How to turn off in-app purchases on iPhone and iPad

I’ve had more than one reason to keep in-app purchases under control on an iPhone. A game can make a purchase look like a harmless upgrade, or a child using the device can tap through a payment prompt without realizing that it involves real money.

The good news is that Apple gives you a simple way to block in-app purchases completely. In this guide, I’ll show you how to disable in-app purchases on an iPhone or iPad, along with other ways to prevent unwanted purchases, including using a password and Ask to Buy for children.

What does ‘In-app purchases’ mean?

In-app purchases are things you buy from inside an app after downloading it. They can unlock additional features, content, subscriptions, virtual items, or other extras.

For example, a game might let you buy virtual currency, while a photo-editing app could offer a premium feature through an in-app purchase.

There are three common types of in-app purchases:

• Subscriptions: These are recurring payments that give ongoing access to content or services, often set to auto-renew. Examples include Apple Music and Netflix subscriptions.
• Non-consumable: One-time purchases that stay with you permanently. These don’t expire but can sometimes be upgraded. Examples include removing ads, unlocking extra game content, or adding features in a photo editing app.
• Consumable: Items that can be used up and purchased again. Examples include game currency, extra lives, power-ups, or other virtual items.

How to disable In-app purchases on iPhone and iPad

Apple changed the location of the in-app purchase restriction in iOS 27. First, ensure that Screen Time is enabled on your iPhone to prevent unintentional or unauthorized purchases from the App Store and other Apple services. 

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Screen Time and tap it.
3. Tap Apps & Websites.
   
4. Select App Store from the list.
5. Tap In-app Purchases and choose Blocked from the dropdown.
   

That’s it! Once you select Blocked, in-app purchases are restricted on that device. Now, whenever someone tries to make a purchase on the iPhone or iPad, they’ll get an error message. This helps keep those impulse buys in check.

Note: If you don’t see the Apps & Websites option, make sure you’re running iOS 27 or later and that Screen Time is enabled. Apple has redesigned its parental controls in iOS 27. In previous versions, you needed to go to Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases.

How do I stop my child from making In-app purchases on iPhone and iPad

If your child has their own iPhone or iPad, I recommend using Apple’s Family Sharing and Ask to Buy features rather than simply disabling in-app purchases.

With Ask to Buy, your child can request eligible purchases or downloads, and you can review the request before deciding whether to approve it. Apple has integrated these controls into the updated iOS 27 parental-control system.

Set up Ask to Buy

If your child is part of your Family Sharing group, you can configure purchase approval from your own iPhone or iPad.

To use this feature, ensure Family Sharing is set up with your child, then follow these steps:

1. Open Settings and tap Family.
2. Select your child’s name.
3. Tap Apps & Websites.
4. If prompted, enter your Screen Time passcode.
5. Tap Restrictions and select Ask to Buy.
6. Turn on Require Purchase Approval.

After you enable it, your child can send a request when they want to make an eligible purchase or download. Request notifications appear in Messages. You can then review the request and approve or decline it.

Important: Apple’s new iOS 27 parental controls work best when the devices in your Family Sharing group are updated to the latest software versions.

Require a password for every purchase

If you don’t want to completely block purchases, another option is to require authentication before purchases are made. I use this method because I occasionally make in-app purchases myself, but I don’t want someone else to buy subscriptions using my iPhone without my knowledge.

The important part is to avoid sharing the password or authentication method that authorizes purchases.

Here is how to set this up:

1. Go to Screen Time settings.
2. Tap Apps & Websites and select App Store.
3. Tap the dropdown next to Require Password and select Always.

If you’re primarily trying to prevent a child from buying something while using your own device, requiring authentication for purchases can be more practical than completely disabling purchasing.

Disconnect the payment method from the device

Another effective way to prevent kids from making In-app purchases on the App Store is to remove the payment method. Here’s how:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap your Apple ID at the top, then select Payment & Shipping.
   
   
3. Tap Edit in the top-right corner.
4. Tap the red Delete button, then confirm with Remove.
   
   

Signing off

With these steps to turn off In-app purchases on your iPhone or iPad, you can prevent kids or anyone else with access to your device from making unnecessary purchases—and even keep your own impulse buys in check. You can also use the other methods we covered to restrict In-app purchases on your device or your child’s. Hope you found this guide helpful!

Also read:

• Ask to Buy not working on iPhone and Mac? 10 ways to fix it!
• How to manage App Store subscriptions and purchases on an iPhone or iPad
• How to change App Store country or region on iPhone, iPad, or Mac