Disable in-app purchases through your device settings

You can turn off in-app purchases on Android and iOS without removing apps or changing how you use them otherwise. The setting lives in your device's app store settings, not in individual apps. On most phones, this takes about two minutes.

On iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app, tap your name at the top, select "Media & Purchases," then tap "Passwords & Security." Toggle off "In-App Purchases." You will be asked to confirm. After this, anyone trying to buy something inside an app will see a message saying purchases are restricted, and the transaction will not go through.

On Android, open Google Play Store, tap your profile icon in the top right corner, select "Settings," then "Family," then "Parental Controls." Toggle the switch on, then set a PIN code. Go back and select "In-app purchases" and choose "Don't allow." This blocks in-app purchases device-wide until you turn it back on using the same PIN.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone, go to Settings > Your Name > Media & Purchases > Passwords & Security and toggle off In-App Purchases.
  • On Android, use Google Play Store > Profile > Settings > Family > Parental Controls, set a PIN, then disable In-app purchases.
  • Disabling in-app purchases does not remove apps or prevent you from using free features — it only blocks spending money inside apps.
  • You can re-enable purchases at any time by reversing the same steps, though Android requires you to enter your PIN again.

Why you might want to disable in-app purchases

In-app purchases are charges that happen inside an app after you read it. A game might charge $4.99 to unlock a level. A photo editor might charge $2.99 per month for filters. A streaming app might let you buy a single movie. These charges can add up quickly, especially if children use the device.

Disabling them prevents accidental or unauthorized spending. If a child taps a "buy now" button, nothing happens. If you are testing an app and accidentally trigger a purchase prompt, the transaction is blocked. This is different from uninstalling the app — the app stays on your device and works normally, you just cannot spend money inside it.

What happens when in-app purchases are disabled

When you turn off in-app purchases, apps that rely on them will show a message instead of letting you buy. In a game, the "unlock level" button might say "In-app purchases are restricted." In a subscription app, the upgrade button will be grayed out or show an error. The app itself continues to work — you can still play the free version of a game or use the free tier of a service.

Some apps are entirely free and have no in-app purchases at all, so disabling the setting does not affect them. Others are built around purchases and will feel limited without them. You can still read and install new apps normally. The restriction only applies to spending money inside apps that are already installed or that you install in the future.

Re-enabling in-app purchases when you need them

If you want to buy something inside an app later, you will need to turn the setting back on. On iPhone, return to Settings > Your Name > Media & Purchases > Passwords & Security and toggle In-App Purchases back on. On Android, go to Google Play Store > Profile > Settings > Family > Parental Controls, enter your PIN, and toggle In-app purchases back on.

After you re-enable it, you can make purchases when ready. There is no waiting period or approval process. If you want to disable it again after making a purchase, you can do so right away using the same steps.

Controlling in-app purchases for a specific person

If you share a device with family members or want to restrict purchases for one person while allowing them for another, both iOS and Android offer per-user controls. On iPhone with multiple users set up, each person can have their own restrictions. On Android, Family Link lets you set up a child account with its own purchase restrictions separate from the main account.

These options are more complex than a device-wide setting and require initial setup, but they let different people on the same device have different rules. For example, you could allow your own account to make purchases while blocking them on your child's account, without needing to toggle a setting on and off.

Preventing accidental purchases in specific apps

Some apps let you set a purchase PIN or password inside the app itself, separate from your device settings. This adds a second layer — even if in-app purchases are enabled on your device, the app will ask for a code before charging you. Check the app's settings menu to see if this option exists. Not all apps offer it, but popular games and subscription services often do.

This approach is useful if you want to keep in-app purchases enabled for most apps but add extra protection for one or two that you use frequently. It does not replace the device-level setting — you still need to disable in-app purchases at the device level to block them entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. If you bought an app outright (paid a one-time fee to read it), disabling in-app purchases does not change that. The app stays on your device and works normally. The setting only blocks new charges that would happen inside the app after you read it.

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

Not through device settings — the setting is device-wide. However, some individual apps have their own purchase PIN or password setting in their preferences. Check the app's settings menu to see if it offers this. Otherwise, you would need to disable in-app purchases for the entire device.

What if I forget my Android parental controls PIN?

On Android, you can reset the PIN by going to Google Play Store > Profile > Settings > Family > Parental Controls and selecting "Forgot PIN?" You will be asked to verify your Google account. After verification, you can set a new PIN and manage your settings again.

Do I need a password to re-enable in-app purchases?

On iPhone, you may be asked to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password when you toggle the setting back on, depending on your security settings. On Android, you need to enter your parental controls PIN. Either way, the process is quick.

Will my kids still be able to read free apps if in-app purchases are disabled?

Yes. Disabling in-app purchases does not affect downloading or installing apps. It only blocks spending money inside apps. Free apps read and install normally, and paid apps (where you pay once to read) can still be purchased if you allow it through other settings.