How To Set Restriction On In-app Purchases

In-app purchases can enhance your experience with apps by providing access to additional content, features, or services. However, they can also lead to unexpected charges, especially if children or other users have access to your device. To prevent accidental or unauthorized spending, Apple allows you to set restrictions on in-app purchases on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to enable restrictions for in-app purchases, manage parental controls, and troubleshoot common issues.

Understanding In-App Purchases

Types of In-App Purchases

In-app purchases fall into several categories:

1. Consumables: Items you can purchase and use once (e.g., game currency, health boosts).

2. Non-consumables: Permanent purchases (e.g., removing ads, upgrading to premium).

3. Subscriptions: Recurring charges for services or access (e.g., music streaming, premium app features).

Why Restrict In-App Purchases?

1. Prevent Accidental Purchases: Children may unintentionally make purchases while playing games or using apps.

2. Avoid Unauthorized Spending: Protect your payment methods from misuse by other users.

3. Control Expenses: Stay within your budget by limiting spending on apps and services.

4. Maintain Parental Oversight: Manage what content your children can access.

How to Set Restrictions on In-App Purchases

Restrict In-App Purchases on iPhone and iPad

Apple's Screen Time feature allows you to control in-app purchases and other device activities.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Scroll down and tap Screen Time.

3. If you haven’t already, tap Turn On Screen Time and follow the prompts to set it up.

4. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and toggle it on.

5. Select iTunes & App Store Purchases.

6. Under In-App Purchases, choose Don’t Allow.

Once set, this prevents anyone from making in-app purchases without explicit permission.

Enable Password Requirements for Purchases

If you don’t want to block in-app purchases entirely but want to prevent accidental purchases, you can require a password for every transaction.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap your name at the top to access Apple ID settings.

3. Select Media & Purchases > Password Settings.

4. Toggle on Always Require Password.

5. Enter your Apple ID password to confirm.

This ensures that each purchase, including in-app purchases, requires authentication.

Use Ask to Buy for Children’s Accounts

If you're managing a child’s device, the Ask to Buy feature allows you to approve or deny their in-app purchase requests.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap your name at the top to access Family Sharing.

3. Select your child’s name under Family Members.

4. Turn on Ask to Buy.

When a child initiates an in-app purchase, you’ll receive a notification to approve or deny the request.

Restrict Purchases on Mac

To set restrictions for in-app purchases on a Mac:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).

2. Select Screen Time.

3. Click Content & Privacy Restrictions and enable it.

4. Go to Store Purchases & Redownloads.

5. Under In-App Purchases, select Don’t Allow.

This prevents unauthorized in-app purchases from your Mac.

Set Limits on Spending

Apple allows you to set a spending limit on your payment methods by using Apple ID balance or gift cards. Once the balance is exhausted, further purchases will be blocked unless you add funds.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open the App Store app.

2. Tap your profile picture at the top.

3. Select Add Money to Account and choose an amount.

4. Use this balance for all app-related purchases.

Additional Tips for Managing In-App Purchases

1. Educate Children About In-App Purchases

Explain the difference between free and paid content in apps, emphasizing the importance of asking permission before making purchases.

2. Review App Permissions

Some apps may request permissions to access payment methods. Be cautious when granting these permissions, especially on shared devices.

3. Regularly Monitor App Usage

Check which apps are frequently used and review their in-app purchase options. Delete apps with excessive or inappropriate purchases.

4. Use Third-Party Parental Control Apps

Apps like Qustodio or Norton Family provide additional controls for in-app purchases and app usage.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. In-App Purchase Restrictions Aren’t Working

Solution: Verify that Content & Privacy Restrictions are enabled under Screen Time. Ensure that In-App Purchases is set to Don’t Allow.

2. Ask to Buy Notifications Aren’t Showing

Solution: Ensure you’re signed in to the same Apple ID used for Family Sharing. Check that Ask to Buy is enabled for your child’s account.

3. Purchases Still Require Authentication After Setting a Password

Solution: Go to Password Settings and ensure that Require Password is toggled off for free downloads if this setting applies.

4. Can’t Restrict Purchases on Shared Devices

Solution: Use separate Apple IDs for each user and enable Family Sharing to manage purchases individually.

FAQs About Restricting In-App Purchases

1. Can I Block All Purchases Completely?

Yes, you can block all purchases, including in-app purchases, by setting restrictions in Screen Time or disabling payment methods linked to your Apple ID.

2. Do In-App Purchase Restrictions Apply to Free Apps?

Restrictions only apply to paid content or features within apps. Downloading free apps is unaffected unless additional restrictions are applied.

3. What Happens If My Child Uses Their Own Apple ID?

If your child uses their own Apple ID, link it to your Family Sharing account to manage their purchases.

4. Are Subscription Cancellations Affected by Restrictions?

No, subscriptions remain active unless canceled separately. Go to Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions to manage them.

Conclusion

Restricting in-app purchases is a crucial measure for maintaining control over spending and ensuring the safe use of apps, especially when sharing devices with children or other users. Accidental or unauthorized purchases can quickly add up, but by using Apple’s robust features like Screen Time, Family Sharing, and password requirements, you can effectively manage and monitor purchases on your devices.

The process of setting up these restrictions is straightforward and provides a layer of financial security. Whether you’re a parent safeguarding your child’s digital habits, or an individual aiming to avoid unexpected charges, implementing these steps offers significant benefits. With Screen Time, you can block in-app purchases entirely or allow them selectively, depending on your preferences. For families, Ask to Buy offers an excellent way to maintain oversight of children’s requests, fostering responsible app usage while keeping expenses in check.

Additionally, restricting in-app purchases isn’t just about saving money; it’s about promoting digital literacy and teaching the importance of mindful consumption. By educating children and other users about the implications of in-app purchases, you can encourage better decision-making and ensure that apps are used appropriately. This proactive approach fosters trust and reduces conflicts over unauthorized spending.

Even with these tools in place, regular monitoring and communication remain key. Taking time to review app usage, check for subscriptions, and update restrictions as necessary ensures ongoing control over your devices. It’s also a good idea to explore third-party parental control apps if you require even more granular control or monitoring capabilities.

Ultimately, setting up in-app purchase restrictions is an investment in protecting your finances, maintaining device security, and ensuring a positive user experience for all. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can prevent unexpected charges, avoid financial stress, and create a safer, more controlled environment for using your Apple devices. These tools empower you to enjoy apps and services without the worry of unauthorized transactions, making your digital experience more seamless and secure.