Question 1

What is Family Shell?

Accepted Answer

Family Shell is a private, secure platform where families connect, preserve their history, and share memories — without ads, algorithms, or strangers. Think of it as a private social network designed exclusively for your family.

Question 2

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Download the app or visit app.familyshell.com, create a free account, set up your Family Circle, and invite members. Most families are up and running in under 5 minutes.

Question 3

Do I need to download an app?

Accepted Answer

No. Family Shell works in any web browser. Apps are available for iOS and Android for the full mobile experience, but you can use everything via the web.

Question 4

How many family members can join?

Accepted Answer

Up to 10 members on the free plan. Premium and Legacy support unlimited family members.

Question 5

Are my family's photos and messages private?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your Family Circle is completely private. Messages are end-to-end encrypted. Photos are visible only to Circle members you've invited. Family Shell staff cannot access your content.

Question 6

Do you sell family data?

Accepted Answer

Never. We do not sell, share, or use your personal data for advertising. Family Shell is funded by premium subscriptions, not advertising revenue.

Question 7

Is Family Shell GDPR compliant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We comply with GDPR, CCPA, and other global privacy regulations. You can export or permanently delete all your data at any time from your account settings.

Question 8

How do I delete my account?

Accepted Answer

Go to Settings → Account → Delete Account. This permanently removes all your data within 30 days. We recommend exporting your data first.

Question 9

Can I build a family tree?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Family Shell includes an interactive family tree builder. Add photos, dates, and life events to each person. Visualize your family history across generations.

Question 10

What's a Memory Time Capsule?

Accepted Answer

A sealed collection of photos, videos, and messages that opens at a future date — a birthday, anniversary, or graduation. Create one now; open it together later.

Question 11

Is there a shared family calendar?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Shared calendar with auto-added birthdays, event syncing across family members, and integration with Google Calendar and Apple Calendar.

Question 12

Can I preserve audio memories?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Record voice stories from grandparents or any family member directly in the app. These recordings are stored permanently in your archive.

Question 13

Is Family Shell really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The free plan is free forever — no time limit, no credit card required. Most families will find the free plan more than sufficient.

Question 14

What does Premium add?

Accepted Answer

Unlimited storage (vs 5GB free), unlimited family members (vs 10 free), advanced family tree features, priority support, and exclusive premium features like Time Capsules and Legacy Profiles.

Question 15

Can I cancel my Premium subscription?

Accepted Answer

Yes, anytime. Your Premium access continues until the end of your billing period. No cancellation fees.

Question 16

Do you offer refunds?

Accepted Answer

We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans. For monthly plans, cancellations take effect at the next billing cycle.

Question 17

Which devices does Family Shell support?

Accepted Answer

iOS 15+, Android 8+, and any modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge). One account, all devices, automatic sync.

Question 18

How much storage do I get?

Accepted Answer

5GB on the free plan. Unlimited on Premium and Legacy plans.

Question 19

Can I access Family Shell offline?

Accepted Answer

The mobile apps cache recent content for offline viewing. Uploading and syncing requires an internet connection.

Question 20

How do I import photos from other apps?

Accepted Answer

You can upload photos directly from your device's camera roll. Bulk import from Google Photos, iCloud, and Dropbox is available on Premium plans.

Frequently Asked Questions