There are two scenarios: People and Devices under Find My
In the Find My app, there are distinct functionalities for tracking People and Devices. Under the People tab, the sharing of location is limited to a single device. If multiple individuals are using the same Apple ID, only one person's device location can be viewed at a time. This means that if you've shared your location with someone using the Find My app and they are also using the same Apple ID, you'll only be able to see the location of one of their devices under the People section.
Conversely, the Devices tab offers broader visibility. Irrespective of whether multiple devices are linked to the same Apple ID, all these devices' locations can be shared and viewed. This tab allows for comprehensive tracking and visibility of all devices associated with the Apple ID, enabling users to locate and monitor the whereabouts of various devices simultaneously.
Essentially, the distinction lies in the limitation of sharing a single person's device location under the People tab versus the broader accessibility to view all device locations under the Devices tab, regardless of the number of devices linked to the Apple ID.
Summary
- Multiple Devices with the same Apple ID...
- The People Tab will show only one device
- The Device Tab will show all the devices
- Multiple Devices with multiple Apple IDs...
- The People tab will show all the devices except your own which is shown under the Me Tab
- The Device Tab will show all the devices (If they are part of your family)
The pic below is self-explanatory
FAQs
In the Find My app, there are distinct functionalities for tracking People and Devices. Under the People tab, the sharing of location is limited to a single device. If multiple individuals are using the same Apple ID, only one person's device location can be viewed at a time.
What's the difference between people and devices on Find My iPhone? ›
Essentially, the distinction lies in the limitation of sharing a single person's device location under the People tab versus the broader accessibility to view all device locations under the Devices tab, regardless of the number of devices linked to the Apple ID.
Should two people share an Apple ID? ›
Apple recommends that you do not share your Apple ID.
Why does Find My iPhone show devices but not people? ›
The Find My app only allows you to track the location of devices that are signed in with your Apple ID, and you need the other person's permission to share their location with you.
What are the disadvantages of Family Sharing Apple? ›
Existing problems:
- The members of the family do not have access to the shared iCloud+ storage.
- Issues with synchronizing pictures, files, or any data across the devices through an “iCloud Storage” common space.
- Misunderstanding how to manage or adjust the iCloud+ storage plan under Family Sharing.
What does it mean when someone's location is flashing green on an iPhone? ›
If someone's location is live, you'll also see a green pulse around their profile picture on the map when you select them in the People tab.
Why is someone else's device on Find My iPhone? ›
If you're part of a Family Sharing group, your devices can appear in Find My on your family members' devices.
What happens when two phones share the same Apple ID? ›
You can't set up a new Apple ID using the same email address as one that had been used already, but you certainly can sign into another phone using that Apple ID email and password. You can have two phones on the same account doing basically everything the same.
Can someone see my texts with my Apple ID? ›
If someone else has access to your Apple ID, they can view information that is synced across devices, which may include such things as Messages and location. Learn here how to secure your Apple ID on iPad, iPhone, and Mac.
What happens when two iPhones are connected? ›
When two iPhones are linked, they share information between devices. This includes the same Apple account, iCloud and iTunes information and contacts. It's a quick and easy way to transfer information between devices without the typical process of manually backing up an iPhone and transferring the data via a desktop.
We have discussed five methods to stop sharing your iPhone location without them knowing: using Airplane mode, blocking and unlocking contact, stopping sharing location on the Find My app, turning off the Share My Location feature on Find My, and turning off Location Services in Settings.
How do you make sure no one can track you on Find My iPhone? ›
In the list of apps using Location Services, tap Find My, then select Never. To stop sharing your location with certain apps and services, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services, then choose the apps and services you want to stop sharing with. Tap the app name, then choose Never under Allow Location Access.
How do I hide devices on Find My iPhone? ›
If you don't want a device to appear in Find My, or if you need to set up service, you can remove it from your Devices list. Note: You may need to turn off the device, or put AirPods in their case. In Find Devices on iCloud.com, select the device in the All Devices list on the left.
Can Family Sharing see my texts? ›
As it turns out, it's possible for someone else in your family to receive your texts if you're on a Family Sharing plan with that other family member using the same Apple ID. As accidentally as this may have happened, it can also be fixed with a few simple steps.
What is the point of Apple Family Sharing? ›
Family Sharing lets you and up to five other family members share access to amazing Apple services like Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple News+, Apple Arcade, and Apple Card.
What happens if I turn off Family Sharing with Apple? ›
Disband a family group. When the family organizer turns off Family Sharing, all family members are removed from the group at the same time.
What are the devices on Find My iPhone? ›
You can use Find Devices on iCloud.com to find the approximate location of your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, and Beats product if Find My is set up on the device and the device is online. To sign in to Find Devices, go to icloud.com/find.
Does now on Find My iPhone mean the person is on their phone? ›
You are looking at a report of their phone's position. All "Just now" tells you is that their phone just updated it's position.
How accurate is Find My People on iPhone? ›
How Accurate Is the 'Find My' Feature? 'Find My' accuracy largely depends on the device's hardware, signal strength, and environmental conditions. In ideal situations, such as open outdoor areas with clear visibility to GPS satellites, 'Find My' can provide highly accurate location data, often within a few meters.
What's the difference between live and now on Find My iPhone? ›
When using Apple's Find My app, you'll see two different location statuses: “Live” and “Now.” “Live” means the app is showing the location of your device or friend's device in real-time, moving as they move. On the other hand, “Now” indicates a static location, updated at the last moment the app was refreshed.