Family Share Account without iPhone

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Family Share Account without iPhone

While this may sound like crazy question it seems Apple may of missed the boat or I just can not find the info on how to do this.

I have a Verizon Wireless account with 5 people on my account. My niece just got an iPhone but she's under 18. According to the instructions I need to create my own account and make it a Family Share Account and then create her account.

Issue is I don't use an iPhone or iTunes. I did go online and create an Apple ID and then looked to create the family share but it appears you can only do that from an iOS device. Tried to contact apply support but you have to have a serial number which I don't have as my neice has the phone who is currently at her dad's.

Any ways around my issue?

iPhone 5c, iOS 8.3

Posted on Jun 4, 2015 9:11 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 4, 2015 9:41 AM in response to MrSmoofy

An iOS device does not seem to be required to set up Family Sharing. Have you followed the directions in this article:

Set up Family Sharing - Apple Support

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Answer 2

MrSmoofy Author

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Jun 4, 2015 9:50 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

Yes I've gone to that page that says to use your iOS device or Mac which I do not have either. I've called Apple Support and they said there was nothing I could do.

Start a family group

One adult in the family—the family organizer—can set up Family Sharing for the group from their iOS device or Mac.

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Answer 3

Jun 4, 2015 9:51 AM in response to MrSmoofy

Ah, I didn't see anything about not having a Mac in your first post. Sorry.

For what it's worth, as long as the young person in question is over 13, I believe they can have their own Apple ID. It can be set up with iTunes Gift Cards so that no credit card is required.

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Answer 4

ChrisJ4203

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Jun 4, 2015 9:54 AM in response to MrSmoofy

Let me see if I understand this completely. Your niece is the only one with an iPhone/iOS device? You can be the one to create the Apple ID and just let her use it. Also, I believe unless she is under the age of 13, which you don't really indicate, just that she is under 18, she can have her own Apple ID. You can also use this link to create an Apple ID without a payment method. Create an iTunes Store, App Store, or iBooks Store account without a credit card or other payment method - Apple Suppor…

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Answer 5

MrSmoofy Author

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Jun 4, 2015 9:55 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

Yes sorry, didn't realize 13 was the magic number. She turns 13 June 26th

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Answer 6

Jun 4, 2015 9:55 AM in response to MrSmoofy

You don't need a Family account if this is the only iOS device. You can create a plain vanilla Apple ID account on her phone, and she can use it. There is no age limit (other than the legal requirement of over 13). You can also put restrictions on her use if you feel it is appropriate.

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Answer 7

MrSmoofy Author

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Jun 4, 2015 10:02 AM in response to ChrisJ4203

Yes sorry as I responded to Meg St._Clair didn't realize 13 was the magic number she turns 13 on June 26th.

So what your saying is on June 26th she can then have her own account and we can just use gift cards and not use a credit card or even just allow her access to the free stuff which is our goal at the moment.

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Answer 8

ChrisJ4203

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236,333 points

Jun 4, 2015 10:05 AM in response to MrSmoofy

The information in the support document that I provided describes how to create an Apple ID without a payment method, which would allow for the downloading of free content. As Lawrence indicated, you could create the account, and I mentioned that earlier as well. You can control it, and then if you want to create an account for her after her 13th birthday, you can do that. The only thing that would have to be done at that point is she would have to download the free content again with her Apple ID, since the content is locked to the Apple ID used to purchase/download the content.

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