HT201060: Family Sharing

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Gumrishun

Q: Family Sharing: Does each family member need different Apple ID? Can non-Apple ems participate?

For many years--our family members were Non-Apple, "PC users".Then 2 of us purchased iPads. We thoroughly read, what seemed like legal briefs explaining specific Apple purchases. We are Post-grad educated adults. We tried to read the Apple "fine print" but I guess not ALL of us are not as intellectual as the "Tech Writers" @Apple.

Unresolved Issues: -Can't include any family members in "Family Sharing" nor iCloud Photos (saved on icloud). - Does each & every PC using family member, need to sign-in only with Apple ID? -"Is iTunes Match" subject to separate Apple IDs too? Lastly, -how often may one change as Account Manager Apple, with Credit Card, so iTunes purchases can be "Easily" accessed w/o a warrant from a circuit court judge? Seems my family nor I, w/o non-Apple devices, can't do much, solely with these iPads. Would appreciate polite, helpful answers, from non-judgmental ppl who feel, if one does not have a comprehensive Apple knowledge, they are NOT intellectually challenge. Thank you

iPad, iOS 8.1.2, 2 of 2 iPads

Posted on Jul 25, 2016 5:49 AM

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Q: Family Sharing: Does each family member need different Apple ID? Can non-Apple ems participate?

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  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Jul 25, 2016 6:15 AM in response to Gumrishun
    Level 9 (53,576 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 25, 2016 6:15 AM in response to Gumrishun

    I am trying to parse your strung together questions.

     

    "-Can't include any family members in "Family Sharing" nor iCloud Photos (saved on icloud)." I am not understanding this.  The members must have an Apple ID which you then invite to share.  Family Sharing - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT201060


    Yes, it all works with AppleIDs. 


    An iTunes Match subscription is one per AppleID, not shared.  There is a similar feature which operates as part of an Apple Music subscription for which there is a family subscription option.


    The system is set up to work with Apple devices and software though some of the software is available in Windows and Android versions.

  • by gumri,

    gumri gumri Jul 30, 2016 1:22 PM in response to Gumrishun
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Jul 30, 2016 1:22 PM in response to Gumrishun

    Appreciate your clearer explanation of Required Apple IDs. At least you were not condescending as others have been when I posted questions.

    You need not read on; the remainder is venting frustrations about Apple's changed Consumer Education philosophy.

    We as an extended family, around the world are a bit angry with Apple's lack of "User Friendliness".  After purchasing Apple iPads & Apple Laptops, I & other family rang Apple Tech Support, in order to become as facile with Apples' systems as we were with HP, Dell & other PC products. We (my spouse & I)  were encouraged by Apple Sales Tech, into making these "Family Share" iTunes Match & 2 separate iCloud storage purchases for personal & corporate use. We were told, they'd be so easy to use & we could  "READILY" Share photos with up to 5 family members. This Apple person ASSURED, we'd be able to share DOCUMENTS & photos, but failed to mention, "family members" were required to sign in for new Apple IDs as you clarified. I guess these are also called, APPLE EMAIL ADDRESS. We are not Apple computer savvy but do thoroughly read the allegedly clear instructions on Apple's website. My family nor I as Administrator, could follow the logic nor the multiple links (one in each sentence) supposed to explain what we needed to do when I sent "Invitations" to their email addresses. We all received unclear 'error messages'; reads as (I'm paraphrasing): '...you are not included in this group--' No mention of where to go next. I've spent days not just hours trying to find what I consider easily followed "Step by Step" instructions working with Apple features & functions. I give up!  The iTunes Match I understood from another Sales Tech.  I could "Match" download tunes on to the HP Pavilion PC  I had to use, while troubleshooting with these Apple Techs. We pretty much chalk-up the time spent troubleshooting as wasted. Both: Apple's "Family Share" & "iTunes Match" are lost causes & money wasted. Both wasted so much time just reading the poorly written Technical & User Publications. Again, if you have read on, thanks for not being rude to someone who is not an Apple savvy; It's not from want of trying. I'm a Nurse who spent 10 years writing "User Manuals" & shooting films in the use & applications of Critical Care Patient Data Management systems. My primary educational goal was always, create instructions & film which clearly explain to ALL customers/users without a marginal computer background. Most importantly, its critical to break down  the computer application instruction into "Step by Step" instructions, so the Users' hands-on practice help make  them competent & comfortable. Apple hasnt been "User Friendly" since the G5 was released. Again, thanks for your

  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Jul 30, 2016 8:54 PM in response to gumri
    Level 9 (53,576 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 30, 2016 8:54 PM in response to gumri

    If you are in different countries you cannot use Family Sharing. Each country has its own licensing laws and it is probably just too complicated to work this out on a track by track basis so there is a blanket rule no Family Sharing to other countries.

     

    Family Sharing is for iTunes related purposes.  If you want to share photos you need to look into using PhotoStream.