family sharing on a non Apple device?

berfluigi wrote:

My response isn't meant to be argumentative but to share additional information and hopefully find a solution.

What I've been told by Apple is that the sharer will need Apple hardware to enable sharing--and perhaps even to join the Family Group (that part is beyond what I clearly inquired about).

Yes, the Family Organizer, needs an Apple Device in most cases. Family Sharing can be initiated on an Android device if you get an Apple Music Family Plan.

click here ➡️ Use Family Sharing with Apple Music on Android - Apple Support

What I've experienced so far is that I'm not actually able to "add by Apple ID" (as I'd assumed I would, even before reading your reply). I tried sending the invitation via message (to an MMS phone I'm able to send media to and receive media from, and we even mutually see reactions to messages) and it won't send (no explanation or error message beyond just "didn't send"). I've subsequently sent an email via the address associated with their Apple ID. Hoping they're able to do something with it on their end.

You should be able to send the invitation via email as explained in the support document linked above.

I'd be grateful for details about how they can share without Apple hardware. They have Roku and FireTV, Android phones (Samsung), an XBox (along with various Nintendo platforms--including a Switch--but I don't think any of those support Apple TV) and Windows PCs.

Some Roku and FireTV devices do support the Apple TV app. They can also access the shared subscription at https://tv.apple.com once they have joined the Family Sharing Group.

click here ➡️ Apple TV app - Devices - Apple

I know that accessing a shared service on non-Apple hardware is easy enough, though I can't remember if joining the Family Share Group originally required an Apple device (it may have; or at least I vaguely remember that's how we did it).

In general its easier if they can accept the invitation on an Apple device. Otherwise you need to jump through some hoops. They should be able to accept the invitation through the Apple Music app on an Android device though, once it us set, and sent.

My response isn't meant to be argumentative but to share additional information and hopefully find a solution.

What I've been told by Apple is that the sharer will need Apple hardware to enable sharing--and perhaps even to join the Family Group (that part is beyond what I clearly inquired about).

What I've experienced so far is that I'm not actually able to "add by Apple ID" (as I'd assumed I would, even before reading your reply). I tried sending the invitation via message (to an MMS phone I'm able to send media to and receive media from, and we even mutually see reactions to messages) and it won't send (no explanation or error message beyond just "didn't send"). I've subsequently sent an email via the address associated with their Apple ID. Hoping they're able to do something with it on their end.

I'd be grateful for details about how they can share without Apple hardware. They have Roku and FireTV, Android phones (Samsung), an XBox (along with various Nintendo platforms--including a Switch--but I don't think any of those support Apple TV) and Windows PCs.

I know that accessing a shared service on non-Apple hardware is easy enough, though I can't remember if joining the Family Share Group originally required an Apple device (it may have; or at least I vaguely remember that's how we did it).

Yes. Family Sharing is not limited to Apple devices.

They can add your Apple ID to the Family Sharing group, and you can then access shared subscriptions on any supported device including FireTVs, Android devices and Playstation, Xbox, etc… that support the Apple TV app.