How to Add Apps and Games to Your Google Play Family Library

Key takeaways:

• Google Play Family Library allows you to share eligible apps, games, movies, TV shows, and books with up to 5 family members
• You can choose to share purchases automatically or manually add them to Family Library
• Family members can access shared content on their devices without additional cost
• Some purchases, such as in-app items and subscriptions, may not be eligible for Family Library sharing

Google Play Family Library is a fantastic feature that lets you share your purchased apps, games, movies, TV shows, and books with up to 5 family members. This means your loved ones can enjoy the content you’ve bought without having to pay for it themselves. Setting up and using Family Library is a straightforward process, and in this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to add apps and games to your shared library.

Setting Up Family Library

Before you can start sharing content, you’ll need to set up Family Library. Here’s how:

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device
2. Tap on your profile icon in the top right corner
3. Select “Settings” and then “Family”
4. Tap on “Sign up for Family Library”
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your family group and invite members

Once your family members accept the invitation, they’ll be part of your Family Library.

Sharing Apps and Games

There are two ways to share apps and games with your family:

1. Automatically: You can choose to automatically share all eligible purchases with your family. To do this:

• Go to your Google Play Family Library settings
• Under “Apps & Games,” select “Add items automatically when purchased”

1. Manually: If you prefer to control which apps and games are shared, you can manually add them to Family Library. Here’s how:

• Open the Google Play Store app and go to “My apps & games”
• Find the app or game you want to share and tap on it
• On the app or game’s detail page, look for the Family Library toggle and turn it on

It’s important to note that not all apps and games are eligible for Family Library sharing. Developers have the option to opt-out of this feature, so some purchases may not be shareable. In-app purchases and subscriptions are also not typically included in Family Library.

Accessing Shared Content

Once you’ve added apps and games to your Family Library, your family members can access them on their own devices. They simply need to:

1. Open the Google Play Store app
2. Tap on their profile icon and select “Library”
3. Go to the “Family” tab to see the shared content
4. Download and install the apps or games they want to use

Your family members can enjoy the shared apps and games without any additional cost, as long as they’re part of your Family Library.

Managing Your Family Library

As the family manager, you have control over your Family Library. You can:

• Add or remove family members
• Change sharing settings for apps, games, movies, TV shows, and books
• Manage the family payment method
• Require approval for purchases made by family members

To access these settings, simply go to your Google Play Family Library settings.

Conclusion

Google Play Family Library is a great way to share your purchased content with your loved ones and save money on apps, games, movies, TV shows, and books. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily set up Family Library and start adding apps and games to share with your family. Remember to review your sharing settings and manage your family members to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

FAQ

How many family members can I share content with?

You can share your Google Play purchases with up to 5 family members through Family Library.

Can I share all my apps and games with family?

Not all apps and games are eligible for Family Library sharing. Developers can choose to opt-out of this feature, and in-app purchases and subscriptions are usually not shareable.

Will my family members be charged for using the shared content?

No, your family members can access and use the shared apps and games without any additional cost, as long as they are part of your Family Library.

Can I remove a family member from Family Library?

Yes, as the family manager, you can add or remove family members from your Family Library at any time through your Google Play Family Library settings.

What happens to shared content if I leave the family group?

If you leave the family group, your family members will lose access to any apps, games, movies, TV shows, or books you added to the Family Library.