iPad for family use
December 26, 2019 11:44 AM   Subscribe

New iPad (7th generation, iOS 13). I want it to be “mine” but usable for the whole family (spouse and 4 year old). I don’t want to repurchase apps I’ve already bought on my iPhone, and I’d like to use it for work emails, but I don’t want my text messages and email notifications popping up when spouse or kid are using it.

Should I set up a new Apple ID for the iPad and set up family sharing? Recommendations for limiting my kid’s access to anything beyond kid apps without limiting utility for the adults? I guess I thought I’d be able to set up alternate accounts like a computer, instead of it only allowing a single account like a phone. Should have researched more before buying.
posted by Kriesa to Computers & Internet (6 answers total) 2 users marked this as a favorite
 
To suppress notifications while someone else is using the device, you could always shift it into Do Not Disturb mode.

Access Control would be a little trickier if it's tied primarily to your account.
posted by jozxyqk at 12:00 PM on December 26, 2019


Closest thing I can find is settings - screen time - content and privacy restrictions; it looks like it's a combo 'keep your kids safe on their own devices' and 'keep apps away from confidential information'. Not sure if it's really intended for switching on occasionally.

I am following this with interest because I've never researched this closely and generally assume I can't trust anyone with my devices. I would love to be proved wrong.
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 1:11 PM on December 26, 2019


One argument in favor of using your own AppleID is that any apps that you have already bought for your phone will (should) be available on your iPad without having to repurchase them.
posted by megatherium at 2:10 PM on December 26, 2019


I’d use your own Apple id as that’ll guarantee you don’t have to re-purchase apps.

We use an app called KidsLox for our kid when he uses the iPad. You can set time limits and completely control what they can do and see. The spouse part is harder in terms of your messages etc - prob just DND will work.
posted by jdl at 6:24 PM on December 26, 2019


I still get email and text notifications on do not disturb FYI.
posted by ellieBOA at 12:31 AM on December 27, 2019


Should I set up a new Apple ID for the iPad and set up family sharing?

Yes. Problem solved. And Apple Arcade works across family sharing as well.

Use your iPhone for work email and text messages. iPads are inexpensive enough now that you could purchase a second low storage iPad for just that purpose if it was that important for you to have such a thing.
posted by oceanjesse at 6:19 AM on December 27, 2019


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