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Family Sharing not working for apps

I have successfully been using family sharing for over a year. My family of four each have our own Apple IDs and share location, music, cloud storage etc. the only thing that doesn’t work is app sharing. My wife bought an app recently that is supported by family sharing, yet I only seem to have the option of paying for the same app. App sharing is definitely enabled. Any ideas?

iPhone 14, iOS 17

Posted on Nov 2, 2024 1:26 PM

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3 replies

Nov 4, 2024 5:02 PM in response to NBBeach45

Ok, after looking at the app, I see it does not have a subscription, so it is just the app you need to get on your device after your wife has downloaded it. Follow these steps to view the purchases your wife has made and you should see the option to download that app and it will have a cloud icon next to it so you do not have to pay.

  1. Open the App Store app.
  2. Tap the My Account button or your photo at the top of the screen.
  3. Tap Apps.
  4. Choose a family member’s name to see content that they purchased.
  5. Find the app that you want to download, then tap the Redownload button (cloud icon with arrow)

How to download apps and content that your family members purchased - Apple Support

Nov 2, 2024 1:37 PM in response to NBBeach45

I know you said App Sharing is enabled, but it is Purchase Sharing that you need. With Purchase Sharing off, you can still share subscriptions such as Music and iCloud storage, but each family member uses their own payment method to purchase app and they only belong to them. Turn Purchase Sharing on and members only make purchases using the Organizers payment method.

How to share apps and purchases with your family - Apple Support


Not all subscriptions offered by apps allow the subscription to be shared with family members using Family Sharing. We may be able to provide more specific help if we knew the name of the app.

Family Sharing not working for apps

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