HOW TO Set up and manage Family Sharing >

1 Open System Settings

We’re setting up Family Sharing on a Mac here, but if you need to use an iPhone or iPad instead, the procedures are basically the same. From the Apple menu, open System Settings. (For iOS, click on Settings then your name.)

2 Set things up

Click on your name at the top of the window’s left-hand sidebar and then, on the right, click Family Sharing. You’ll see a screen outlining the advantages of having a family account. Click the Set Up Family button (bottom right).

3 Invite family members

You’re then shown if you have subscriptions you can share. Click the Invite People button and follow the on-screen instructions to invite family members to join the family group you’re setting up and managing.

4 Create a child account

If you want to create an account for a child and oversee it with parental controls, open System Settings and click Family under your name. Click the Add Member option, then click the Create Child Account button.

5 Confirm adult status

A child account will remain part of your family unit until he or she is at least 13 years old. To progress setting up a child account, you must prove you’re an adult, so click the ‘Verify You Are an Adult’ button in this window.

6 Verify with card

Verify you’re an adult using the security code for the credit card you use for your Apple purchases. This is purely for verification; you’re not charged for anything. After typing it in, click the Continue button.

7 Complete child account

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your child’s account. Set their password and iCloud email address used for Apple ID. You also set whether your child’s location is shared with family members using Find My.

8 Set screen time

To set up the child’s Screen Time, on your Mac, go to the Apple menu and open System Settings. Click on Screen Time in the sidebar, and use the menu to access your child’s account. Turn on Screen Time, and set it up as you see fit.

9 Remove a child’s details

To remove a child from a family account, go to System Settings > Family > [Their Name]. You’ll see a ‘Remove from Family Sharing’ option. If the child is under 13, this option is greyed out; they can be transferred, but not removed.