How do I prevent family members from erasing my iPhone when using Family Share?

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How do I prevent family members from erasing my iPhone when using Family Share?

When you create a Family Share, and add family members to my share, members are able to download my purchases which is great. However, they can log into their "Find My iPhone" or iCloud and see all my devices. I cannot prevent them from hitting the "Play Sound", "Lost Mode", or "Erase iPhone". How do I prevent family members from remotely erasing or playing sounds on my devices? I realize that the other option is to tell them not to do that...

Posted on Oct 14, 2014 12:23 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 19, 2014 10:42 AM in response to RogerL19

I have the same concern. Apple support has been able to help either. I simply had to turn Off Family Sharing. We had no other choice.

Why Apple decided to allow kids access to Find My iPhone is beyond me. As you say, they can play a loud sound on your phone at any time even during an important meeting. They can lock your phone at any time. If you don't have a Passcode on it they can lock you out for good. I don't even want to discuss Erasing your phone. Apple confirmed it could be done at any time.

Family Sharing is a Great idea but is not ready for the real world yet.

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Answer 2

Aug 15, 2016 11:13 PM in response to RogerL19

You need the Apple ID password for the device you are trying to erase. It takes nerves of steel to test this, but I did just that.

In my case, I tried to erase MY phone from my children's devices. We use Family Sharing, kids have their own Apple IDs. While logged on to Find My Phone with one of the kids accounts (and from their device), I attempted to erase my phone. It required MY Apple ID password before completing the erase. So, if your children don't know your Apple password, they can't erase your device.

They may still be able to put your device in Lost Mode, or play a sound on it. I did find some useful information regarding family members putting your phone in Lost Mode, there are some restrictions with that feature as well.

iCloud: Use Lost Mode

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