Transfer family member's iCloud data to family storage

A family member has their own iCloud storage. I have just obtained family storage, which is on my own Apple ID. How can my family member transfer their data from their own iCloud storage to our family storage?


I have seen posts about Apple having no formal transfer process. I also have seen posts about someone buying a Mac and wanting to use their own Apple ID for it instead of the one that was on there previously. My situation is different because my family member will retain their own Apple ID on her Mac and will just accept the invitation to family storage.


I also know that my family member can transfer her iCloud data to her Mac and then upload it to the family storage. I'm just wondering if there's another option.


Thanks very much in advance for any suggestions.

Posted on Mar 2, 2026 11:19 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 2, 2026 12:47 PM

Transfer of data is not necessary nor possible.


When joining the Family Sharing group the family member just needs to choose to use the Shared Family Storage. No further action is required. Once the option is chosen, the personal iCloud+ subscription is cancelled, and the used storage is automatically calculated against the shared storage amount.

click here ➜ Switch from your personal iCloud+ plan to a shared family plan - Apple Support

On the family member's iPhone

  1. Open the Settings app, then tap Family. 
  2. Tap Subscriptions, then tap iCloud+.
  3. Tap Use Family Storage.
2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 2, 2026 12:47 PM in response to Radar4769

Transfer of data is not necessary nor possible.


When joining the Family Sharing group the family member just needs to choose to use the Shared Family Storage. No further action is required. Once the option is chosen, the personal iCloud+ subscription is cancelled, and the used storage is automatically calculated against the shared storage amount.

click here ➜ Switch from your personal iCloud+ plan to a shared family plan - Apple Support

On the family member's iPhone

  1. Open the Settings app, then tap Family. 
  2. Tap Subscriptions, then tap iCloud+.
  3. Tap Use Family Storage.

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Transfer family member's iCloud data to family storage

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