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How to fix this annoying Family Share bug in iOS 8

If you're unable to download random apps after upgrading to iOS 8 and setting up Family Sharing, read this.

Jason Cipriani Contributing Writer, ZDNet
Jason Cipriani is based out of beautiful Colorado and has been covering mobile technology news and reviewing the latest gadgets for the last six years. His work can also be found on sister site CNET in the How To section, as well as across several more online publications.
Jason Cipriani

ios8familysharing.jpg
Jason Cipriani/CNET

Family Sharing launched with iOS 8, permitting family members to share iTunes and App Store purchases without having to share the same account. Shortly after setting up my family, with me as the organizer, I started experiencing an issue when attempting to download apps. My wife fell victim to it as well.

ios-8-family-sharing-bug.jpg
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

It's an annoying alert, and one that doesn't make particular sense, as the app in question is free.

So as I often do when it comes to troubleshooting issues, I took to Twitter to ask if anyone knew of a fix. Lo and behold, someone replied with a solution, and it worked. Thanks, @Seekbus!

To get rid of this annoying prompt, you'll need to do the following:

  • Launch the App Store on your iOS device.
  • Select the "Featured" tab and scroll to the bottom.
  • Tap on your Apple ID and select "Sign Out."
  • Tap on "Sign In" and log in with your Apple ID.

It's a simple solution to a problem that was more confusing than anything else. Not to mention a fix anyone who can log in to an email account can carry through.