The pending launch of the Google Play Family Library had been rumored for several months now, and it witnessed a false start earlier in July.
However, Google today officially announced the launch of ‘Family Library’.
Families frequently like to use the same apps, engage in the same games, and watch the same movies. However, you don’t want to pay for them all twice.
Google Play Family Library provides a solution by using the right skills. It enables you to share all of your Play Store purchases with your family, including games, movies, and books. Additionally, it makes it simple to create a family calendar, keep team-based lists, and exchange pictures.
What is Google Play Family Library?
This program allows family members to share their purchases from the Google Play family library across devices.
Until now, up to six family members could share.
Google Play family library includes the ability to share games, apps, books, TV shows, and movies across Android phones and tablets, and in some cases, across iOS, the web, and other connected TV platforms like smart TVs, Android TV, Roku, and more.
With Family Library, family members can share the purchased content without the need to pay for additional copies.
Whereas music can be streamed by up to 6 family members through Google Play Music’s family plan.
Countries where Google Play Family Library is available
With it finally going live today, it will begin rolling out over the next few days to users in the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Mexico, Japan, Italy, Ireland, Germany, France, Canada, Brazil, and Australia. There is no doubt that other countries will surely join the list in time.
Few restrictions on sharing
- Said that there are a few restrictions on what can be shared and what can’t be.
- Only books, television shows, movies, games, and apps are currently supported. However, some items show a note that they can only be shared if purchased with certain payment methods. Also, rentals are not allowed at all.
- Some countries are missing support for book sharing. Some of them are Mexico, Japan, Italy, and Germany.
- Also, books, TV shows, and movies in the Family Library can be accessed from iOS.
- There are additional restrictions when it comes to games and apps. Anything that is purchased before July 2, 2016, is not necessarily eligible for sharing.
- The In-app purchases via the Family Library have no support for sharing.
- Non-subscribers can’t share individual songs as well as content from the Newsstand section of the Play Store even though there is a monthly subscription to Play Music with a family plan.
How to set up Google Play Family Library
The following steps will help to set up the Google Play Family Library:
Step-1 | Sign up |
Step-2 | Setup a family payment method |
Step-3 | Setup a Family Group |
Step-4 | Decide if you wish to auto-add new purchases or not |
1st Step: Sign up
To get started with the Google Play family library, you must first sign up on your computer or phone. You will be taken to a page that looks like picture 1 (on the desktop) if the option for a Family Library is available for you.
This allows you to walk through the entire approval process for signing up. This includes information about who can be part of your Family Library, how they can pay for stuff, and how you can limit the buying of books, TV shows, movies, games, and apps by family members.
2nd Step: Setup a family payment method
You will need to designate a ‘family payment method’ to allow you and your family to buy items on Google Play. Swipe out the Google Play side menu, then select Account, followed by Payment Methods.
After setting up, your current family payment method should have the Family Library icon attached to it like the image below.
3rd step: Setup a Family Group
You will need to set up a Family Group (a group of people you have given access to) to share stuff with family members. You can access the Family Group screen by swiping out the Google Play side menu, choosing Account, and finally Family.
There will be two options for you and you want the “Manage family members” category. From there, you will see that you are the “Family manager” and you will be able to “Invite Family members” with a “+” button.
You can send invitations to up to five people to join you and the process is the same as you sign-up for the Google Play Music family plan.
4th Step: Decide if you wish to auto-add new purchases or not
After you have signed up, chosen a family payment method, and set up a family, you will have to decide which content is going to be available.
If you swipe out on the Google Play menu and move to Account > Family > Family Library settings, you will see options for books, TV, movies, games, and apps.
The auto option is a good one. For instance, if you buy R-rated comics or films or play games that your little children shouldn’t have access to, you can go with the “Don’t add automatically” option.
Here’s a YouTube video to make you understand the concept of Google Play Family Library…
Google is number 1 in taking care of its users and with each such step, Google ensures a smooth user experience.
Can You Share Anything in the Google Play family library?
A family group under Google Play Family Library allows you to share many of the apps and content you’ve bought. You can also exchange calendars, notes, and pictures with it.
Following is the list of what all you can share-
S.NO. | What you can share |
---|---|
1 | Apps, Movies, TV Shows, and Books |
2 | Music |
3 | Calendars |
4 | Notes |
5 | Photos |
How useful do you think Google Play Family Library will be to you?
FAQ’S
How do I access my family library on Google?
- Open the Google Play app.
- At the top right, tap the profile icon.
- Tap Family. Family Library settings
- Select Apps & Games, Movies & TV, or Books. Tip: If a tab isn’t listed, your family members haven’t added any content in that category.
2. Is Google Play Family Library a paid service?
It will function on iPhones and iPads in addition to Android and Chrome devices. The service is free. However, users cannot distribute songs through Family Library.
3. Can I access the Google Family Library in India?
There might be a new Family option under Account for some customers in India. Click to register, and then select Manage family members. By following the step is to invite family members and then send them.
4. How do I let my family use my purchased apps?
Launch the Settings app. Family Tap. Touch your name, then tap Family Sharing if you don’t see Family. Choose Buy Sharing.
5. Why is there no Google Family Library?
Your family members haven’t yet added any books to your Family Library if you don’t see a “Family” page.