Disable in-app purchases to prevent accidental charges

In-app purchases are charges that happen inside an app — things like extra game levels, premium features, or digital items. By default, most phones and tablets allow these purchases with a single tap. Disabling them means anyone using your device (including children) cannot spend money inside apps without your permission. The steps differ depending on whether you use an iPhone, iPad, or Android device.

You control in-app purchases through your device's settings, not through individual apps. Once you turn them off, the option to buy disappears from every app on that device. You can turn them back on anytime if you change your mind.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone and iPad, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store, then toggle In-App Purchases to off.
  • On Android, open Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, select Settings > Family Library > Parental controls, then turn off In-App Purchases.
  • Disabling in-app purchases prevents charges across all apps on your device, not just one app.
  • You will need your device password or biometric authentication (fingerprint or face) to re-enable in-app purchases later.

How to disable in-app purchases on iPhone or iPad

On Apple devices, in-app purchases are controlled through Screen Time, which is Apple's parental control system. You do not need to set up a child account — you can restrict your own device this way.

Step 1: Open Settings and tap Screen Time.

Step 2: Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions (near the bottom of the screen).

Step 3: You will see a toggle at the top that says "Content & Privacy Restrictions." Make sure it is turned on (it will be blue). If it is off, tap it to turn it on. The system will ask you to create a four-digit code — this is separate from your device passcode and prevents anyone from changing these settings without your permission.

Step 4: Scroll down and tap iTunes & App Store Purchases.

Step 5: Tap In-App Purchases and select "Don't Allow." The screen will show a checkmark next to your choice.

That is all you need to do. In-app purchases are now off. When someone tries to buy something inside an app, they will see a message saying purchases are not allowed on this device.

How to disable in-app purchases on Android

Android devices use Google Play Store to manage in-app purchases. The setting is inside the parental controls section, even if you are not setting up a child account.

Step 1: Open Google Play Store (the app with the colorful triangle icon).

Step 2: Tap your profile icon in the top right corner (it looks like a circle with your initial or photo).

Step 3: Tap Settings.

Step 4: Tap Family Library (you may see this listed as "Family" on some devices).

Step 5: Tap Parental controls.

Step 6: The system will ask you to create a PIN if you have not already. This PIN prevents anyone from changing these settings. Create a four-digit number you will remember.

Step 7: Find In-App Purchases and toggle it off (it will turn gray). You will see a lock icon appear next to it, showing the setting is protected by your PIN.

In-app purchases are now disabled. Apps will no longer show a purchase button for extra content.

What happens when in-app purchases are disabled

When you disable in-app purchases, the purchase buttons inside apps simply disappear or become unclickable. Users will see a message like "In-app purchases are not allowed on this device" if they try to tap where a purchase button used to be. No charges can go through, even if someone enters a payment method or password.

Free content inside apps still works normally. For example, if a game has free levels and paid levels, the free levels remain playable. Only the paid content becomes unavailable.

Some apps may stop working or show limited features if they rely on in-app purchases to function. This is rare, but it can happen with subscription-based apps. If you find an app you need to use requires in-app purchases, you can turn the setting back on, make the purchase, and turn it back off again.

How to turn in-app purchases back on

If you need to allow in-app purchases again, follow the same steps you used to turn them off, but select "Allow" (on iPhone) or toggle the setting back on (on Android). You will need to enter your Screen Time code or parental control PIN to make this change.

On iPhone, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > In-App Purchases and tap "Allow." On Android, open Google Play Store > profile icon > Settings > Family Library > Parental controls > In-App Purchases and toggle it back on.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is forgetting the PIN or code you created. Write it down somewhere safe, or use a PIN you already use for other things. If you forget it, you will need to reset your device or contact Apple or Google support to regain access to these settings.

Another mistake is thinking that disabling in-app purchases also disables app downloads. It does not. People can still download free apps and paid apps from the store — only purchases inside apps are blocked. If you want to prevent app downloads entirely, that is a separate setting in the same parental controls area.

Do not assume that turning off in-app purchases on one device affects your other devices. Each phone or tablet has its own settings. If you have an iPhone and an iPad, you need to disable in-app purchases on both if you want them off everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling in-app purchases affect apps I already paid for?

No. Apps you bought from the App Store or Google Play Store will continue to work normally. Disabling in-app purchases only stops new charges from happening inside apps. It does not remove apps or take away features you already paid for.

Can I disable in-app purchases for just one app?

Not through your device settings. The in-app purchase toggle is all-or-nothing — it affects every app on your device. However, some apps have their own settings where you can turn off certain features. Check inside the app itself to see if it offers that option.

What if I forgot the PIN I created for parental controls?

On iPhone, you will need to reset your device or use your Apple ID to regain access. On Android, you can reset your parental control PIN through your Google account settings if you are signed in. If neither option works, contact Apple or Google support with proof of device ownership.

Do in-app purchases still charge if my payment method is expired?

If in-app purchases are disabled, nothing will charge regardless of your payment method. The purchase option simply will not appear. If in-app purchases are enabled and your payment method is expired, the system will ask for a valid payment method before allowing a purchase.

Can a child turn in-app purchases back on if they know my PIN?

On iPhone, no — they would need your Screen Time code, which is separate from your device passcode. On Android, they would need your parental control PIN. Keep both codes private and do not share them with anyone who uses your device.