A method to convert an existing iCloud account to a Child iCloud Account for Family Sharing

I do not see any method by which to convert an existing iCloud account (we have three set up for our kids, all their birthdays are set later than their actual birthdays so we could grab their actual names before they were all gone years ago) to a new Child iCloud Account for use with Family Sharing (namely to be able to take advantage of the new features: Family Calendar, Photostream, 'Ask to Buy' on the Stores, etc. on their own iPad minis.
If this is just not possible under the current scheme, please oh please Apple make this an option - there are probably thousands of others in this same boat, and I refuse to give up my kids' iCloud accounts!

I've read every string and workaround solution on these forums (to date). There's really no good options here.
USER STORY: My kid (age 7) has an iPad 2. I created an email address for him (which he doesn't know about). I created an apple ID for him (which he also doesn't know or care about) and I set up his Apple ID with my credit card. In addition I've set up parental controls on the iPad to lock it down and make it more age appropriate. Over the past year or so it's worked out fine, he sees something he might like, brings the iPad to me and if I approve, I enter the Apple ID Password and approve the purchase. After a year of doing this, he has a nice little collection of apps, kid songs, a few movies, etc. I would like to move my kid over to a legitimate kid account now that Apple has released features that support this. Currently the ability to convert an account does not exist. Seems like it should be easy to change a birthday, etc.
Almost seems like Apple is penalizing us for getting our kid an iPad last year.
Apple - Please consider my user story for your upcoming feature enhancements.

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I already have a valid payment method for my iTunes account, but can't get past the Family Sharing setup prompt telling me to add a payment method . What to do?

I already have a valid payment method for my iTunes account, but can't get past the Family Sharing setup prompt telling me to add a payment method . What to do?

I had the same problem and found a bunch of others did, too. Unfortunately all the posts had no responses! Anyway, I previously had my payment method linked to my paypal. I tried changing it to my credit card and it worked. Don't know if there's a bug with using paypal but that seemed to be the culprit for me. Good luck!

Will there be a way to merge iCloud accounts for family sharing in iOS 8?

My family of four has 5 Apple IDs. Each of us has a personal one that we use for mail, contacts, and calendars and we all share an Apple ID for use with the iTunes and App Stores. This way, we can all currently share content without having to buy it four times. However, Apple has solved this problem in iOS 8 with family sharing.
My question is how should I handle this with my current lineup of Apple IDs. I know there's currently no way to merge two Apple IDs into one, and I don't want to just transfer my credit card to my personal Apple ID, as I will lose my purchase history. I know I could add my current "shared" ID to our family account in iOS 8, but I'd like not to have a duplicate of myself. Any advice would be appreciated!

It's not necessary to merge the iCloud and iTunes Store accounts. The Family Organizer should use their own iCloud account when setting up Family Sharing. You'll also be asked to supply the iTunes Store account you want to use to share music, movies, apps, etc., with your family during the setup process. It appears Apple has already addressed this common problem.

Which Account to Use for Family Sharing?

After reading the issues of being locked out, I am a bit apprehensive to set up the account.
Here's my scenario:
Husband & Wife accounts want family sharing
Husband as owner - using @me.com Apple ID AND @gmail.com iTunes account (or in settings 'Family Purchases')
Wife also has identical setup where iCloud apps are run by an @me.com Apple ID and all iTunes purchases have been made through a @gmail.com account.
Question: Which account does the Husband invite the wife to family sharing? The @me.com Apple ID or the @gmail.com?
thanks!

The Apple ID is his iTunes account. The @me.com is his iCloud account which is connected to his Apple ID/iTune account. Using anyone should suffice.
In any case, if you want to be safe, Use his Apple ID account.
Hope this helps.

Paypal not a valid payment method for family sharing

I have had paypal configured on my account for years. But now, for some reason while trying to set up Family Sharing on my iPad, it thinks Paypal is not a valid payment method. Should I be trying to set up Family Sharing from iTunes instead of my iPad?

I've read from others that at the preset time you have to use a credit card rather than a debit card. If you're using a debit card you might try entering a credit card instead, at least until the debit card option is restored.

I want to setup my 9 year old for family sharing and seperate iTunes account but do not have credit cards

I am unable to setup a new iTunes account / family sharing for my 9 year old as I do not have credit cards, it seems that it is only possible to do so with a credit card, however I feel it is unfair that I would need to apply for a credit card just so that my child can be safe online

Changing payment info : http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1918
Or if you haven't created the account yet then there are instructions on this page for how to create one without giving credit card details : http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2534 (e.g. https://discussions.apple.com/message/24321860#24321860)

Should ID for family sharing be iCloud or App store ID?

As i prepare to set up family sharing between my wife and i I find it seems to be more complex than I had expected. We each have an ID for iCloud, and for the iOS app store for a total of four ids. That system was forced on us by the way the system evolved.
The problem - if family sharing is iCloud based do I set it up using my iCloud ID or my App store ID? The apps are registered to the App store ID not the iCloud ID. Similarly should it be my wife's iCloud or App store ID that is invited. Since she is signed into the app store with the app store ID will the app store see purchases shared with the iCloud ID.
I guess I could try trial and error, but there is a limited number of resets allowed. I have already learned we shouldn't both set up Family sharing on our iOS devices One has to be the inviter, the other the invitee.
I am beginning to think this may not be so useful.

I went into iCloud, signed out and then signed back in and it corrected the problem.

Switching iTunes accounts for family sharing

I Have one iTunes accounts and everyone in the family is using it. Hubby's phone and 2 kids iPads plus my phone and iPad.
I Want to set everyone up their own and connect with family sharing BUT:
is There a way to switch hubby's phone from my iTunes account to his new one without wiping his contacts /apps/ calendar? And switch the kids to their own without wiping game progress?

You have posted your question in a relatively ow traffic forum - Using Apple Support Communities, basically concerned with how to use, navigate, find stuff in he overall Discussions area.
If you will post the devices you are using and their OSes, we can ask our gracious Hosts to move it a more appropriate forum where I am sure you will get an answer.
best regards
ÇÇÇ

Family sharing verification has an old credit card number to verify. I have updated the credit card info but it is still not appearing in the verification process asking for the security code of the card. How lng to have account info updated to cloud

I am trying to set up a family sharing with a new iMac and other Mac pro computer and other apple products. When I click to manage account and the add a member, I am told to verify the user by entering the security code from the credit card. The card listed is an old one and has since been changed. I updated the info on my apple account, but it is not getting to the iCloud for the family sharing. The number shown is the old card. When I enter a code it says invalid. How long does it take for the info to udate to all systems?

Hi Mofro1,
Happy Holidays! The resource below explains how to edit the credit card information for the Apple ID account that you want to use for Family Sharing. Once you've made the changes, I would suggest you sign out of your iTunes Store on all of your devices, and then restart them. The changes should take place quickly. There is a link to the iTunes Store support below if you need more help.
Change or remove your payment information from your iTunes Store account (Apple ID) - Apple Support
http://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT1918
Change your payment information on a Mac or PC
Click to open your account in iTunes. (You might need to sign in with your Apple ID.)
Alternatively, you can:
Open iTunes.
Click iTunes Store.
Click Sign In and enter your Apple ID.
Click your Apple ID and select Account Info.
From the Account Information page, click Edit to the right of Payment Type.
You can see the payment methods that the iTunes Store accepts in the Payment Type section. If you want to remove the payment method, select None in the Payment Type section. See what to do if None isn't showing or you can't select it.
Change your information and click Done.
After you change your payment information, the iTunes Store places an authorization hold on your credit card.
Family Sharing
If you’re using Family Sharing, and you're the family organizer, you can’t set your payment information to None. You need to use a credit card or debit card. Only the Family Organizer can edit payment information for a family group. If you're not the organizer, you'll see this message: "The payment method for your Family is managed by [Apple ID]."
Get help
If you need help changing your payment information, credit card details, or billing information, contact iTunes Store support. Or you might find the answer to your question below:
If you change your payment method, make sure your account information matches the credit card information on file with your financial institution.
If you use an AOL screen name to sign in to the iTunes Store, editing your information on the Account Information page won't update your AOL account. If you need to update your AOL account information, contact AOL.
If your previous payment wasn't accepted, you might need to change your payment information.
Last Modified: Oct 31, 2014
Cheers,
- Judy

Family Sharing when having different accounts for purchasing and iCloud

I have two Apple ID accounts. One that I use for making iTunes purchases (which I had way before @me.com or @icloud.com existed) and the new @icloud.com account that I use for everything iCloud related (Messages, backups, etc).
Now that Family Sharing exists, I want to bring my kids and my wife into the plan, but from what I've seen, I wouldn't be able to use my icloud.com address since all my purchases are on the other Apple ID. The problem is that either I would need to stop using my icloud.com ID or purchase everything again?
I know one of the most requested features has been to be able to merge accounts and I know I am not the only one in this situation. Is there a way in iOS 8 Family Sharing to do just that? I wouldn't mind removing my old Apple ID account as long as I can transfer all my purchases to the new icloud.com ID.
Otherwise, I guess Family Sharing is out for me (and for everyone who is on the same boat of having 2 different Apple IDs).

Ok teach me to believe stuff I read on the Internet!! But I did get it to work.
So how in effect it is not working much differently to the old way under ios7 that worried me when iTunes Match was going to use "icloud" and not my existing Apple ID. But as we all found out we could use our @me.com or @icloud.com address for all they syncing stuff and then further down there was an option for your iTunes store account where most of us used our old iTunes Store account.
So after reading this thread and many similar articles on new family sharing I thought we may have the same issue, but it seems we are ok.
How I did it:
1) Set up Family Sharing,
2) when asked for AppleID enter my @me.com address and password
3) click next, it asks what AppleID to use for Store purchases for the family, here I entered my old store id which is so old is actually just a username.
4) confirm payment card
This seems to have worked, my purchases through AppStore are still made through my old id and all family purchases will be made through that id too.
But as far as my family are concerned @me.com addy is the organiser.
I have yet to set up family members but I trust Apple that it will work they haven't let me down yet (apart from the mucking around with Photostream that they seem to have done).
Also you can check in your settings whether it is set up correctly, go to Family Sharing via icloud settings, click on your name as organiser, it should show what AppleID your family purchases are made through, mine shows my normal AppStore ID, when I get home I'll upload some screenshots (once edited out my details!)

How can a parent restrict a child's access to a PARENT'S PRE-EXSISTING iTunes account via iCloud's Family Sharing Program?

How can a parent restrict a child's access to a PARENT'S PRE-EXSISTING iTunes account via iCloud's Family Sharing Program? To explain further... I have a young son who is on my iCloud family sharing program... I am excited to be able to share SOME of my music in my iTunes library, but there are some songs and music videos that are not age appropriate for him and currently there is no way to restrict him from viewing and downloading anything off of my iTunes library. Yes, I suppose I can delete the songs he shouldn't have access to, but I don't think I should have to do that... I paid for them and still like them and listen to them while I work out or am without my kids. Is there a way for me to personally select which songs/videos I would like to "hide" from my children in an effort to shield them from inappropriate content?

Hello ggg39,
Welcome to the Apple Support Communities!
I understand that you have some content in your iTunes library that you would like to restrict access for the child set up on Family Sharing with you. To do this, you can set restrictions on the child’s device as described in the attached article.
Family Sharing - Apple Support
Now kids under 13 can have their own Apple IDs. As a parent or legal guardian, the family organizer can create an Apple ID for a child and add the child to the family group automatically. Ask to Buy is turned on by default, and the organizer can also limit the content kids have access to on their devices through Restrictions on an iOS device or parental controls in OS X and iTunes.
For more information on restrictions and how to set them up, please reference the next attached article.
About Restrictions (parental controls) on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support
Have a great day,
Joe

How to use family sharing when already sharing the same iCloud account

My wife and I started separate iTunes account many years ago, and thus made many purchases on each account. Some time later we started using iCloud, and when we did, we decided we wanted to share the same iCloud account so my wife, for example, could add entries in the Notes app and I'd be able to see them, and vise versa. In addition, we have another iPhone for our daughter, and with that she has her own iCloud account in use on her phone, however, she is signed into my iTunes account on her phone (so her/my purchases were on the same iTunes account, namely mine).
Now, years later, Family Sharing came along and I'm trying to figure out how I can also make that work with the iTunes and iCloud setup we currently have. My hope, with the Family Sharing feature, is that my wife's purchases (on her iTunes account) and my purchases on my iTunes account would be able to be shared. That said, how should I go about setting up Family Sharing such

sounds like you only need to share with the other account that your daughter used. the same id in icloud on wifes devie is fine. this article will help. Sharing purchased content with Family Sharing - Apple Support Peace, Clyde

HT204284 Does a single iCloud account get shared across all Apple IDs that are joined in Family Sharing?

I have an iCloud account on my AppleID and I have family sharing activated that links me with my wife's AppleID over all our devices.
I Am signed into my AppleID on my devices (iMac and iPhone) and my wife is signed into her AppleID on her devices (iPad and iPhone). I thought that family sharing would have allowed us to share an iCloud account so that we can share our photo album that is stored there. My wife's devices are not giving her access to the iCloud account on my AppleID though.
Any clues?

Greetings pbick,
I am sorry I did not make myself better understood. The article itself states that.
Mac with OS X Yosemite
Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > iCloud > Manage Family and click the Add button (+).
Select "Create an Apple ID for a child who doesn't have an account" and click Continue.
Enter your child's birthday and click Next. The birthday for a child's account can't be changed after the account is created. Be sure to enter the correct date.
Family Sharing and Apple IDs for kids - Apple Support
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.
Be well,
Brett L

"Set up Family Sharing option" missing from iCloud settings

I'm trying to set up a child (under 13) via. my Apple ID/iPod touch.
There is no "Set up Family Sharing" option when we go to Settings > iCloud.
What do I do?

Hi Elliot,
Happy Holidays! To set up Family Sharing, you need to have iOS 8 on your iPod touch. Check to see if you have updated to the latest version, which is 8.1.2 on your device.
Update the iOS software on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support
http://support.apple.com/en-is/ht4623
iOS software updates introduce new features that let you do even more with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Be sure to keep your devices up to date so that you don't miss out on the latest features.
Before you update
Back up your device to iCloud or iTunes.
If you use your device's Personal Hotspot for your computer's Internet connection, update your device wirelessly or connect your computer to another network.
Update your device wirelessly
The easiest way to update your device is wirelessly, also called “over the air.” Here’s how:
Plug in your device to a power source.
Tap Settings > General > Software Update.
Tap Download and Install. Updates might download automatically while your device is connected to Wi-Fi and a power source.
Tap Install, or tap Later to install the update later. If you use a passcode, you'll need to enter it before installing the update.
If you have some free space, but not enough to update over the air, you can either update using iTunes or delete content manually from your device. Whether you use iTunes or update over the air, you'll have the same amount of free space on your device after you update.
The resource below explains how to set up Family Sharing and how to create an Apple ID for your child.
Start or join a family group using Family Sharing - Apple Support
http://support.apple.com/en-is/HT201088
Start or join a family group using Family Sharing
Family Sharing makes it easy for up to six people in your family to share each other’s iTunes, iBooks, and App Store purchases without sharing accounts. Pay for family purchases with the same credit card and approve kids’ spending right from a parent’s device. And share photos, a family calendar, and more to help keep everyone connected.
Use the steps below to start a new family group or join an existing family group. You can be a part of only one family at a time.Get started
Here's what you'll need to use Family Sharing:
An Apple ID signed in to iCloud and iTunes
iOS 8 on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch or OS X Yosemite on your Mac
Start a family group
One adult in the family—the family organizer—can set up Family Sharing for the group. When you set up Family Sharing, you'll be asked to confirm that you agree to pay for purchases initiated by the family members you invite and that you have a valid payment method on file. Valid payment methods for setting up Family Sharing include credit cards and debit cards.
Set up Family Sharing
Use these steps in iOS 8:
Go to Settings > iCloud.
Tap Set Up Family Sharing, then tap Get Started.
Confirm that you want to be the family organizer and that you're signed in with your personal Apple ID.
Follow the onscreen instructions.
Use these steps in OS X Yosemite:
Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click iCloud.
Click Set Up Family.
Follow the onscreen instructions.
After you set up Family Sharing, you can invite your family members to join.Invite people to join your family
Use these steps in iOS 8:
Go to Settings > iCloud > Family > Add Family Member.
Enter your family member's name or email address.
Follow the onscreen instructions. After you send the invitation, you can check its status under the person's name in Settings > iCloud > Family.
Use these steps in OS X Yosemite:
Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click iCloud.
Click Manage Family.
Click +, then follow the onscreen instructions.
You can also use these steps to create an Apple ID for a child and add them to your family group. When you create an account for a child, you must use a credit card as the payment method as part of providing your parental consent. After you create the child's Apple ID, you can change your payment method back to a debit card if you choose.Join a family group
You can accept or decline an invitation to join a family from you iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac. If the invitation is sent to your email address, you can also respond right from your email. To accept an invitation in iOS 8, go to Settings > iCloud > Invitations. In OS X Yosemite, choose Apple menu > System Preferences > iCloud > Manage Family. Then follow the onscreen instructions.
Here's what you'll be asked to do when you join:
Confirm your Apple ID and password.
Choose if you want to share your content and which iTunes Store account you want to share from.
Choose if you want to share your location. If you agree, your location can be displayed on family members’ devices in Find My Friends and Messages, and the location of your shared devices will also appear on family members’ devices in Find My iPhone.
What's next
You can share eligible iTunes Store, iBooks Store, and App Store content, family photos, a family calendar, your location, and more.
Get help using Family Sharing.
See what you can share and how to download content from your family members. You need to use the iTunes Store in the same country as your family members to use Family Sharing.
Choose when to share your location with your family members.
Learn about family purchases and payments.
Manage your child's account and use Ask to Buy.
Learn more
Family Sharing requires a personal Apple ID signed in to iCloud and iTunes. Music, movies, TV shows, and books can be downloaded on up to 10 devices per account, five of which can be computers. iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite are required to set up or join a Family Sharing group and are recommended for full functionality. Not all content is eligible for Family Sharing. Content can be hidden by family members; hidden content is not available for download. Content downloaded from family members or acquired via redemption codes is not subject to Ask to Buy.
Last Modified: Oct 16, 2014
Cheers!
- Judy

Family Sharing vs using single iTunes account - can I switch?

I currently have my iTunes account used on my devices, and also use it for my daughters' iTunes account on their iPods. They do not have their own iCloud account at all at this point.
I am planning to give them their own iCloud accounts with their new iPods at Christmas, and want to make sure I understand how Family Sharing works before committing to it. Some of what I have heard about it does not seem to be any better than what I currently do with my wife - we have our own iCloud accounts, but share the same account (mine) for purchasing.
If I set up my kids (age 10) under family sharing as kids, and would rather still use my account for purchases, is that possible? I assume that I could still enter my credentials into the purchasing section of their iPods, even though they have a kids iCloud account, correct? Or does it somehow lock out the ability to do that if you have the account set up for a child?
I probably will just use the family sharing setup, with their accounts set up for purchasing, but with me approving, but I want to be sure I can still put my account in instead as well, just in case I want more "control" over what they get.
Does anyone know?

Has anyone tried this?
If you have a child Apple ID set up under family share, can you put in your (adult) Apple ID into their "iTunes & App Store" section on their iPod, to effectively bypass the adult consent, but require me to put in MY password for their purchases on their device?
I want to give them their own Apple ID so they are not sharing mine for data. I am not wanting to fake their ages and set up their own adult account, but not sure I want to fully embrace the apparently cludgy Family Sharing setup by Apple.
If someone has their child set up under family sharing, can you try going to their "iTunes & App Store" section, and see if it would even allow you to enter in your iCloud credentials, or if it is locked out by family share? You shouldn't have to actually submit it to see.

A method to convert an existing iCloud account to a Child iCloud Account for Family Sharing

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