"Set up Family Sharing option" missing from iCloud settings

Hi Elliot,

Happy Holidays! To set up Family Sharing, you need to have iOS 8 on your iPod touch. Check to see if you have updated to the latest version, which is 8.1.2 on your device.

Update the iOS software on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support
http://support.apple.com/en-is/ht4623

iOS software updates introduce new features that let you do even more with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Be sure to keep your devices up to date so that you don't miss out on the latest features.

Before you update

Back up your device to iCloud or iTunes.

If you use your device's Personal Hotspot for your computer's Internet connection, update your device wirelessly or connect your computer to another network.

Update your device wirelessly

The easiest way to update your device is wirelessly, also called “over the air.” Here’s how:

1. Plug in your device to a power source.
2. Tap Settings > General > Software Update.
   
3. Tap Download and Install. Updates might download automatically while your device is connected to Wi-Fi and a power source.
4. Tap Install, or tap Later to install the update later. If you use a passcode, you'll need to enter it before installing the update.
   

If you have some free space, but not enough to update over the air, you can either update using iTunes or delete content manually from your device. Whether you use iTunes or update over the air, you'll have the same amount of free space on your device after you update.

The resource below explains how to set up Family Sharing and how to create an Apple ID for your child.

Start or join a family group using Family Sharing - Apple Support
http://support.apple.com/en-is/HT201088

Start or join a family group using Family Sharing

Family Sharing makes it easy for up to six people in your family to share each other’s iTunes, iBooks, and App Store purchases without sharing accounts. Pay for family purchases with the same credit card and approve kids’ spending right from a parent’s device. And share photos, a family calendar, and more to help keep everyone connected.

Use the steps below to start a new family group or join an existing family group. You can be a part of only one family at a time.

Get started

Here's what you'll need to use Family Sharing:

• An Apple ID signed in to iCloud and iTunes
• iOS 8 on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch or OS X Yosemite on your Mac

Start a family group

One adult in the family—the family organizer—can set up Family Sharing for the group. When you set up Family Sharing, you'll be asked to confirm that you agree to pay for purchases initiated by the family members you invite and that you have a valid payment method on file. Valid payment methods for setting up Family Sharing include credit cards and debit cards.

Set up Family Sharing

Use these steps in iOS 8:

1. Go to Settings > iCloud.
2. Tap Set Up Family Sharing, then tap Get Started.
3. Confirm that you want to be the family organizer and that you're signed in with your personal Apple ID.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions.

Use these steps in OS X Yosemite:

1. Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click iCloud.
2. Click Set Up Family.
3. Follow the onscreen instructions.

After you set up Family Sharing, you can invite your family members to join.

Invite people to join your family

Use these steps in iOS 8:

1. Go to Settings > iCloud > Family > Add Family Member.
2. Enter your family member's name or email address.
3. Follow the onscreen instructions. After you send the invitation, you can check its status under the person's name in Settings > iCloud > Family.

Use these steps in OS X Yosemite:

1. Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click iCloud.
2. Click Manage Family.
3. Click +, then follow the onscreen instructions.

You can also use these steps to create an Apple ID for a child and add them to your family group. When you create an account for a child, you must use a credit card as the payment method as part of providing your parental consent. After you create the child's Apple ID, you can change your payment method back to a debit card if you choose.

Join a family group

You can accept or decline an invitation to join a family from you iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac. If the invitation is sent to your email address, you can also respond right from your email. To accept an invitation in iOS 8, go to Settings > iCloud > Invitations. In OS X Yosemite, choose Apple menu > System Preferences > iCloud > Manage Family. Then follow the onscreen instructions.

Here's what you'll be asked to do when you join:

• Confirm your Apple ID and password.
• Choose if you want to share your content and which iTunes Store account you want to share from.
• Choose if you want to share your location. If you agree, your location can be displayed on family members’ devices in Find My Friends and Messages, and the location of your shared devices will also appear on family members’ devices in Find My iPhone.

What's next

You can share eligible iTunes Store, iBooks Store, and App Store content, family photos, a family calendar, your location, and more.

• Get help using Family Sharing.
• See what you can share and how to download content from your family members. You need to use the iTunes Store in the same country as your family members to use Family Sharing.
• Choose when to share your location with your family members.
• Learn about family purchases and payments.
• Manage your child's account and use Ask to Buy.

Learn more

Family Sharing requires a personal Apple ID signed in to iCloud and iTunes. Music, movies, TV shows, and books can be downloaded on up to 10 devices per account, five of which can be computers. iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite are required to set up or join a Family Sharing group and are recommended for full functionality. Not all content is eligible for Family Sharing. Content can be hidden by family members; hidden content is not available for download. Content downloaded from family members or acquired via redemption codes is not subject to Ask to Buy.

Last Modified: Oct 16, 2014

Cheers!

- Judy