How to Disable In-App Purchases on Your Phone

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

In-app PurchasesSmartphoneSecurityParental ControlsAndroidiPhoneMobile AppsPrivacyDevice ManagementUser Interface

In today's digital age, smartphones and tablets have become powerful tools for entertainment and productivity. Many apps feature in-app purchases, which enable users to buy additional features, content, or services without leaving the app. However, these purchases can sometimes be accidental or unintended, especially if your device is used by children or other family members. To prevent unplanned expenses, it's a good idea to disable in-app purchases on your phone. This guide will walk you through the steps needed to disable in-app purchases on both iOS and Android devices.

Disabling in-app purchases on an iOS device

Apple's iOS devices, such as the iPhone and iPad, provide a simple way to manage in-app purchases through the device's settings.

Step 1: Open Settings

First, find the Settings app on your home screen. It usually looks like a gray gear icon.

Step 2: Go to Screen Time

Scroll down and tap Screen Time. Screen Time is a feature that allows you to monitor and control your device usage.

Step 3: Content access and privacy restrictions

Inside Screen Time, tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. If you haven't used Screen Time before, you'll need to enable it first and set a Screen Time passcode.

Step 4: Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions

Toggle the switch to enable Content & Privacy Restrictions. This will allow you to customize various settings.

Step 5: Restrict iTunes & App Store purchases

Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases. Here, you'll find various options for controlling purchases and downloads.

Step 6: Set in-app purchases to “Don’t allow”

Tap In-App Purchases and select Don't Allow. This will disable the ability to make in-app purchases on your device.

Step 7: Require password for other purchases

Additionally, you can specify that a password is required for other purchases from the iTunes & App Store. This can be useful for added security. Go back to the iTunes & App Store Purchases screen and set Require Password to Always Require.

By following these steps, you have successfully disabled in-app purchases on your iOS device.

Disabling in-app purchases on Android devices

Android devices also offer different ways to manage in-app purchases through Google Play Store settings.

Step 1: Open the Google Play store

Find and tap the Google Play Store app on your home screen or app drawer. The icon usually looks like a colored arrow.

Step 2: Access the Settings

Tap the three horizontal lines in the top left corner to open the menu, and then scroll down and select Settings.

Step 3: Require authentication for purchases

In the Settings menu, tap Require authentication for purchases. You'll see a few options:

• For all purchases made through Google Play on this device
• Every 30 minutes
• Never

Select For all purchases through Google Play on this device. This ensures that every purchase, including in-app purchases, requires authentication (such as a password or biometric verification).

Step 4: Confirm authentication settings

Once you choose your preferred option, you will be asked to enter your Google account password to confirm the changes. This provides an additional layer of security.

Step 5: Use parental controls (optional)

For added security, especially if your device is accessible to children, you can enable parental controls. To do this, go back to the Settings menu in the Google Play Store.

Tap Parental Controls and toggle the switch to turn them on. You'll be asked to create a PIN, which will be required to make changes to the parental control settings. Within the Parental Controls menu, you can restrict app and media purchases based on ratings and other criteria.

Following these steps will help you manage and disable in-app purchases on your Android device.

Conclusion

Disabling in-app purchases on your smartphone or tablet is an important step to prevent accidental or unauthorized transactions. Whether you're using an iOS device or an Android device, the process involves navigating through device settings to restrict purchases or require authentication for transactions.

For iOS devices, you'll use the Screen Time feature and Content & Privacy restrictions to disable in-app purchases. You can also require a password for other types of purchases for added security.

On Android devices, you'll need to go through the Google Play Store settings to require authentication for all purchases. You can also enable parental controls to further restrict app and media purchases.

By following the steps outlined, you can ensure that your device is protected from unwanted in-app purchases, providing peace of mind whether your device is used only by you or shared with other family members.

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