Hey everyone! My friend invited me to join their Family Sharing plan, and I've turned off purchase sharing on my end. I'm a bit concerned about my privacy—can they see what apps I download, even if they're free? For example, I downloaded Grindr and I really don't want him to know about that. Also, will he be able to see the websites I visit? I'm an adult, so I don't think there's any screen time enablement for me, but I'm trying to figure it all out. Additionally, I accidentally purchased a game that charged to his card. How can I set up my own payment method for app purchases? Thanks for the help!
2 Answers
Family Sharing is designed for families rather than friend groups, so it sounds like you might be in a tricky situation. If purchase sharing is activated, everyone in the family group can see each other's purchases unless you hide them in your purchases. As for app downloads like Grindr, since you’re an adult, he definitely won’t be able to monitor your app or website activity—it’s not tracked unless designated as a child, which depends on the birthday linked to your account. If he is billed for the game you bought, he will see that, but not the downloads of free apps. You might want to double-check the settings to see if there’s any way to manage this better.
Yeah, that’s pretty much it. He won’t know about your free app downloads, but just make sure to review what info you’re sharing to stay safe!
If your friend has purchase sharing turned on, then yes, he will know about any purchases, but he won't get an email or notification for free apps you download unless he looks directly. There’s really no way for him to monitor your app or website usage unless he’s got some parental controls set with your age being flagged. Just keep your purchases hidden if you don’t want him seeing what you’re buying. And regarding your own payment method for apps, you should be able to set that up in your account settings under Family Sharing options.
Got it! So I’ll be fine with my privacy as long as I stay on top of the settings. Appreciate the help!
Thanks for clarifying! So, it sounds like as long as I keep purchase sharing turned off, there’s no way for him to see my free downloads? I’m glad to hear that!