Most apps and games have a feature called “in-app purchases” that lets users buy extra content or services from within the app. How to Disable In-App Purchases on iPhone and Android This could be a paid version, a feature that costs money to unlock, a special item for sale, or even a way to stop ads from showing up in the free version of the app and services.
Developers of apps and games can make more money this way by getting you to buy content inside the app and upgrade to a paid version. Some paid apps are worth the money, but most games and apps will drain your bank account if you don’t watch how you spend money on in-app purchases.
So many times, people have lost money after spending lakhs of rupees on in-app purchases. Most of these problems can be fixed by turning off in-app purchases. In this guide, we’ll show you how to turn off in-app purchases on the Google Play and Apple App Stores. We’ll also give you tips on how to stop your kids from buying things without your permission.
What is In-App Purchases?
In-app purchases have become a popular way to buy extra content or add premium features to mobile apps. But they can also lead to unexpected charges and costs, especially for parents of young children who may buy things in games or other apps without realizing it.
What are the Type In-App Purchases?
- Unlockables: are in-app purchases that give you access to content or features for good. E-books and game add-ons are two examples.
- Expendables: Expandable in-app purchases are often found in free-to-play games and allow users to buy coins or power-ups to help them pass levels or get fun digital items.
- Subscriptions: are recurring payments (often made monthly or annually) that give you access to an app or let you use more advanced features than the free version.
How to Disable In-App Purchases on Android
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap on your profile icon on the top-right corner of the screen, then select Settings in the pop-up menu.
- On the Settings page, tap Authentication, and then tap Require authentication for purchases.
- Then select one of the three options: For all purchases through Google Play on this device, Every 30 minutes, or Never.
- Enter your Google password when prompted.
How to Disable In-App Purchases on iPhone and iPad
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Screen Time, then Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions by tapping the slider. It will turn green when on.
- Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases.
- Tap In-app Purchases, then select Allow or Don’t Allow.
Importance of Disabling In-App Purchases
- Controls spending: The purpose of in-app purchases is to get people to spend money in apps or games. By turning them off, you’ll have more control over your spending habits and be less likely to buy things on the spot. This is especially important for people who have trouble with self-control or don’t have much money.
- Protects kids: In-app purchases can be dangerous for kids, who may not fully understand what it means to spend real money in apps. By turning off in-app purchases, parents can make sure that their kids don’t buy things they shouldn’t or rack up big bills without their permission or supervision.
- Reduces the risk of unauthorized access: If someone gets access to your device or account, they might buy things in your apps without your permission. By turning off in-app purchases, you make it harder for people who shouldn’t be able to use your account to buy things without your knowledge or permission.
- Encourages responsible digital habits: Turning off in-app purchases can help people use digital platforms in a responsible way. It tells people to think about the value of purchases, look for free alternatives, and put their financial health first when using apps or games.
FAQs
Go to “Settings” and tap on “Screen Time.” Go to “Content & Privacy Restrictions,” tap “Content & Privacy Restrictions,” and enter your screen time passcode when prompted. Select the setting you want, and choose “allow” or “disallow” for in-app purchases.
You won’t be able to move apps you paid for on Android to your iPhone. You’ll have to re-purchase them via the App Store. For free apps which have in-app purchases (such as subscriptions) you should be able to sign in and carry on using your subscription.
You can’t permanently delete your iPhone purchase history, but you can hide the apps you’ve installed from the App Store. In the App Store, tap your profile photo, select Purchased, and choose My Purchases to see apps you’ve bought or installed for free. To delete an app from your purchases, swipe left and choose Hide.
