How to Disable In-App Purchases on iPhone and Android

Whether you are an Android user or an iOS user, in-app purchases always leave us wondering how to make things clear. They are very sensitive and contain a single-tap option to complete any purchase. Do not modify any settings for In-app purchases unless you are using your phone. But if your child is using your phone, it could be trouble.

The child doesn’t know what he is doing, but it has often been observed that your child has mistakenly made an unnecessary In-app purchase. Even people with heavy credit card usage seem to be in trouble. On both Android and iOS, you can disable in-app purchases. So, here we will learn how to do that, including some security measures.

How to Disable In-App Purchases on iPhone and Android

Your child also takes your phone to play games, and having your credit/debit card details already entered on your phone could be risky. When your child plays games, he can exhaust your credit card with that game’s In-app purchase. In one case, a child made a transaction of ₹9,00,000 for a PUBG Mobile In-app purchase. Previously, giving your child your phone was okay, but today you need to be cautious.

The best solution is to disable in-app purchases. So, if your child doesn’t get any purchase options, he can’t do anything. But before telling you about the disabling process, I want to let you know there are three types of In-app purchases. They range from unlockables (usually for permanent unlocking like an e-book) to expendables (which enhance gameplay in games like PUBG Mobile) and subscriptions (which are required to access any paid apps). To disable such in-app purchases, let’s discuss how to do it.

For Android

Since smartphones have primarily two platforms, we have Google Play Store for Android. The only place from where we can download any game or app. Since the store is where we download our In-app purchase app. So from here, we will only have the option to disable In-app purchases. Follow the instructions below to do that.

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Tap on the profile icon at the top right.
3. From there, head to the settings menu.
4. Tap on authentication >> require authentication for purchases.
5. Choose “For all purchases from Google Play on this device.”
6. You must then enter your Google Account Password to save the changes.
7. Your phone now requires authentication for any in-app purchases.

For iOS 

Unlike Android, iOS users have a dedicated place to download and purchase any app called the App Store. It has also been observed that iOS users need to purchase more items than Android users. It means that disabling in-app purchases is more required. So, let’s have a look at how to do it.

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Then tap on screen time >> content & privacy restrictions.
3. Enable content & privacy restrictions.
4. Now tap iTunes & App Store purchases.
5. Under Store Purchases & Redownloads, tap on In-app purchases
6. Next, tap on don’t require. 
7. Congratulations, in-app purchases have been disabled.

Moreover, you will be prevented from accidentally making an In-app purchase. You have the option, however, to monitor what your child does on your phone. Like disabling In-app purchases, you have separate options for iOS and Android users.

So, let’s take a look at both of them.

For Android

In Android devices, a parental monitoring feature allows you to restrict your device and your child’s device from doing anything without your permission. However, please note that in-app purchases will be considered purchased through Google’s In-app billing system. Using that, you completely control your phone and prevent accidental In-app purchases. To learn how to set it up, follow these steps.

1. Open the Google Play Store on your device.
2. Tap on the profile icon at the top right.
3. Now tap on settings >> family >> parental controls.
4. Next, turn on parental control.
5. Create a PIN to protect parental control.
6. Select the restrictions you want to add and save them.
7. That’s it; from now your phone will require your permission for In-app purchases.

For iOS

IOS devices also have restrictions that can help you control your device. The most positive part about this is that you don’t have to use the App Store as you do on Android. I mean, iOS’s restriction system offers a better experience than Android. All the options are available in the phone’s settings. Please follow the instructions below to use it.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. After that, click on the General option.
3. Under General, tap on restrictions.
4. Now create a passcode to protect those settings.
5. Limit App Store access by enabling installing apps, deleting apps, and the In-app purchases option.
6. Now tap on Apps, select age restrictions or don’t allow (whichever is best for you), and save it.
7. Your iOS will always ask you for any In-app purchase. (depends on which option you have chosen)

Aside from that, you can manage your in-app purchases and cancel an existing subscription as well. You must go to Google Play Store >> Settings >> Apps & Subscriptions. While for iOS, you can do that from Settings >> Apps & Subscriptions. With the help of this guide, you can protect yourself from unknown In-app purchases. Or, To add a layer of security, you can restrict apps to making In-app purchases. If any users still have questions, please ask them below.

Frequently Asked Questions