How Do I Turn Off Apple Family Sharing?
To turn off Apple Family Sharing, which is often referred to by users as 'Apple Family Link,' you need to disband the family group. This action can only be performed by the family organizer.
What is Apple Family Sharing?
Apple Family Sharing is a feature that allows up to six family members to share Apple services like Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud storage, and even App Store and iTunes purchases. It also enables sharing locations, managing Screen Time for children, and using features like Ask to Buy.
Why Disband Apple Family Sharing?
Users might decide to turn off Family Sharing for various reasons, including:
- Changes in Family Structure: A family member moves out, or the family dynamic changes.
- Privacy Concerns: Desire to no longer share location or purchase history.
- Independent Management: Family members prefer to manage their own subscriptions and purchases.
- Starting a New Group: The family organizer wishes to create a new Family Sharing group with different members.
Step-by-Step Guide to Disabling Apple Family Sharing
Only the family organizer can completely turn off Family Sharing for the entire group. When the organizer stops Family Sharing, the group is disbanded, and all members are removed.
Here's how the family organizer can disband an Apple Family Sharing group:
- Go to Settings: On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, open the Settings app.
- Access Family Settings: Scroll down and tap on Family. (On older iOS versions, this might be under your name at the top of Settings, then "Family Sharing").
- Select Your Name: Tap on your name (the family organizer's name) from the list of family members.
- Stop Using Family Sharing: Scroll down and tap Stop Using Family Sharing.
- Confirm Your Action: Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm that you want to stop Family Sharing. This action will disband the family group.
What Happens When You Stop Family Sharing?
When the family organizer stops Family Sharing, several key features and shared services are affected:
| Feature Affected | Impact When Family Sharing is Off |
|---|---|
| Shared Purchases | Family members lose access to shared apps, music, movies, and books. They may need to purchase these items themselves. |
| Subscriptions | Shared Apple Arcade, Apple Music, Apple TV+, and other Family Sharing-eligible subscriptions may cease for family members. |
| iCloud Storage Plan | If you share an iCloud storage plan, family members will revert to 5GB of free storage and may need to purchase their own plans. |
| Location Sharing | Location sharing through the Find My app will be disabled for the family group. |
| Screen Time | Screen Time settings and reports configured for children in the group will no longer be managed by the organizer. |
| Ask to Buy | The Ask to Buy feature will be deactivated, meaning children will no longer require organizer approval for purchases. |
| Apple Card Family | Shared Apple Card accounts will be affected; details depend on individual circumstances. |
| Shared Photo Albums | Family photo albums created within Family Sharing will no longer be accessible to all former members. |
Alternatives to Disabling Family Sharing Entirely
If you only want to remove an individual family member without disbanding the entire group, the family organizer can do so:
- Go to Settings > Family.
- Tap on the Family Member's Name you wish to remove.
- Tap Remove [Family Member's Name] From Family.
- Confirm your action.
Children under 13 cannot be removed from a family group without transferring them to another family group or deleting their Apple ID, which requires specific steps on Apple's support site.
Important Considerations Before You Stop
Before you disable Family Sharing, it's wise to:
- Communicate: Inform all family members about your decision to stop Family Sharing so they can prepare for changes, especially regarding shared subscriptions and purchases.
- Backup Data: Ensure any important photos or documents in shared albums or iCloud storage are backed up or transferred.
- Check Subscriptions: Verify which subscriptions are currently shared and whether family members will need to re-subscribe independently.
Disabling Apple Family Sharing is a straightforward process for the family organizer, but understanding its implications for shared services is key.
