If you’re an iPhone user or a parent of one, you might be familiar with the alluring in-app purchases that are available for download. These purchases can be tempting, but they can also cause unexpected charges on your credit card. Luckily, there is a way to turn off in-app purchases on your iPhone. In this article, we’ll show you how to do it!
Unintentional Purchases
One of the main reasons to turn off in-app purchases is to prevent unintentional purchases. Children, in particular, may not understand the concept of buying virtual goods with real money. They might accidentally click on a button and make a purchase without realizing it. Turning off in-app purchases can avoid these accidental charges.
Addiction Control
Another reason to turn off in-app purchases is to control addiction. In-app purchases can be addictive, especially in games where players need to buy virtual goods to advance. Turning off in-app purchases can help control the urge to buy.
Budget Control
Lastly, turning off in-app purchases can help control your budget. It’s easy to lose track of how much money you’re spending on virtual goods. Limiting your ability to buy virtual goods can help you stay within your budget.
Step 1: Open Settings
Go to your iPhone’s home screen and tap on the Settings app. It’s the gear icon on your home screen.
Step 2: Tap on Screen Time
Once you’re in the Settings app, scroll down and tap on Screen Time.
Step 3: Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions
In the Screen Time menu, tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions. You might need to enter your passcode or use Face ID/Touch ID to access this menu.
Step 4: Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions
Toggle the switch next to Content & Privacy Restrictions to turn it on.
Step 5: Tap on iTunes & App Store Purchases
Once you’ve enabled Content & Privacy Restrictions, tap on iTunes & App Store Purchases.
Step 6: Tap on In-App Purchases
In the iTunes & App Store Purchases menu, tap on In-App Purchases to turn it off. Once you’ve turned it off, you won’t be able to make any in-app purchases without turning it back on.
1. Will turning off in-app purchases affect my ability to download apps?
No. Turning off in-app purchases only affects your ability to buy virtual goods within apps. You can still download and use apps as usual.
2. Can I turn in-app purchases back on?
Yes. You can turn in-app purchases back on by following the same steps outlined in this article.
3. Will turning off in-app purchases affect my ability to use Apple Music or iCloud?
No. Turning off in-app purchases only affects your ability to buy virtual goods within apps. It won’t affect your ability to use other Apple services.
4. Can I still use gift cards to make in-app purchases?
Yes. If you have a gift card balance, you can still use it to make in-app purchases even if you’ve turned off in-app purchases.
5. Will turning off in-app purchases affect my ability to play games?
No. You can still play games as usual. However, you won’t be able to buy virtual goods within the game without turning in-app purchases back on.
6. Will turning off in-app purchases affect my ability to use apps that require subscriptions?
No. Turning off in-app purchases only affects your ability to buy virtual goods within apps. It won’t affect your ability to use apps that require subscriptions.
7. Can I turn off in-app purchases for specific apps?
No. You can only turn off in-app purchases for all apps on your iPhone.
8. Will turning off in-app purchases affect my ability to use apps that require purchases?
No. Turning off in-app purchases only affects your ability to buy virtual goods within apps. It won’t affect your ability to use apps that require a one-time purchase.
Pros
Turning off in-app purchases can help prevent unintentional purchases, control addiction, and manage your budget.
Tips
If you want to make a one-time purchase within an app, you can turn in-app purchases back on temporarily.
Summary
Turning off in-app purchases on your iPhone can prevent accidental charges, control addiction, and manage your budget. It’s easy to do and can be turned on and off as needed.