{"id":25499,"date":"2024-02-02T17:35:07","date_gmt":"2024-02-02T17:35:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/heylocate.mobi\/?p=25499"},"modified":"2024-03-07T17:39:40","modified_gmt":"2024-03-07T17:39:40","slug":"parental-review-of-apple-family-sharing-and-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/heylocate.mobi\/parental-review-of-apple-family-sharing-and-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"Parental Review of Apple Family Sharing and Alternatives When It\u2019s Not Working"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Apple Family Sharing is one of the highly sought-after parental tools that gives parents the opportunity to monitor and gain control of their child\u2019s digital life on iOS devices. With Family Sharing, parents can review content and download histories from the App Store and iTunes Store, check recent activity on iCloud, and even locate devices with Find My iPhone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Yet, despite its popularity, Apple Family Sharing has its limitations, notably its inability to discreetly track a child’s phone. Consequently, parents seeking comprehensive oversight may find themselves wanting, particularly if they wish to clandestinely monitor their child’s whereabouts, messages, or app usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In situations necessitating surreptitious tracking, a viable alternative exists in the form of third-party tracking solutions. These solutions empower parents to monitor nearly every aspect of their child’s digital activity without their awareness. Read further to find such Family Sharing alternatives or read their review in our HeyLocate blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Quick Review of Apple\u2019s Family Sharing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our Verdict:<\/strong> Apple’s Family Sharing is a valuable tool for sharing content and managing family digital activities. However, it lacks discreet tracking features for parental control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First presented:<\/strong> June 2014.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compatibility:<\/strong> iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more, running iOS 8 and later or macOS Yosemite and later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last Update: <\/strong>September 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price:<\/strong> Free.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What Is Apple Family Sharing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Apple Family Sharing is an innovative way for families to easily access and share content with each other. From apps and games to music, movies, and books, family members can access one another’s content on their devices, all without needing separate accounts or logins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With just a few clicks, everyone in the family has the same range of apps, films, books even audiobooks at their fingertips. Plus, parents have the peace of mind that comes with knowing what their children can access and when.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How Does Family Sharing Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Family Sharing offers a range of functionalities that make it easier for family members to share digital content, manage subscriptions, and exercise parental control over their children’s device usage. Here’s how family sharing works.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Setting Up a Family<\/strong>
    One family member acts as the organizer. This individual creates a family group and becomes the administrator of the group. The organizer’s Apple ID is typically used to pay for shared app store purchases and subscriptions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Inviting Family Members<\/strong>
    The organizer sends out invitations to other family members through their email addresses. These invitations can also be sent directly from device settings. Once invited, family members can accept the invitation to join the family group.
    \"iPhone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Sharing Purchases<\/strong>
    With Family Sharing in place, family members can share their purchases from various Apple services. This includes sharing apps, music, movies, TV shows, books, and more from the App Store, iTunes Store, Apple Books, and Apple TV. This sharing allows family members to access these items without needing to make individual purchases.
    \"iPhone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Shared iCloud Storage<\/strong>
    Another significant feature of Family Sharing is the ability to share an iCloud storage plan. This simplifies the process of storing and sharing photos, videos, documents, and other data across all family members’ devices.
    \"iPhone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Parental Controls with Screen Time<\/strong>
    For families with children, Apple Family Sharing offers powerful family sharing parental controls option through Screen Time. Parents can set app usage limits, schedule screen downtime, filter web content, and monitor their children’s app and website activity.
    \"iPhone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Location Sharing<\/strong>
    Apple family location sharing includes the \u201cFind My\u201d app, which allows family members to share their locations with each other. This can be valuable for parents who want to keep track of their children’s whereabouts or for locating missing devices.
    \"iPhone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Shared Subscriptions<\/strong>
    Certain subscriptions, such as Apple Music’s Family plan, Apple Arcade, and Apple TV+, can be shared among family members. Each family member maintains their individual account while sharing the subscription cost.
    \"iPhone<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    How to Set Up Apple Family Sharing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    To set up Apple Family Sharing, you first need to designate an organizer and then follow these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. On the organizer’s iOS or iPadOS device, go to “Settings.”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Tap on the Apple ID at the top, select “Family Sharing,” and tap “Get Started.”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Tap on the + sign to “Invite Family Members\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Confirm payment method and decide what to share (in app purchases, iCloud storage, etc.).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Set parental controls if needed, such as “Ask to Buy” for children.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. Set up a family calendar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    7. Decide on sharing subscriptions like Apple Music.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    8. Review and confirm settings, then invitations are sent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    9. Family members accept invitations to join the family group.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      \"iPhone<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      iCloud Family Sharing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      iCloud Family Sharing is a valuable service offered by Apple that simplifies resource sharing and enhances parental control within a family, particularly between parents and their children. Here are its key features:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n