How to download apps and content that your family members have purchased

With Family Sharing, you can use purchase sharing so everyone in your Family Sharing group can download apps and content that your other family members buy.

To download apps and content that your family members buy, the Family Sharing organiser needs to turn on purchase sharing for the family group. Other members within the group can choose to enable purchase sharing on their device or decline. When purchase sharing is turned on, everyone can access each other's shared content, such as apps, music, movies and more.

Find out how to turn on purchase sharing on your iPhone, iPad or Mac

Use your iPhone or iPad to download content that family members have purchased

1. Open the App Store, Apple TV app or Apple Books.

2. Find your family member's purchases.

   • App Store: Tap your profile picture at the top of the screen, then tap Apps.

   • Apple TV app: tap the Library tab, then tap Family Sharing.

   • Apple Books: Tap your profile picture at the top of the screen.

3. Tap your family member's name to see their content.

4. To download an item, tap the Download button next to it.

If there's a child in your Family Sharing group and you have Screen Time settings and Ask to Buy enabled, they might not be able to download certain apps and content – but it depends on the Content & Privacy Restrictions you set for their device. Find out more about using parental controls to keep your child's device usage safe, private and age appropriate.

Find out what to do if you can’t see any shared content or can't select a family member

Use your Mac to download content that family members have purchased

Find the list of your family's purchases, then download or play the content.

Download an app on your Mac

1. Open the App Store.

2. Click your name in the bottom corner. If you can’t see your name, click the Sign In button, then click your name.

3. To see a family member's content, click your name next to Purchased by. Then choose a family member's name from the list that appears.

4. Download the app you want.

Download a TV programme or film on your Mac

1. Open the Apple TV app.

2. Click your name in the bottom corner. If you can't see your name, click the Sign In button, then click your name.

3. Click Library, then click Family Sharing.

4. Download or play the TV programme you want.

Download a book or audiobook on your Mac

1. Open the Apple Books app.

2. Click your name in the bottom corner. If you can’t see your name, click the Sign In button, then click your name.

3. Your account page will appear. Under Family Purchases, choose a family member's name.

4. Choose Books or Audiobooks.

5. Download the books you want.

Use your PC to download content that family members have purchased

1. From the menu bar at the top of the iTunes window, choose Account > Family Purchases.

2. Select a family member's name to view their content.

3. Download or play the items you want.

Use your Apple TV, smart TV or streaming device to watch TV programmes that family members have purchased

1. Open the Apple TV app.

2. Select Library > Family Sharing, then select your family member to see their shared films and TV programmes.