Can You Download an App Purchased by a Family Member?

The answer

Yes, when the app is eligible and Purchase Sharing is enabled; Apple says find the family member under App Store > Apps and use Download.

Why

Apple says the family organizer should enable Purchase Sharing and that eligible shared purchases can appear under the family member in App Store > Apps. Apple also identifies restrictions such as Ask to Buy and hidden purchases; the sharing rules are not a promise that every app is eligible.

When it is usually OK

• Purchase Sharing is enabled for the family group.
• The app is eligible for sharing and appears under the family member in App Store > Apps.
• The family member makes the purchase available through Purchase Sharing.

When you should not

• The family member has hidden that app.
• A particular app or purchase does not qualify for sharing.
• Ask to Buy or applicable device restrictions prevent a child from downloading.

Risks and exceptions

• Turning Purchase Sharing off removes access to other family members’ shared purchases.

Best practice

Check Settings > Family > Purchase Sharing, then open App Store > account > Apps > family member and download an eligible item.

Alternatives

• Ask the purchaser to unhide the app if it is hidden.
• Use Apple’s family-content troubleshooting if Purchase Sharing is active but a qualifying item remains unavailable.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides