Goodnotes supports Apple Family Sharing, allowing your family members to access premium Goodnotes features through Goodnotes Special Edition, a one-time payment (iOS/iPadOS/macOS) or an annual Goodnotes Essential subscription that unlocks Goodnotes on all platforms (iPadOS, iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and Web). Please note that Family Sharing is not available for Goodnotes Pro or the AI Pass.
Important: If you purchased a subscription through Goodnotes for Android, Windows, or Web, it cannot be shared because it does not go through Apple’s Family Sharing system.
Share your Goodnotes subscription
- If you haven't, set up Family Sharing. This includes setting up a family group and inviting family members to it.
- Allow sharing your purchase or subscription:
- To share your Goodnotes one-time purchase, go to device Settings > Apple ID > Family Sharing > Purchase Sharing > Continue, then follow the onscreen instructions.
- To share your Goodnotes subscription, go to device Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions, and enable Share with Family.
- Have the family members join the group to gain premium access to Goodnotes.
- They can launch the app, create a Goodnotes account by choosing "Sign in with Apple/Google/Microsoft" and an account with the chosen login provider and be recognized as a premium user. It's important that they take note of the login provider and the respective account of that provider so as to avoid running into the Subscription Detected error.
Notes:
- Family members can access the shared subscription/purchase by opening the App Store app, choosing their profile icon in the top-right corner and selecting either Purchased or Subscriptions.
- You as the family organizer can remove members from the group or disband it, or they can leave the group themselves. If they leave the group, they lose premium access to Goodnotes. If you or another member owing the subscription/purchase leaves the group, everyone else will lose premium access to Goodnotes.
- If a family member has hidden one of their purchased apps, no one in their Family Sharing group can see it, including in-app purchases and subscriptions within the app. Check with your Family Sharing group that Goodnotes isn't hidden.
- If you encounter any issues with Family Sharing, they are likely caused by Apple and not by Goodnotes, since the app simply opts in to this Apple feature. If a member does not have premium access to Goodnotes through Family Sharing, they can try leaving and rejoining the family and/or following these suggestions.