using a different Apple ID, you may need to ask the original purchaser to share the app with the new family member.
  4. Check for any restrictions: If you have set up "Ask to Buy" or other restrictions on your device, the new family member may not be able to download the app. To check your restrictions, go to "Settings" > "Screen Time" > "Content & Privacy Restrictions". Make sure that "Installing Apps" is set to "Allow" for the new family member.

I hope these steps are helpful in resolving the issue you are experiencing with sharing an app with a new family member in Family Sharing. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 1, 2023 5:36 AM in response to KJCa

To share apps with a new family member in Family Sharing, the new member will need to have a payment method set up in their Apple ID account. This is because apps and other items purchased from the App Store are tied to the Apple ID that was used to make the purchase.

Here are a few steps you can try to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

  1. Make sure the new family member has a payment method set up in their Apple ID account: To do this, the new member should go to "Settings" > "Your Name" > "Payment & Shipping" on their device, and add a payment method.
  2. Check that the new member is signed in with their own Apple ID: Each family member should have their own Apple ID, which they use to make purchases and access shared content. Make sure the new member is signed in to their own Apple ID account on their device.
  3. Check the payment method for the shared app: If the app was purchased using a different Apple ID, the new family member may not be able to access it. To check which Apple ID was used to purchase the app, go to the "App Store" > "Updates" > "Purchased" > "My Purchases" on your device, and tap on the app. If the app was purchased using a different Apple ID, you may need to ask the original purchaser to share the app with the new family member.
  4. Check for any restrictions: If you have set up "Ask to Buy" or other restrictions on your device, the new family member may not be able to download the app. To check your restrictions, go to "Settings" > "Screen Time" > "Content & Privacy Restrictions". Make sure that "Installing Apps" is set to "Allow" for the new family member.

I hope these steps are helpful in resolving the issue you are experiencing with sharing an app with a new family member in Family Sharing. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Family sharing new member can’t share app

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