Why Family Sharing Stopped Working
If you configured Steam Family Sharing before 2024 and suddenly found it no longer works, the reason is that Valve completely replaced Family Sharing with a new system called Family Groups in 2024.
Old Family Sharing settings do not carry over to the new system automatically. Everything needs to be set up fresh through Family Groups.
What Changed: Family Sharing vs Family Groups
| Feature | Old Family Sharing | New Family Groups |
|---|---|---|
| Max accounts | 5 | 6 |
| Playing the same game simultaneously | Not allowed | Allowed (separate save per player) |
| Cross-region libraries | Partial | Limited |
| Age restrictions | Basic | Full parental controls |
| Purchasing for members | No | Yes (adult approval required) |
| Setup location | Account settings | Dedicated Family section |
Key Features of the New System
- Shared library — all group members can access games from any participant's library
- Simultaneous play — multiple people can play the same game at the same time, each with their own save
- Parental controls — adults can approve child purchases and set age restrictions
- No location requirement — group members can be in different places (contrary to early rumours)
How to Set Up Steam Family Groups Step by Step
Step 1 — Open the Family Section
In the Steam client: Steam → Settings → Family (or the top menu: Steam → Family).
Step 2 — Create a Group or Join an Existing One
- To create a new group: click "Create Family" and give it a name
- If you were invited: accept the invitation from the email or Steam notification
Step 3 — Invite Members
Enter the Steam username or email of each member. They will receive an invitation. Maximum 6 members including yourself.
Step 4 — Set Up Roles
Adult accounts can manage child accounts (approve purchases, set restrictions). Make sure adult accounts have a verified email and Steam Guard enabled.
Step 5 — Verify Library Access
After accepting the invitation, the shared library becomes available within a few minutes.
Why Family Groups Might Still Not Work
- A member has not accepted the invitation yet
- A member's account has Limited status
- The game does not support Family Sharing (some DLC and VAC-enabled games are excluded)
- A VAC-banned account cannot share VAC games with others
Frequently Asked Questions
Did my old Family Sharing settings carry over automatically? No. You need to create a Family Group from scratch and re-invite all members.
Can multiple people play the same game at the same time through Family Groups? Yes — this is one of the main improvements over the old system. Each player maintains a separate game save.
Does Family Groups work for accounts from different countries? In most cases yes, but some games may have regional restrictions that block access for members in certain countries.
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