Share a shopping list between iPhone and Android
By Ebenova Solutions · Last reviewed
The important part of sharing a grocery list is joining the same household. Each person can use their own HOUSEHLD account on iPhone or Android, then open the same list. You do not need to share a password or send screenshots of the list every time it changes.
Step by step
Install HOUSEHLD on both phones
Use the App Store for iPhone or Google Play for Android. Each person signs in with their own account. Keep the apps updated; the stores may offer different versions during a rollout.
Invite the other person to your household
On the phone with the household you want to share, open Household → Family Members. Use Invite New Member or Invite Members, then copy or share the household code privately with the person you want to invite.
Join the existing household
The invited person signs in and chooses I have an invite code during household setup. Enter the eight-character code, then tap Join Household. Join the existing household rather than creating a separate one. Accounts can belong to one household at a time. If you created one by mistake, use Meant to join a family instead? on the setup screen if available. Otherwise contact support before changing membership.
Open the same shopping list
Go to More → Shopping Lists on both phones. Select the same named list. If you use separate lists for different shops, agree which one is for this trip.
Add, check and coordinate
Add a test grocery on one phone and check that it appears on the other with both phones connected. While shopping, check off items in that list. Wait for changes to appear before adding an item someone else may already have entered.
Try a simple shared routine
Before the weekly shop, each person adds what they need to the same list. Use quantities so “milk” does not mean two different things to two people. The shopper checks items off as they go; the other person checks the list before sending an extra message.
List sharing reduces repeated messages, but it cannot guarantee that two people never buy the same item. Coordination and a working connection still matter. HOUSEHLD does not order or purchase groceries for you.
If the phones show different items
First check the household and selected list on both phones. Two similar list names in different households are separate lists. Confirm that the other person appears in Family Members and both phones have an internet connection.
Return to Shopping and reopen the list, allow time for it to refresh, and check for an app update. Do not delete and re-create the list as a first troubleshooting step. If the difference remains, contact support with the app versions and the steps you took; do not send passwords or household invitation codes.
Keep invitations private
A household invitation is for people you intend to share household content with. Send it directly, rather than posting it in a public group or social profile. Use your own account on each phone and review members when your household changes.
The app is intended for adults and teens aged 13 or older, with guardian permission for minors. Store age ratings may be higher; check the listing and your family’s device settings.
Do you need Premium?
Core shared shopping lists do not require Premium. Optional Premium expands AI features; it is not needed for this manual shared-list routine. Current plan prices and eligible offers appear in the app before purchase.