--- title: "How to Set Up Apple Family Sharing (2026)" description: "Set up Apple Family Sharing step by step. Share iCloud storage, App Store purchases, and Apple subscriptions with up to 5 family members." url: https://dblabsapps.com/how-to/set-up-apple-family-sharing/ date: 2026-03-16 --- Updated April 7, 2026 By Jack Smith, iOS Developer at DB Labs # How to Set Up Apple Family Sharing Family Sharing lets up to 6 people share iCloud storage, App Store purchases, and Apple subscriptions under one billing account while keeping everyone's data private. March 16, 2026  ·  7 min read ## Quick Answer Go to **Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing > Set Up Your Family** on your iPhone. You become the family organizer. Invite up to 5 family members using their Apple ID email or phone number. Once accepted, you can share **iCloud+ storage**, **App Store purchases**, **Apple Music Family**, **Apple TV+**, and other subscriptions. Each person keeps their own private Apple ID, photos, and data. The organizer pays for shared subscriptions and can manage Ask to Buy for children. ## Setup Steps ### 1 Open Family Sharing Settings On your iPhone, go to **Settings** and tap your name at the top. Tap **Family Sharing**. If you have never set it up, tap **Set Up Your Family**. ### 2 Invite Family Members Tap **Add Member**. Enter the person's Apple ID email or phone number, or have them scan a QR code. They receive an invitation and must accept it. You can add up to 5 members (6 total including you). ### 3 Share iCloud Storage Go to **Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Account Storage > Share with Family**. Your iCloud+ plan is now shared. If you are on the free 5 GB plan, you need to upgrade to a paid plan first. See our guide on [sharing iCloud storage](https://dblabsapps.com/how-to/share-icloud-storage-family/) for detailed tips. ### 4 Enable Purchase Sharing In Family Sharing settings, tap **Purchase Sharing** and turn it on. Family members can now download apps, music, movies, and books that the organizer (or any family member) has purchased. Each person's purchase history remains private. ### 5 Share Subscriptions Apple subscriptions that support family sharing (Apple Music Family, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple One, iCloud+) are automatically shared with your group. Check **Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions** to see which subscriptions are shareable. ### 6 Set Up Ask to Buy (for Children) For family members under 18, enable **Ask to Buy** in Family Sharing settings. This requires the organizer to approve any purchase or free download before the child can install it. ## What You Can Share - **iCloud+ storage** (50 GB to 12 TB plans) - **App Store purchases** (apps, games, in-app purchases marked as family-sharable) - **Apple Music Family** ($16.99/mo for up to 6 people) - **Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, Apple Fitness+** - **Apple One** (bundles multiple services at a discount) - **Location via Find My** - **Shared family calendar and reminders** - **iCloud Shared Photo Library** (separate from regular photo libraries) ## Managing Your Family Group As the organizer, you can add or remove members at any time in Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing. Removed members lose access to shared subscriptions and purchases immediately. If you leave or dissolve the group, all shared benefits end for everyone. ## Keep Family Storage Under Control Each family member can clean their camera roll in minutes with Swype. Less photo clutter means your shared iCloud plan lasts longer. Free · iPhone · iOS 16+ · 100% on-device, zero uploads Free · iPhone · iOS 16+ ### You Might Also Like - [How to Share iCloud Storage with Family](https://dblabsapps.com/how-to/share-icloud-storage-family/) - [Share iCloud Storage: Step-by-Step](https://dblabsapps.com/how-to/share-icloud-storage-family/) - [Why 5 GB iCloud Storage Is Not Enough](https://dblabsapps.com/blog/icloud-5gb-not-enough/) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How many people can be in a Family Sharing group? Up to 6 people total (1 organizer + 5 members). Each person needs their own Apple ID. Children under 13 can have a child Apple ID created through Family Sharing. ### What can you share with Family Sharing? iCloud+ storage, App Store purchases, Apple Music Family, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple One, location sharing, and shared calendars. Each person's data and accounts remain private. ### Does Family Sharing cost extra? Family Sharing itself is free. You pay for the shared subscriptions and purchases. There is no additional fee -- for example, sharing a 200 GB iCloud plan costs the same $2.99/month whether used by 1 person or 6.