Sharing your iTunes library with family is a great way to ensure everyone has access to the same music, movies, and TV shows. It’s a simple process that involves setting up Family Sharing on your Apple devices and inviting family members to join. Once set up, everyone can download and enjoy the shared content.
Before diving into the specifics, let’s understand what these steps will accomplish. By following the tutorial, you’ll be able to set up Family Sharing, which allows up to six people to share iTunes purchases, as well as other Apple services, without sharing accounts.
Step 1: Set up Family Sharing
Open the Settings app on your iOS device, tap on your name, and then select ‘Set Up Family Sharing.’
Family Sharing is the feature that Apple provides to let families share their purchases across different accounts. It’s not just limited to iTunes; you can also share App Store purchases, Apple Books, and an Apple Music family subscription.
Step 2: Invite Family Members
Once Family Sharing is set up, you can add family members by inviting them via email or text.
Each family member you invite will need to have their own Apple ID. Once they accept the invitation, they’ll be added to your Family Sharing group.
Step 3: Share Your Purchases
Go to the ‘Purchase Sharing’ section and make sure it’s turned on so your family can access your purchased iTunes content.
When ‘Purchase Sharing’ is turned on, your family members can download any of the eligible purchases you’ve made from iTunes, the App Store, or Apple Books.
After completing these steps, your family members will be able to access and download the content you’ve purchased from iTunes. They’ll simply need to open the iTunes Store app, tap on ‘More,’ then ‘Purchased,’ and select your name to see your shared purchases.
Tips: Sharing iTunes Library with Family
- Make sure each family member has their own Apple ID before inviting them to Family Sharing.
- You can only be part of one Family Sharing group at a time.
- Check the ‘Purchase Sharing’ settings periodically to ensure they’re still configured to your preference.
- Remember that some content may not be shareable due to licensing restrictions.
- Set up ‘Ask to Buy’ for children’s accounts to approve their purchases and downloads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if a family member doesn’t see my shared iTunes content?
Make sure they’re signed in with their Apple ID and that ‘Purchase Sharing’ is enabled in the Family Sharing settings.
Can I remove a family member from my Family Sharing group?
Yes, you can remove someone by going to your Family Sharing settings and tapping on their name, then selecting ‘Remove from Family.’
What happens if I stop sharing my purchases?
Your family members will no longer have access to your iTunes content, but they’ll retain anything they’ve already downloaded.
Can I share content with more than six people?
No, Family Sharing is limited to six family members, including you.
Can I still share my library if I don’t have an Apple device?
No, Family Sharing requires an iOS device, Mac, or PC with the latest version of iTunes installed.
Summary
- Set up Family Sharing.
- Invite family members.
- Share your purchases.
Conclusion
Sharing your iTunes library with family is a straightforward process that brings plenty of benefits. With Family Sharing, not only can you share your iTunes purchases, but you can also ensure that your family has access to a wealth of entertainment without the need for multiple purchases. It’s cost-effective, convenient, and a great way to stay connected through shared media experiences.
By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying shared content across your Apple devices. Whether you’re jamming to the same tunes or binge-watching the same TV shows, Family Sharing makes it all possible.
Remember to check your settings regularly to ensure everyone has the access they need and to manage your Family Sharing preferences. And of course, if you ever encounter any issues or have further questions about how to share your iTunes library with family, Apple’s support resources are always there to help. Happy sharing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.