Share iCloud photos with your family
Choose the photos you want your family to have while you control your Apple Account. An iCloud Shared Photo Library lets members view, edit and delete shared items. Prepare Apple Legacy Contact separately for a later request after your death.
- 7 steps
- Official sources
Steps
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Choose which memories to share
Review the photos and videos that matter to your family. Start with a collection you are comfortable sharing. Leave private material out, and ask who wants a copy before turning a large personal library into a shared one.
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Read the shared-library requirements
Open Apple's Shared Photo Library instructions. Check that your devices and the people you invite meet its requirements. Family Sharing is not required, so do not assume you must combine other family services to share these photos.
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Open your Shared Library setting
On current iPhone software, Apple directs you to Photos, Collections, your account, then Shared Library. Follow the instructions for your version. Preview the content you intend to contribute before inviting people.
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Explain the shared permissions
All members can view, edit and delete contributed items. Discuss that control with the people you invite. If you only want to give someone selected copies, consider that goal before using a library designed for everyone to work on together.
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Confirm that someone can find the photos
Ask an invited family member to open the collection from their own account. Choose a few photos together and confirm the names or dates they recognize. Record the collection's purpose in your plan, without recording Apple passwords or device passcodes.
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Prepare Apple Legacy Contact separately
Use our Apple Legacy Contact guide for a later access request. It requires separate setup and an access key. Sharing a family photo collection today does not complete that setting for the rest of your account.
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Review the collection when life changes
Revisit library members and the memories you want preserved. Keep photo instructions with your digital legacy plan. If you use Google Photos too, review that collection separately. The services have their own sharing rules.
Good to know
Does Family Sharing automatically share my photos?
This guide uses iCloud Shared Photo Library, which Apple says does not require Family Sharing. Open the photo setting itself and check what you actually shared. A family subscription arrangement should not be treated as proof that your family has your pictures.
Can library members delete shared photos?
Yes. Apple says members can view, edit and delete contributed photos and videos. Choose the arrangement with that permission in mind. Talk with your family before adding irreplaceable memories to a collection that several people can change.
Is Shared Photo Library the same as Legacy Contact?
No. Shared Photo Library is a photo-sharing arrangement you use now. Legacy Contact is for a later request after your death. Record both settings accurately if you use them, so your family understands what exists and what still needs preparation.
Does Legacy Contact include my saved passwords?
No. Apple excludes iCloud Keychain data such as passwords and passkeys. Your photographs and your sign-in arrangements are different tasks. Use official password-manager options separately, and keep credentials out of your family photo instructions and this website.
Helping a parent choose family pictures?
Ask them to select the memories and the recipients. Check shared-library permissions together before accepting an invitation. Then help them record where the family collection is, so the instructions remain useful even when nobody has their phone in hand.
What we checked
| Fact | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| All iCloud Shared Photo Library members can view, edit and delete contributed photos. | Apple | Oct 15, 2026 |
| Family Sharing is not required to use iCloud Shared Photo Library. | Apple | Oct 15, 2026 |
| A Legacy Contact cannot access passwords or passkeys stored in your iCloud Keychain. | Apple (current official source) | Oct 15, 2026 |
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Something wrong here? Tell us.
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