WORKSHOP: Use ‘Google Play Family Library’ on Android
Android’s version of Family Sharing is the Google Play Family library (www.snipca.com/49802). It’s a very similar service to Apple’s, letting five family members share apps, movies, TV shows, ebooks and audiobooks purchased through Google Play.
1 As with Apple’s Family Sharing, a responsible adult will need to set up Google Play Family library. If that’s you, open the Google Play app on your phone or tablet, then tap the profile icon at the top of the screen. Tap ‘Settings’, then expand the Family section, and tap ‘Sign up for Family Library’ 1 . Tap ‘Sign up’ on the following screen, then tap Continue. As part of the process, you’ll need to set up a family payment method.
2 When you reach the ‘Family payment method’ screen, tap ‘Set up’ 1 , then select one of the payment cards you’ve already set up for your account in the dropdown menu. Read through the notice and, if you agree with the terms, tap Accept. At this point, Google made a transaction for £0.00 that we needed to approve in our online banking app to complete the process.
3 You now need to start building the library of content you want to share with family members. Tap ‘Continue’, then decide whether you want to add all eligible purchases immediately (by leaving the default setting as it is) 1 or be more discerning by selecting ‘I’ll add them later, one by one’ 2 . Whichever you’ve selected, tap Continue 3. Google will ask for access to your contacts and send text messages so you can invite other family members. Allow it to do so.
4 Select the family members you’d like to invite to your family group, then tap Send 1 . As anyone you invite will be able to make purchases using the payment method you selected, you need to confirm that it’s yours by typing the three-digit (CVC) code off the back of your card. Enter it, then tap Verify. Your selected contacts will then be sent a link by text which, when tapped, lets them enrol in your family group.