Family Sharing not working on your Mac
Family Sharing needs to be set up in System Settings using your Apple ID. You'll need at least one family member added and all devices need to be signed in with their own Apple ID. Start by going to System Settings → Family Sharing and clicking Create Family Sharing — if it already exists, check that everyone is signed in properly.
Family Sharing connects your Apple devices and lets you share purchases, approve purchases for kids, and use features like screen time. If it's not working, it's almost always because someone's not signed in with their Apple ID, the organizer's Apple ID has a problem, or the feature is turned off. We'll check that everything is signed in correctly and set up Family Sharing from scratch if needed.
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step — just tap, no typing needed.
Skip — I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Thinking everyone can use the same Apple ID — each person needs their own separate account
- Not checking that family members have accepted their invitations before expecting it to work
- Forgetting to turn on two-factor authentication for the organizer's Apple ID
Signs you need professional help
- You've set everything up correctly but Family Sharing is still grayed out or won't turn on
- You get an error message that says your Apple ID can't create Family Sharing
- Family members accepted the invitation but they're still not seeing shared purchases or features
Book a technician
We can fix most issues remotely in 15 minutes. Weekend appointments — book your slot and we handle the rest.
Can't fix it yourself?
Most issues are resolved remotely in 15 minutes. Weekend appointments only — no parts, no in-home visit needed.