How to Turn Off In-App Purchases On iOS Devices

Chris Page July 14, 2013 in iPad - 2 Minutes

Many apps available for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad let you buy various upgrades such as premium features, content, or expansions. Games, in particular, offer tempting in-app purchases that add new content or grant you access to special items. But what happens when your children buy them without your knowledge?

Taking No Risks

iOS in-app purchases are extremely attractive, so much so that there have been many cases of parents who have given their iPhone to their children so the latter could play Angry Birds or other such games, and ended up with huge App Store bills – their kids had, deliberately or not, bought content or features worth thousands of dollars. If you too lend your iPhone to your kids sometimes, you will probably want to turn off in-app purchases, just to be sure they won’t buy stuff they shouldn’t. The simple guide to how to turn off in-app purchases On iOS Devices below works for all iOS devices that support apps.

Go to Settings.
Tap on General.
Scroll down until you find Restrictions and then tap on it.
Enable Restrictions.
Set a Passcode, a password that will lock iOS in-app purchases.
Scroll down to Allowed Content.
Slide to off the In-App Purchases slider.
That’s it. Now each time someone tries to make an in-app purchase they will have to enter the passcode.

Keep the Passcode Secret

The passcode will be ineffective if you share it with your kids or with anyone else to whom you lend the device. So keep it secret. Also, keep in mind that even the most seemingly angelic children can become astute and crafty when it comes to Angry Birds – if you use as a passcode the same password you use on your computer and iPad and other devices, they might easily figure it out.

Need a Refund?

If the worst happens, and your kids manage to buy in-app content without your knowledge, you will be eligible for a refund, but only if the sum involved exceeds $30. If it falls below that, you’ll only get an $5 iTunes gift card. When tragedy strikes, contact Apple support as soon as possible. And try not to maltreat the kids, especially if they made the iOS in-app purchases without realizing it.