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My family and I were sharing one Apple ID, and all our devices keep getting confused. We want to set up Family Sharing, but how do we do that when we've already been sharing one ID? Do we all sign out? If we create new Apple IDs, will we lose the music, etc., we've already beeb sharing?
You haven't been sharing one Apple ID, you have been using one Apple ID for multiple people. It's created a mess. You ought to have ONE Apple ID for each person.
Once that has been achieved one of you has to be the family organiser, probably the owner of the ID you have been using to this point. See the set up instructions here. The organiser also manages the payment for Apple's services and content so again, it makes sense for the existing ID to manage that into your new family group.
Familiarise yourself with the document What is Family Sharing? It tells you that "everyone in the family gets access to the apps, music, films, TV programmes and books that family members buy. The content automatically appears on the Purchased page in the App Store, iTunes Store, Apple Books or Apple TV app. Some items can't be shared."
*The latter refers to some apps for which the developer has told Apple that only the purchaser can use. This is not common.
You will be able to share the music from the iTunes store or the Apple Music subscription. Photos, however are a different kettle of fish. Each person's photo library will be private (although shared albums are common to all participants). Some copying and pruning of photos is in order if you want to divide your collection.
You will probably also need to buy an iCloud Storage Plan to accommodate this content.
You will have some adjustments to make and settings to tweak - Find My app for example - but it's worth it in the end.
You haven't been sharing one Apple ID, you have been using one Apple ID for multiple people. It's created a mess. You ought to have ONE Apple ID for each person.
Once that has been achieved one of you has to be the family organiser, probably the owner of the ID you have been using to this point. See the set up instructions here. The organiser also manages the payment for Apple's services and content so again, it makes sense for the existing ID to manage that into your new family group.
Familiarise yourself with the document What is Family Sharing? It tells you that "everyone in the family gets access to the apps, music, films, TV programmes and books that family members buy. The content automatically appears on the Purchased page in the App Store, iTunes Store, Apple Books or Apple TV app. Some items can't be shared."
*The latter refers to some apps for which the developer has told Apple that only the purchaser can use. This is not common.
You will be able to share the music from the iTunes store or the Apple Music subscription. Photos, however are a different kettle of fish. Each person's photo library will be private (although shared albums are common to all participants). Some copying and pruning of photos is in order if you want to divide your collection.
You will probably also need to buy an iCloud Storage Plan to accommodate this content.
You will have some adjustments to make and settings to tweak - Find My app for example - but it's worth it in the end.
If 13 years old or older.
If under 13 years old, you will need to set up Family Sharing to create an ID.
Family Sharing and Apple ID for your child.
When changing to the new ID, there may be some data loss, but you can minimize it. If syncing photos with iCloud, ensure Optimization is turned off in Settings/Your Name/iCloud/Photos and/or in Photos/Preferences/iCloud. Then make sure full resolution photos are on the device/computer. When signing out of iCloud, if asked whether you want to retain data, choose yes. Messages conversations will be lost if they are addressed to the ID. See the article below for other places that the old ID should be removed. See Winston Churchill's response in the below discussion. Also set up Family Sharing between the IDs to keep access to your apps/purchases.
Set up - your child’s iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
How to switch Apple IDs on your iPhone or iPad.
How to transfer all files from one iCloud account to another.
What to do after you change your Apple ID or password - Apple Support.
My family and I were sharing one Apple ID, and all our devices keep getting confused. We want to set up Family Sharing, but how do we do that when we've already been sharing one ID?
